If for an exam question you had to explain the relationship between Estella and Pip throughout the book; would you be able to include about Pip's...

Pip’s meeting with Estella at the end of the novel shows the maturity in both of them, which has advanced greatly from the first meeting, and even from their last meeting before Estella’s marriage. Pip has mellowed in his infatuation with Estella, perhaps even questioning if it had been “true love.” He has grown up and lived through some difficult times, coming to terms with what he truly is, which is different than what he...

Pip’s meeting with Estella at the end of the novel shows the maturity in both of them, which has advanced greatly from the first meeting, and even from their last meeting before Estella’s marriage. Pip has mellowed in his infatuation with Estella, perhaps even questioning if it had been “true love.” He has grown up and lived through some difficult times, coming to terms with what he truly is, which is different than what he wanted to be. This maturity was achieved once he learned who his true benefactor was, as well as come to terms with the fact that he was not destined to be Estella’s husband by the intention of Miss Havisham. He has realized that he has given himself up to being manipulated by someone who is more worldly-wise, and thus become worldly-wise himself.

Yet it is Estella who has changed the most. Through her abusive marriage and the relief of widowhood, she has overcome her training to break men’s hearts. She has learned to see Pip as a human being, rather than a tool to be manipulated. With the dual endings provided by Dickens (the original being one that gives a hint that their relationship might resume at a different level), we can see how both of grown up and grown beyond what they had once been.