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Paragraph 2
We learn of Joe Gargery’s influence on Pip in the
opening chapters of the novel. 
(1)
Joe is illiterate and
finds it difficult to communicate his thoughts and
feelings in words, but there is an innate gentleness
and kindness to the man that Pip is very conscious
of. For example, he tries his best to protect Pip from
his sister who has brought him up ‘by hand’ and
with frequent punishments from the ‘tickler’. Joe and
Pip have a natural understanding about Mrs Joe’s
‘rampages’ and although the blacksmith is not
strong enough to stand up to his wife, he tries his
best to warn Pip of impending trouble. Equally, Joe is
ill-at-ease when Uncle Pumblechook, Wopsle and Mr
and Mrs Hubble dine with them because they are so
full of petty snobberies, greed and pretensions. 
(2)
He
lacks the strength to assert himself in front of these
absurd people, but he reaches an unspoken
understanding with Pip about them. 
(3)
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