Great Expectations

In what ways does Dickens pof fun at city businessmen in this chapter?

Dickens often uses satire to poke fun at groups of people

chapter 8

novel Great Expectations

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Dickens mocks the businesssmen in Chapter 8 by indicating that all but one of the High-street business owners are more concerned with observing the activities of their fellow tradesman rather than focusing on their own affairs -

'Mr Pumblechook appeared to conduct his business by looking across the street at the saddler, who appeared to transact his business by keeping his eye on the coachmaker, who appeared to get on in life by putting his hands in his pockets and contemplating the baker, who in his turn folded his arms and stared at the grocer, who stood at his door and yawned at the chemist. The watchmaker, always poring over a little desk with a magnifying glass athis eye, and always inspected by a group of smock-frocks poring over him through the glass of his shop window, seemed to be about the only person in the High-street whose trade engaged his attention.'

Here Dickens clearly highlights the premise that these men do not 'mind their own business,

Source(s)

"Great Expectations" - Charles Dickens