Great Expectations genre: novel author: Charles Dickens setting: London, England and nearby small village; 1840s-1860s

Pip (Philip Pirrip) orphan age 7 at start; events follow him until adulthood characterized as a complicated, realistic young person: generous and kind, but sensitive to his place in society; can be selfish in quest for improvement

significant characters: Joe Gargery—Pip’s brother-in-law, best friend, and substitute father Mrs. Joe—Pip’s sister Miss Havisham—eccentric rich woman in Pip’s home village Estella—Miss H’s adopted daughter Magwitch—a convict and Pip’s benefactor Herbert Pocket—Pip’s best friend in London

minor characters: Biddy—good friend of Pip’s back home Mr. Jaggers—lawyer; Pip’s guardian Wemmick—clerk for Jaggers; befriends and helps Pip Mr. Pumblechook—Joe’s uncle; introduces Pip to Miss H Compeyson—Magwitch’s partner in crime; also man who jilted Miss H

significant elements: an internal conflict for Pip Pip struggles to accept himself person v. society Dickens criticizes social class structure told in first person (reflective) allows Pip to emphasize certain events Pip is in control of details; he offers criticism and commentary

significant events: Pip (age 7) helps an escaped convict he begins visits to Miss H; realizes that others look down on his social class becomes Joe’s apprentice but wants more learns of his expectations moves to London to be educated and exposed to upper class society (~15) turns his back on Joe

more events: arranges to help Herbert start in business meets his benefactor, Magwitch (Pip is 23) confronts Miss H; Estella marries plans to sneak Magwitch out of country Miss H agrees to help Herbert; Pip saves her from fire Compeyson turns in Magwitch

even more events: Magwitch is severely injured and is sent to jail; Pip remains by his side Magwitch dies—Pip is left penniless Pip becomes very ill; Joe cares for him Pip learns that Joe paid his debts Joe and Biddy marry Pip works for Herbert and pays back debt resolution: Pip learns to accept himself

literary techniques: characterization of Pip irony generally kind and generous critical of himself; selfish but sensitive to treatment of others dynamic character irony Pip’s benefactor is a convict not an upper class person Pip left Joe for someone less respected Miss H’s plans for revenge leave her sad and lonely

more techniques: symbolism Satis House = Enough House decayed state of house represents life of characters who are not satisfied with what they have Miss Havisham Pip Estella also an irony

themes: People should be valued for who they are, not based on social status. A true friend will be stay by your side and accept you despite your flaws. While seeking a goal, you should not take for granted what you already have. Love and friendship are more important than money.