Sacrifice In Charles Dickens Great Expectations

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Pages: 7

Because of her great love of her “ladybird”, Miss Pross sacrifices her time and energy in taking care of Lucie all her life and in the end, makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Lucie and her family. First, Miss Pross has taken care of Lucie since she was a child because her father was in prison and her mom died. Miss Pross would do anything for Lucie and is described as “one of those unselfish creatures, found only among women, who will for pure love and admiration, bind themselves willing slaves to youth where they have lost it, to beauty that they never had, to accomplishments that they were never fortunate enough to gain, to bright hopes that never shown up on their own sombre lives” (Dickens 72). Miss Pross is a loving, caring, and giving woman, who sacrifices her life being …show more content…
Lastly, Miss Pross makes a big sacrifice in order to protect Lucie’s family from Madame Defarge. When Miss Pross is surprised by Madame Defarge, who is looking for Lucie, Dr. Manette, and Little Lucie in order to have them imprisoned, she stalls, never letting Madame Defarge know that they are or aren’t there. She tries to give Lucie and her family time to get far away, so they can leave France undetected. Miss Pross states, “I am desperate. I don't care an English Twopence for myself. I know that the longer I keep you here, the greater hope there is for my Ladybird” (286). This speaks to Miss Pross’s love for Lucie and her loyalty towards those she loves. When Madame Defarge and Miss Pross engage in a fight, Miss Pross, before Madame Defarge gets a chance to grab her gun, shoots her, and Madame Defarge dies, symbolizing light defeating darkness. In the end, Miss Pross sacrifices her hearing to protect and help Lucie. Lucie Manette doesn’t just need Miss Pross in her life to help her with anything, but Miss Pross also needs Lucie. Miss Pross’s sacrifices for Lucie exhibits sacrifice in the name of