Book Review 11 - Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Book Review 11 - Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Title: Great Expectations. Author: Charles Dickens. Publication Details: First published serially from 1860 to 1861 in All the Year Round; in book form in 1861. Genre: Victorian Fiction, Coming-of-Age Novel.

Introduction 

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is a timeless coming-of-age story that traces the journey of an orphan named Pip as he navigates the complexities of life, love and ambition. Set in Victorian England, the novel explores themes of social class, personal growth and moral values. First published in 1860, it remains a powerful critique of ambition and class-driven society, showcasing Dickens’ mastery of character development and social commentary. 

Summary of the Plot 

The story follows Pip, a poor orphan raised by his sister and her kind husband, Joe. After helping the escaped convict Magwitch and visiting the wealthy Miss Havisham, Pip becomes infatuated with her beautiful ward, Estella. Pip is led to believe he has received "great expectations" from a wealthy benefactor, whom he assumes to be Miss Havisham. 

Pip moves to London to become a gentleman, but later discovers that his true benefactor is Magwitch, the convict he once helped. This revelation forces Pip to rethink his values and his treatment of Joe and others. By the end, Pip learns that personal worth is measured by loyalty and kindness, not wealth or status. 

Analysis of Themes 

The novel critiques the rigid class system of Victorian society, emphasizing that wealth does not equal happiness or morality. Pip’s ambition to rise in social status leads to personal disillusionment. Another central theme is personal growth, as Pip evolves from a naive, self-centered boy to a man who understands the importance of integrity. The theme of guilt and redemption is also key, particularly in Pip’s relationships with Joe and Magwitch. 

Style and Structure 

Great Expectations is divided into three distinct parts, representing Pip’s stages of life: his childhood in the marshes, his rise to wealth and life in London and his eventual fall from grace and return to moral integrity. This structure, typical of Dickens’ serialized format, allows for the gradual unfolding of character development and plot twists. The novel’s episodic nature also contributes to its engaging narrative, with dramatic revelations keeping readers hooked. 

The richly interwoven subplots, such as Miss Havisham’s tragic life and Estella’s emotional detachment, add depth to the story and mirror Pip’s emotional journey. Dickens’ attention to character detail and symbolism, particularly in the settings, enhances the novel’s thematic complexity. 

Narrative Style 

The novel is narrated by Pip in the first person, providing readers with an intimate view of his thoughts, emotions and regrets. This retrospective narration allows Pip to reflect on his earlier mistakes and misguided ambitions with maturity and self-awareness. The use of hindsight adds irony to the narrative, as Pip often critiques his younger self for his naivety and selfishness. 

This first-person perspective makes Pip a relatable and multi-dimensional character, while also allowing Dickens to create a morally complex narrative that challenges readers to consider their own judgments. 

Language and Tone 

Dickens’ language in Great Expectations is vivid, descriptive and filled with symbolism. The imagery of Miss Havisham’s decaying mansion, for example, symbolizes the destructive power of unfulfilled dreams and revenge. The tone shifts throughout the novel, balancing humor, irony and pathos. Dickens’ sharp wit is evident in his portrayal of characters like Wemmick and Joe, while the darker moments, particularly those involving Miss Havisham and Magwitch, are written with emotional depth. 

Critical Evaluation 

Great Expectations is widely regarded as one of Dickens’ finest works. Its exploration of ambition, class and moral growth resonates with readers across generations. The novel’s richly drawn characters, particularly Pip, Joe and Miss Havisham, are memorable and contribute to its lasting emotional and intellectual impact. However, some critics argue that Dickens’ reliance on coincidences, particularly in the revelation of Magwitch as Pip’s benefactor, can feel contrived. 

Strengths      

Character Development: Pip’s emotional and moral growth is one of the novel’s greatest strengths, with supporting characters like Joe and Miss Havisham adding depth to the story.   

Social Commentary: Dickens’ critique of the class system and Victorian society’s obsession with wealth and status is both sharp and timeless.   

Plot Structure: The novel’s episodic structure, with its dramatic twists and carefully layered character arcs, keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. 

Weaknesses   

Sentimentality: Some critics argue that certain characters, like Joe, are portrayed with excessive sentimentality, which can detract from the novel’s realism.   

Plot Coincidences: The reliance on plot coincidences, such as the revelation of Magwitch as Pip’s benefactor, may feel too convenient and contrived to some readers. 

Conclusion 

Great Expectations remains a cornerstone of Victorian literature, celebrated for its exploration of class, personal growth and morality. Despite some criticisms of sentimentality and plot devices, Dickens’ vivid characters and insightful social critique ensure the novel’s lasting place in the literary canon. Its themes of ambition, love and redemption continue to resonate with readers, making it a timeless and rewarding read. 

References   

Dickens, Charles. Great Expectations. Chapman & Hall, 1861.   

Collins, Philip. Dickens and Crime. Palgrave Macmillan, 1994.   

Gilmour, Robin. The Idea of the Gentleman in the Victorian Novel. George Allen & Unwin, 1981. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is Great Expectations about? 

Great Expectations follows the life of Pip, an orphaned boy who dreams of becoming a gentleman. The novel explores themes of social class, ambition and personal growth, as Pip encounters a mysterious benefactor, wealth, love and betrayal. Throughout the story, Pip learns valuable life lessons about loyalty, integrity and the true meaning of happiness. 

Why did Charles Dickens write Great Expectations? 

Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectations to explore themes of personal development and societal issues, particularly class and social mobility in Victorian England. The novel reflects Dickens’ interest in the struggles of the lower class and critiques the rigid class distinctions of his time. It was also serialized to maintain reader interest and financial success. 

What is the significance of Miss Havisham’s character? 

Miss Havisham represents the consequences of living in the past and harboring bitterness. After being abandoned at the altar, she isolates herself, wearing her wedding dress for years and raises Estella to break men’s hearts. Her character highlights themes of revenge, manipulation and the destructive power of unhealed emotional wounds.