Theme

Thematically, Dickens intended Great Expectations to express to the reader that money is not happiness, cannot buy happiness, and has no relation to the character or success of the person. In each person there is potential, but that potential can be affected by the environment drastically. Because of this, many perfectly good people are hurt unjustly, and others who are less worthy may rise to the top. Looking at a person's wealth or status does not give one any idea of the content of their character. Money and happiness are intimate strangers at best, and we would all to do well to remember this and not confuse the two.