Alana 3 Blog

Construct a question of your own that relates to any aspect of what we have been studying in the last two weeks and how it has impacted on your own experience.

What is the meaning behind Philip Pirrip’s nickname, Pip ?

Pip explains the origin of his name and why he is called Pip, within the first sentence of Great Expectations, saying “My father’s family name being Pirrip, and my Christian name Philip, my infant tongue could make of both names nothing longer or more explicit than Pip. So, I called myself Pip, and came to be called Pip.” The growth and meaning of Pip’s name develops in Pip’s character in the novel as he learns more on who is “always bear the name of Pip.” Once he comes into his great expectations, others begin to refer to him as “Mr. Pip” due to him coming into maturity. Herbert Pocket, Pip’s first friend in London, gives him a nickname as a symbol of their friendship and familiarity. Myself having many nicknames love the fact that nicknames exist, there’s a sense of belonging and being apart of something when one is to get a nickname. When I got my nickname Alan it not only reminds me on my passed on grandfather but also reminds me that my friends and family see me as someone who is a lot like him as well. Having a nickname can become a different part of your identity and how you go to show yourself to the people around you. The nickname Alan for me is a name I hold dear to me, it gives me so much happiness and holds a place in my heart that brings back memories and thoughts that are good.