After Pip comes into his fortune, he attempts to change his life by becoming what he thinks is a gentleman. He goes to London and studies with a tutor, Mr. Matthew Pocket, to become acquainted with great works. He also tries to master eating properly, as he has not been schooled in table manners. At the beginning of this process, he refers to utensils as "instruments of self-destruction" (page 192), as he finds it so difficult to eat genteelly. Along with his best friend Herbert Pocket, he takes up the pastimes of a gentleman, including rowing and joining a private club (and getting deeply into debt). He also attempts to court the haughty and dismissive Estella. In the process of trying to change his life, he stays away from his sister (who eventually dies), Joe, and Biddy. Later, after his fortune is lost, Pip realizes that in his attempt to change himself, he has distanced himself from the two true friends he has (other than Herbert), Joe and Biddy, and that being a gentleman means treating his friends well, not just eating properly.
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