... struggles with the mean verities of everyday existence--these are the typical subject matters of realism. The attempt, however, to render life as it is, to use language as a kind of undistorting mirror of, or perfectly transparent window to, the "real" is fraught with contradictions. Realism in this simplified sense must assume a one-to-one relationship between the signifier (the word, "tree" for example) and the thing it ... Herbert's way into business, etc.) and his essential love for all those who love him. Pip's main line of development in the novel may be seen as the process of lea...

• Word Count: 3498
• Approx Pages: 14
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate