A sense of belonging can ameliorate an individual’s sense of identity through feelings of acceptance and approval; however a false sense of belonging may hinder an individual’s sense of identity limiting uniqueness and personal expressions of individuality due to fear of being judged. Positive connections with others can fulfil ones sense of identity, whereas negative connections can stunt identity development and growth. This is evident in the didactic novel Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens through the protagonist, Pip. Through the three stage course of the novel he experiences both isolation and acceptance amongst different people, places and social classes. Similarly, in the film Girl, Interrupted directed by James Mangold, the protagonist, Susanna experiences rejection from normal society and finds a sense of belonging in unlikely places and people. Even though these two texts are about very different contexts they share the same perception on belonging and portray the benefits and detriments of achieving it. A sense of belonging is shown in Great Expectations as a nourishing force that enriches an individual’s sense of self. Dickens portrays this through Pips relationship with Joe, who is depicted as the paradigm of an ideal fatherly figure, unconditionally loving Pip through his arrogance. “Pip, dear old chap, life is made of ever so many partings welded together, as I may say, and one man’s a blacksmith, and one’s a whitesmith, and one’s a goldsmith, and one’s a coppersmith.” (Ch. 27). Joe says this to Pip after an awkward meeting in London, leaving Pip uncomfortably embarrassed by both Joe’s commonness and his own opulent lifestyle. Joe arrives at a wise and resigned attitude toward the changes in Pip’s social class that have driven them apart, and he shows his essential goodness and loyalty by blaming the division not on Pip but on the unalterable nature of the human condition. Dickens portrays this through use of metaphor, describing differing social classes as different types of metal smiths. The next time Pip and Joe meet, Pip apologizes to Joe for his despicable behaviour and snobbish attitudes. In reply Joe says, "Ever t