Great Expectations

Definition

Great Expectations is a novel by Charles Dickens that follows the life of an orphan named Pip as he navigates his journey from a humble beginning to a life of wealth and social status. This work explores themes of ambition, moral growth, and social class, reflecting the complexities of Victorian society and its values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel was first published in serial form in 1860-1861 and is one of Dickens's most famous works.
2. Pip's expectations are largely influenced by his relationship with Estella and his desire to rise above his humble origins.
3. The character of Miss Havisham embodies the themes of decay and unfulfilled dreams, impacting Pip's perceptions of wealth and love.
4. The ending of Great Expectations is notable for its ambiguity regarding Pip's future with Estella, reflecting the complexity of human relationships.
5. Dickens uses vivid descriptions and memorable characters to critique Victorian society's values, particularly regarding wealth, class, and moral integrity.

Review Questions

• How does Pip's journey in Great Expectations reflect the Victorian values related to social mobility?
  • Pip's journey illustrates Victorian values by showcasing his desire to improve his social standing from an orphan to a gentleman. His aspirations highlight the belief in self-improvement and ambition during this era. However, as Pip encounters wealth, he realizes that social status does not equate to personal worth or happiness, revealing the complexities and limitations of Victorian ideals about class mobility.
• Discuss how Dickens's narrative techniques in Great Expectations enhance the themes of identity and moral growth.
  • Dickens employs first-person narration through Pip's perspective, allowing readers to experience his inner thoughts and feelings intimately. This technique enhances the exploration of identity as Pip grapples with his past and present selves. Furthermore, through vivid characterizations and emotional conflicts, Dickens illustrates Pip’s moral growth as he confronts the realities of wealth, gratitude, and genuine connections, ultimately leading him to a more nuanced understanding of himself.
• Evaluate the significance of the ending of Great Expectations in relation to Pip's development and the broader social commentary it provides on Victorian society.
  • The ambiguous ending of Great Expectations serves as a critical reflection on Pip's development and the societal pressures surrounding wealth and success. By leaving Pip’s future with Estella open-ended, Dickens emphasizes that personal fulfillment is not solely determined by social status or romantic aspirations. This conclusion invites readers to consider the broader implications of ambition, love, and morality within the rigid structures of Victorian society, highlighting that true contentment comes from self-acceptance rather than external validation.

Related terms

Social Class: A division of society based on social and economic status, which plays a crucial role in determining individuals' opportunities and experiences in Great Expectations.

Bildungsroman: A literary genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood, exemplified by Pip's character development throughout Great Expectations.

Moral Ambiguity: The exploration of complex moral questions and the struggle between right and wrong that characters face, prominently featured in Pip's journey and choices in Great Expectations.