In Volume 1 of 'Great Expectations', is Pip supposed to come across so pompous?

[Michael33]

I just finished the first volume of the book, and I thought Pip seemed quite likable all the way through up until the last few chapters of the volume where he starts yearning to become a gentleman. From then onward I grew to dislike him more and more as he began looking down upon his peers and condescending to Joe and Biddy. The weird thing about this was that Joe and Biddy still seemed to view him as a great young man who was decent and kind.

Was it normal for people back in the 19th century to look upon the upper class as "superior" to the rest of society, or would people reading this book back then agree with my view that Pip is being very arrogant and condescending in referring to Joe and Biddy as "common"?

(I've only read the first volume so if possible please don't spoil the rest of the book for me.. thanks!)

[OrphanPip]

You're supposed to feel that Pip is behaving badly, it will become more clear as the novel progresses.

[dfloyd]

with Jihn Mills (Pip) and Herbert Pocket (Alec Guiness). These old adversaries at Miss Havershams become room mates in London, and Joe visits PIp. This 1946 movie is directed by David Lean who brought Dickens to the screen better than it's ever been done. Lean also did Oliver twist with a heavily made up Alec Guiness as Fagin.

[Caliban's Isle]

You're supposed to feel that Pip is behaving badly, it will become more clear as the novel progresses.

Listen to this man, he knows whereof he speaks.