1. ‘Havisham’
Background to the Poem

2. ‘Great Expectations’
Miss Havisham is a central character in the Victorian writer Charles Dickens’ novel ‘Great Expectations’ (1861).
Duffy adopts Miss Havisham’s voice in her poem, allowing readers to see how being jilted at the altar has affected Havisham physically and mentally, as well as desperate for revenge on the man who cruelly rejected her.
Duffy often writes poems which explore the cruelty of men towards women; she is a feminist.

3. Miss Havisham on Screen

4. Task 1
Read over the handout on Miss Havisham’s role in ‘Great Expectations.’
Highlight any details or information which remind you of the poem.

5. Task 2 Explain how Miss Havisham looks.
Explain what happened to her on her would-be wedding day.
How did this make Havisham feel?
What did she do following this heartbreaking event? Write down two things.
What does she intend to do for revenge?