1. Great Expectations
By Charles Dickens

2. Charles Dickens One of the most well-known authors to ever live
Oliver Twist
A Christmas Carol
David Copperfield
The Little Curiosity Shop
Great Expectations was written near end of career ( )

3. Things to Keep in Mind as You Read:
Charles Dickens was born in England
Moved to London when young
12 years old
Mother, father, and younger sibling sent to debtors’ prison
Charles had to find work

4. Work…Work…Work… Charles had to provide for his family
Pasted labels on shoe polish
Ate little, slept on floors, and practically lived on London’s rough streets
Family was relatively comfortable

5. Teen Years Allowed to briefly return to school
At fifteen became a law clerk
Taught himself shorthand
Used as a reporter
At 19 he was rejected
Eventually married
10 Children

6. Great Expectations
“The title refers to the hopes for the future of Pip, the main character, who is not satisfied with his position as a blacksmith’s apprentice.”
Takes place in 19th century Victorian England
The poor youth had little hope of getting an education and escaping a life of poverty.
Humor…Sympathies…Surprises…Great Expectations

7. Great Expectations is a Bildungsroman
A Bildungsroman is a novel about the moral and psychological growth of the main character.