Edward shows that he is the sort of man who perseveres despite setbacks and remains optimistic in the face of failure. Edward feels that his ambition, optimism, and courage have brought him great success in life and made him a great man. William, in contrast, thinks that a father who’s present in his son’s life is a great man. Edward hasn’t been as present as William wants, and William resents Edward for this, but he dubs Edward a great man anyway, though he seems to do so mostly out of pity.