High Hopes and Great Expectations

The classic book Great Expectations and the film High Hopes tell similar stories of the struggle of those being born into lower socioeconomic classes who get to experience the life of the higher class. Pip from Great Expectations is an orphan raised by his miserable and abusive sister; through a twist of fate he gains the opportunity to interact with the upper class society, when a benefactor helped him to get an education and a fortune. In the film, High Hopes, Cyril grew up in a working class neighbor, however that neighborhood began to suffer the pains of gentrification. He is then exposed to the lifestyles of the rich when his mother is locked out of her home and asks her neighbor for help. He also gets a taste of such wealthy living whenever he encounters his selfish sister, who married a man who apparently makes quite a bit of money. As both Pip and Cyril experience the upper class, they both sense the empty and unhealthy relationships of the people who live in those worlds. Both men seem to find a light at the end of tunnel through their love. Pip gets to revel in his love for Estella, whilst Cyril continues to maintain his love for Shirley. Both seem to bring light to their lives, as well as contrast the empty relationships of those who remain in the upper class by bringing joy and companionship to their lives.