Here's why Dickens makes this shift, and the impact it has on the story:
* Deepening Pip's Character: By shifting to first person, readers directly access Pip's thoughts, feelings, and biases. This allows for a more intimate understanding of his character, his internal struggles, and his development as he navigates the complexities of social class and ambition.
* Emphasis on Pip's Journey: The first-person perspective places the reader firmly in Pip's shoes, making us experience the world through his eyes. We see how events affect him directly and share his anxieties, hopes, and regrets.
* Revealing Pip's Unreliability: Pip's narration is often flawed. He can be self-deceptive, judgmental, and prone to misinterpretations. This unreliability adds depth to the narrative, making us question Pip's understanding of himself and the world around him.
* A Turning Point in the Story: The shift in narration often coincides with a significant change in Pip's life. The encounter with the escaped convict Magwitch, which triggers his ambitions and sets the narrative in motion, marks the point where the perspective changes.
* Creating Dramatic Tension: The shift to first-person narration can be used to create suspense and dramatic tension. Pip's inner voice becomes a conduit for secrets and reveals the true nature of his relationships and his own moral dilemmas.
Dickens's brilliant use of shifting narration makes *Great Expectations* a highly impactful and complex novel. It allows for deeper character exploration, adds a layer of suspense and intrigue, and forces readers to engage with Pip's often flawed perspective.