Tickler

In Chapter 2 of Great Expectations the word tickler is the name Pip gives to the cane or switch that his sister Mrs Joe Gargery uses to beat him. 

Dickens writes humourously by turning an instrument of punishment into an instrument that tickles the sensitive part of the body to provoke laughter.  It also refers to a prickling or tingling sensation that amuses or pleases you. 

Pip says that he and tickler were "on speaking terms," meaning he was so often beaten with it; it had become a familiar presence in his life. 

Mrs Joe takes pride herself on having brought up Pip "by hand," meaning by frequent physical punishment. 

Pip's imagination gives a comic touch to harsh realities.

Dickens gently mocks the Victorian belief that severe punishment was a proper way to raise children.  Tickler is Mrs Joe's cane or switch used for beating Pip and its ironic name highlights both Pip's innocent perspective and Dickens' criticism of established way of child rearing. 

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