Novel Drama Great Expectations Author Years Published Original Language Charles Dickens 1860–61 English THEMES Innocence Thwarted Set in the marshes of Kent and in the metropolis of London, Great Expectations tells of Pip, an innocent country boy who finds himself driven by fate to become a gentleman and fall in love with the enchanting Estella. In this first-person narrative, small events lead to consequences that test Pip's character. Social Class Guilt Pip's rise in rank exemplifies the differences between social classes and the desire to Pip's guilt leads him to redemption; Miss Havisham's and Estella's improve status. guilt causes shame. Uncertainty & Deceit Miss Havisham wrongfully tells Pip to love Estella; Pip misjudges his benefactor. Main Characters ADOPTS Estella Miss Havisham Pip Miss Havisham's ward; beautiful and aloof Rich, grim, secluded lady Village boy aspiring to more LOVES PLAYTHING GO-BETWEENS Mrs. Gargery SIBLINGS Pip's cruel older sister Mr. Jaggers & Wemmick GO-BETWEENS London lawyer and his clerk MARRIED FRIENDS BENEFACTOR REPRESENTATIVES Joe Gargery Magwitch/Provis Pip's kindhearted brother-in-law; a blacksmith Author Pip's "convict" and secret benefactor Great Expectations by the Numbers 1 ~6 File Pip gives Magwich to remove his shackles; later helps reveal the benefactor's identity Shillings per week Dickens earned working at a bootblacking factory 2 8:40 Novels written by Dickens in first person: Great Expectations and David Copperfield Time at which all the clocks at Miss Havisham's house are stuck in the novel CHARLES DICKENS 1812–70 Often considered the greatest novelist of the Victorian age, Dickens was a master of plot development, often writing of orphaned, oppressed, or confused children. In Great Expectations, Dickens’s characterization of Pip and other characters shows his humor and compassion for those in difficult circumstances. Symbols Tears Satis House Money Represent honesty and heartfelt sympathies Symbolizes the refusal to change and grow Represents pretense and disappointment ake nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There's no better rule. Mr. Jaggers, Chapter 40 Sources: Biography.com, Dickens Fellowship, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Merriam-Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature Copyright © 2016 Course Hero, Inc.
