The statement "Children should be seen and not heard," is an extreme. The statement itself, targets young children as being lesser human being than their elders and having thoughts irrelevant to society. In Dicken's "Great Expectations" it is evident that the adults of that era do not wish to hear anything Pip has to say and become very indignant if he dares to venture a thought on any matter, ask a question or speak out of turn. However, in Mrs. Joe's case, the situation is different. It is not only that children should be "seen and not heard" but adults as well. Mrs. Joe feels that her opinions are the only correct opinions, therefor, allowing neither Joe nor Pip