The novel, Great Expectations, handles the concepts of your 'true gentleman'; where the Victorian idea, which is situated upon birth, wealth, social status and garments, contrasts to Dickens' portrayal of the gentleman who is a person of kindness, humility and generosity. Dickens upbringing and early life allows him to understand the position of the indegent because of their humble upbringing, which will keep them in the low social class. His didactic meaning, what it is to be a genuine gentleman, is strengthened by the bildungsroman style of the book.
In Victorian times, person who came from a wealthy and reputable family was regarded as a gentleman. That is clear in various characters in the book, who are immediately identified to be gentlemen as they boast a huge sum of money and dress in the finest clothes.
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