A Comprehensive Analysis of Literary Protagonists - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Mr. Jaggers - “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens

Examining Charles Dickens's Mr. Jaggers in "Great Expectations"

Determine the Type of Character

One of the main characters in Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations," Mr. Jaggers, is a dynamic figure. Even though he isn't the main character, he goes through a lot of growth during the narrative, exposing levels of nuance that change the reader's impression of him.

Examine the Character's Position in the Narrative

Rather from being the main character or the adversary, Mr. Jaggers is an important supporting character. He is the attorney in charge of Pip's unanticipated wealth, directing Pip's future by handling the money and paperwork related to Pip's "high expectations." Jaggers is also a major presence in other people's life, especially when it comes to the novel's legal issues.

Look Into the Past of the Character

The mystery surrounding Mr. Jaggers' past lends his persona an air of fascination. The novel doesn't go into great detail about his origins or early years, but it does imply that he came from a challenging background that may have involved crime and the lower classes. His pragmatist outlook on life and stoic manner are influenced by this mysterious history.

Examine Personality Traits of the Character

Mr. Jaggers has a unique collection of characteristics that influence his interactions and choices. He is presented as a cunning and practical attorney who is cold and heartless when working with clients. His pronunciation is exact, and he frequently ends sentences with "Now, I won't have it!" to emphasize his commanding and unflappable demeanor. His refusal to take on certain cases shows that, despite his allegedly icy demeanor, he has a moral conscience.

Assess the Character's Interactions

The interactions between Mr. Jaggers and other characters are transactional and formal. His reputation is built on his ability to maintain a rigid emotional distance between his home and work lives. His most significant personal bond is with Molly, his housekeeper, which gives his persona a hint of mystery and intrigue. His partnerships' power dynamics highlight his dominance and ability to influence people.

Examine the Behavior of the Character

Mr. Jaggers' actions throughout the book demonstrate his devotion to upholding a professional façade and his commitment to his career. His ability and efficiency was demonstrated by the way he handled Pip's inheritance and other legal issues. Jaggers's character is further complicated by his involvement in a number of morally dubious circumstances, such as defending criminals.

Determine the Conflicts the Character Faces

Mr. Jaggers is dealing with both external and internal issues. He struggles with the conflict in his mind between his professional distance and any moral reservations. From the outside, he handles the complexities of the legal system and deals with the ethical dilemmas that his clients bring up. The confrontations help him grow as a person and highlight the difficulties in his line of work.

Evaluate Character Development or Shift

Mr. Jaggers's character has evolved subtly even if he may not experience a drastic change. His early impression of him as a completely cold-blooded and practical figure is challenged as the story goes on, revealing glimmers of his internal turmoil and moral difficulties. The information of Molly's past and Jaggers' role in it gives his character more depth and raises the possibility of an inward transformation.

Provide Proof to Back Up Your Analysis

"Now, I won't have it!" is a recurrent line in Mr. Jaggers' speech that highlights his rigid and commanding demeanor.

"Private life is a different realm from the office." I leave the Castle behind when I enter the office and the other way around when I exit the office." - This passage demonstrates Mr. Jaggers' distinct division of his personal and business lives.

"Her presence quickens and sharpens the senses in some way. She used to wear black dresses with a kind of white plush, or birds' eyes, sewed on them, and I could never look at her without remembering those early years." - Mr. Jaggers' contemplation on Molly offers an insight into his background and implies a bond that transcends a business partnership.

Determine the Significance of the Character

In conclusion, Mr. Jaggers' importance in "Great Expectations" comes from his dual roles as a legal advisor and his nuanced complexity. His mysterious background, pragmatic work ethic, and personal struggles add to the novel's overall complexity. Although not a major character, Mr. Jaggers adds complexity to Dickens' examination of society and personal values in Victorian England by acting as a catalyst for important events and moral dilemmas. Dickens' skill at creating complicated, multifaceted characters that go against readers' preconceived notions is demonstrated by Mr. Jaggers' changing perspective. This allows readers to reflect on the complexity of human nature.