I reviewed characteristics of the bildungsroman emphasizing how certain elements such as names and clothes inform the protagonist's self discovery and search for identity. We noted how when Joe wears his best holiday attire he is uncomfortable as the clothes "graze" him and do not project his true identity. I further noted on the board ongoing themes of guilt, and social reform . We discussed how the novel illustrates the abusive treatment of children of the poor during the Christmas dinner when Pip is given table scraps fit for an animal, is nagged for his alleged ingratitude(for his abuse) and is demeaned by all of the adults as a burden.We further noted Dickens' satire of the merchant middle class in the character of Pumblechook, a toady who comically gets his comeuppance during the dinner.