Thoughts on Dickens' world

Societies can equate money with morality. Or appearance with morality. Compeyson gets an easier sentence than Magwitch because of his appearance and his background. Both are guilty. Compeyson is probably a sociopath, I think Magwitch proves that he is not, just someone trying to survive and making a lot of bad choices in the process. Pip initially turns his back on his "poorer relations" when he comes into his "great expectations," but grows to value friendship and loyalty over money. Herbert, Biddy, and Joe are all loyal and good-hearted, Mrs. Joe, Pumblechook and most of Havisham's relatives are easily swayed by those with money, tying their loyalties to fortunes. If you are poor, you will go to prison for even a small debt, and if you are extremely wealthy, you get more, even if you did wrong. Cycles around through history.