Jealousy and Insecurity /// Emily Thullesen

In Bleak House, Dickens characterizes Mr. Guppy mostly by providing him as a character of comic relief, but this character displays much deeper and more relatable characteristics as the novel progresses. Mr. Guppy repeatedly acts out of selfishness and pride. For example, his proposal to Esther and dramatic reaction to her rejection show how he cares greatly about what others think of him. He wants others to portray him as though he is very noble and high in status, whereas he is truly flawed and insecure. 

In chapter 20, Dickens reveals how Mr. Guppy is extremely jealous of Richard in the way he treats others in the office. Because he views Richard as his competitor in business, he aims to perceive him as weak and lesser than himself, suggesting the same perception to those he worked with as well.  With his ultimate goal being to improve his social status, Mr. Guppy proves to be an entirely selfish person, consumed by creating a false appearance. 

This type of behavior is relatable in today’s world whether it be compared to an actual social ladder or simply one’s personal status. Many times, individuals aim to improve their appearance rather than aim to change their reality. Ultimately, selfish-ambition leads to one’s downfall and only causes more corruption internally, not to mention how damaging it could be to one’s ego if the truth is revealed. 

I commented on Isabelle Ferguson and Emily Otts’ posts. 

Comments

  1. Braylan StringfellowNovember 2, 2021 at 8:48 AM

    The conclusion you came to in the last paragraph on how people’s selfish ambition to get to the top and to tear down anyone who stands in there way is accurate. One of the reason corruption is so widespread nowadays is because everyone in power is only concerned about themselves and will do whatever it takes to get what they want despite it hurting everyone else. Mr. Guppy’s attitude towards Richard viewing Richard as being weaker than him perfectly shows how corrupt people view others.

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