“...Newgate Prison...” (Page 181)
Newgate Prison was a famous jailhouse located in London, England. The prison was built early in the twelfth century and it was used up until the late 19th century. Newgate was notorious for being overcrowded and, consequently, having an unhealthy environment. Although the prison was often unkempt, it was very organized with its documentation of its prisoners and their crimes. According to historians, Newgate Prison has become the most well documented prison of eighteenth century England. Dickens includes this allusion because of its cultural significance. The prison was highly regarded both for its authoritative prestige and its fear inducing qualities. In addition to this, Dickens employs Newgate as a reminder to Pip to behave, especially if he wishes to become a gentleman. By being situated so close to the prison, Pip is impelled to act as civilized as possible so as not to join the corrupted individuals behind bars.
"Newgate Prison." University of Michigan. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.umich.edu/~ece/student_projects/bonifield/newgatepic.html.
Newgate Prison. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.hrionline.ac.uk/obp-wiki/images/e/e4/Newgate_prison_large.jpg.
Why do you think Dickens puts Pip's residence and business (with Jaggers) so close to Newgate? Why put him in such proximity..even to have him interact with this place?
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