Final answer:
Mrs. Joe from 'Great Expectations' is notably a strict and abusive guardian, characterized by her harsh treatment towards Pip and lack of maternal warmth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mrs. Joe from Great Expectations can best be described as a strict and abusive guardian. While her character might have complexities, Dickens predominantly illustrates her as lacking kindness and maternal warmth toward Pip, exemplified by her harsh discipline and constant reminder that she has brought him up 'by hand.'
Her character contrasts sharply with the idea of a loving caretaker; instead, she is often critical, harsh, and unfeeling towards Pip, making her home environment quite oppressive for him.