'Estella is cruel and causes pain and suffering.' How far do you agree with this view? Explore at least two moments from the novel to support your ideas. - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1

Estella's character in Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' often embodies cruelty and emotional pain, particularly through her interactions with Pip. However, to fully understand her role, one must consider the factors that contribute to her behavior, including her upbringing and experiences.

In the first moment, when Estella meets Pip after he has become a gentleman, she insists on mocking him for his lower social status. This scene highlights her ability to inflict emotional suffering, as she belittles Pip despite his growth, ultimately reinforcing his feelings of inadequacy. Dickens uses this interaction to showcase the effect of social class on personal relationships and emphasizes Estella's role in perpetuating this cruelty.

In another significant moment, Estella expresses her disdain for love and relationships, frequently telling Pip that she has no heart. This blunt declaration not only showcases her emotional detachment but also reveals how her upbringing by Miss Havisham has shaped her view of the world. As a result, her behavior is not merely cruelty for cruelty's sake; it stems from her own suffering and misguided teachings.

Overall, while Estella does cause pain and suffering, it is essential to consider the context of her character development. Dickens crafts her as a complex individual, whose cruelty is a reflection of her own internal struggles rather than simply a manifestation of malevolence.