Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Great Expectations was written in 1861, right after Dickens had divorced Kate, his first wife. Dickens basically invoked his own emotions in the story. It was where his heart lay. Also, anyone who has read more of Dickens' work can clearly see his determination to avoid repeating himself in this impressive gothic novel dealing with the fortunes and misfortunes that befall the main character Pip. At first, Dickens had started it as a little humorous short story. Quoting Dickens himself from a accompanying note to the first installment: 'I have made the opening, I hope, in its general effect exceedingly droll. I have put a child and a good-natured foolish man, in relations that seem to me very funny.' This note does seem rather out of place - Admittedly, the beginning of the story is quite hilarious. But it seems awkward that he really intended for Joe to appear to the reader as a "foolish man." However, this sets the tone for a story which is at times funny, but equally sinister and often harrowing. One of the most striking things one encounters while reading the book, are the changes Pip goes through once he has moved to London to be raised a gentleman. He hardly writes to Joe or Biddy, the only two characters in the book
The only exception to the rule that London is a place with negative influences would be Joe Gargery, because when he comes to London to take care of Pip after he falls ill, eh doesn not change. However, I will not to include him, because this happens after, or rather, during Pip's resurrection, when he finally starts to see what Biddy has been seeing for quite some time. He sees where he came from and who his real friends are. This is one of the major "turning points" in the book. Thus, he goes to London, courtesy of Magwitch. On arriving there, he is impressed with this new gentleman's life. Indeed, he is impressed enough to forget all about his old friends, Biddy and particularly Joe, who claimed Pip was his sole reason for marrying Mrs. Gargery. Still, it is hard to blame Pip, even though he seems to be a bit of a snob at times. I think that Ursula made a deep impression on him. Deep enough, to forfeit all the love he was given for an uncertain future and a vain hope to ever win the love of a certain woman.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Joe Biddy, Estella Havisham, Quoting Dickens, Joe Gargery, Dickens Pip, , London Pip, London Marshes, Compeyson Including, Expectations Class, graveyard scene, / provis compeyson, jaggers wemmick, / provis, list characters, magwitch /, london marshes, story dickens', characters play, provis compeyson, london pip, magwitch / provis,
Approximate Word count = 1301
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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