In Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, What is ironic about Mrs. Joe not attending church? Why doesn’t she go?
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/greatex/
Irony means something that is contrary to what is normally expected. How does Mrs. Joe normally behave?
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what is ironic about Mrs joe not attending church
In "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens, a possible irony about Mrs. Joe not attending church is that despite her constant emphasis on appearances and respectability, she chooses not to attend a place of worship. The reasons for her absence from church are twofold:
1. Health: Mrs. Joe's frequent and severe headaches might prevent her from attending church regularly. This is mentioned in the novel and serves as a probable explanation for her absence. Dickens portrays her as having various health issues, which could be a contributing factor.
2. Lack of piety: Another reason Mrs. Joe does not go to church could be her lack of genuine religious devotion. Throughout the novel, Mrs. Joe is portrayed as being more concerned with societal expectations and the appearance of respectability rather than genuine piety. Her absence from church could be seen as a reflection of her lack of true religious belief.
To understand the specific reasons behind Mrs. Joe's behavior and how it contributes to the overall irony of her character, it is important to closely analyze the text and examine the author's intentions and thematic purposes. Reading the novel and paying attention to the context and characterization provided by Dickens will provide a deeper understanding of Mrs. Joe's motivations and the irony surrounding her nonattendance at church.