A Classic Journey From Innocence To Experience: Reviewing Charles Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’

Classics, with their rich traditions and inherent grandeur, present a delicate and challenging task for any reviewer. Thanks to the ever-rejuvenating essence of literature, there is always something new to discover in every book. Today, we turn our attention to one of the greatest jewels of the Victorian Era on our top shelf.

The 1860 novel “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is a seminal work in English literature that continues to captivate readers with its intricate plot, vivid characters, and social commentary. Set in early Victorian England, this bildungsroman novel follows the life of its protagonist, Pip (Philip) from childhood to adulthood. It chronicles his personal growth, moral development, and the complex interplay of social class and ambition.

Charles Dickens, one of the most influential and celebrated authors in English literature, wrote extensively about the social issues of his time. He often drew inspiration from his own experiences of poverty and hardship during his youth. His work “Great Expectations” is a timeless classic from the Victorian Era. Additionally, he made significant contributions to Children’s Literature.

The novel we are going to discuss today is of extreme importance from a literary point of view. This is due to the themes it explores, its rich characterization, plot intricacy, and how it vividly portrays and critiques the era’s social structure and challenges.

Let us explore all of these elements one by one, proving how this read could prove to be your next best…

Mind your head, mild spoilers ahead…

Characters And Plot

“Great Expectations” is rich in characters, each contributing to the novel’s exploration of social class and personal development. The complexity of the plot emerges from the intricate relationships and motivations of these characters. Understanding each character’s role and connections is essential for unraveling the novel’s depth. The major characters are listed as follows:

• Pip is the protagonist-cum-narrator of the novel. He is an orphan raised by his sister (referred to as, Mrs. Joe Gargery) and his sister’s husband, Joe Gargery.
• Joe Gargery, Pip’s brother-in-law, is a kind and gentle blacksmith who serves as a father figure to Pip.
• Biddy is Pip’s close female friend who is a kind and caring girl. She helps Pip with his education and provides emotional support.
• Estella is the beautiful but cold-hearted ward of Miss Havisham who Pip falls in love with, despite their differences.
• Miss Havisham is a wealthy, eccentric old woman who lives in her decaying mansion, Satis House, and raises Estella.
• Magwitch is a convict who plays a crucial role in shaping Pip’s journey and social status.
• Herbert Pocket is Pip’s loyal friend and roommate in London, who supports him through various challenges.
  

The plot of the novel revolves around the life of Pip and his journey through various stages of personal and emotional growth. In the first instance, we see him as a young orphan living with his sister and her husband in a rural setting. This initial portrayal establishes his humble beginnings and sets the stage for his journey through personal and social challenges as he grows.

Several key moments significantly impact his personality, starting with an unplanned meeting with a convict, whom he aids with food and drink on a cold winter’s night. This encounter sets off a chain of events. Another pivotal moment is his encounter with Estella, whose rejection forces him to confront his social standing and aspire to change his place in the world.

As the novel progresses, Pip transforms into a young man who is eager to change his life. He dreams of moving to London and improving his social status with the help of a mysterious benefactor. His hope sustains him until he faces the harsh realities of life outside his familiar world and the difficulties of altering his circumstances.

The situation becomes even more complex when Pip discovers the true identity of his benefactor, learns about the convict he encountered early in the story, and grapples with the realization of genuine love. This love contrasts with his earlier, class-driven feelings for Estella. All of Pip’s great expectations fall and lead him to recognize the depth of love. Correspondingly, he also realizes his feelings for Biddy, who embodies a love not bound by social status but by true affection. The ending almost circles back to where it started, only to tell the reader that no matter how far we go, we will always stay connected to where we started.

Writing Style

Like most classics, this novel is pretty thick and the language used is also elaborate and reflective of its Victorian context. You might want to read it curled up into the sheets, with a mug of hot chocolate, and by the bonfire on a wintry night. Haha! But typically, that is how the vivid description present in this book makes you feel. The language and atmosphere can evoke a range of emotions, including a sense of coldness or bleakness, given its often somber and reflective themes. Dickens uses detailed descriptions and sometimes a melancholy tone painting emotional landscapes of the characters.

Dickens also skillfully uses symbolism and imagery to enhance the themes of the novel, creating a memorable and immersive reading experience. His narrative voice combines both humor and pathos, effectively capturing the emotional and social scenery of the time. Overall, Dickens’ writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, contributing significantly to the novel’s enduring appeal.

Critics like G.K. Chesterton praised Dickens for his ability to create vivid and memorable characters. George Bernard Shaw also admired Dickens for his storytelling prowess, highlighting his ability to combine social criticism with engaging narratives. Overall, his narrative style has been applauded for the psychological depth he has provided through every character while simultaneously bringing to the surface the social complexities of the time.

Thematic Concerns

“Great Expectations” is a classic known for its intricate play of themes that are rich enough to portray as well as critique the Victorian Era. These themes are presented as follows:

• Social Class and Ambition

The novel examines the rigid class structure of Victorian England and Pip’s desire to rise above his humble origins. Somewhere, we can say that his desire to rise above his humble beginnings and achieve a higher social status mirrors the American Dream’s emphasis on upward mobility and self-made success, both of which have been satirized in literature for their lack of practicality and extreme idealism.

Pip’s journey towards class appreciation is complex and filled with void. His want to rise to a higher social standing comes from his rejection from Estella towards the starting of the novel. Although he does rise with the help of his mysterious benefactor, he is not fulfilled on the emotional level. As the story unfolds, he faces the harsh realities of his new life and recognizes the superficial nature of social status. He ultimately finds his personal awakening as the novel comes to an end,  realizing that true worth is not determined by social class or material wealth but by genuine contentment and meaningful relationships.

• Personal Development and Growth

A central theme is Pip’s journey from innocence to experience. The novel tracks his personal growth as he grapples with his own moral values, ambitions, and the true nature of gentility. While he struggles a lot to win at something he thinks must be worth fighting for, he only realizes the void in his ambitions. He realizes that grass is not always greener on the other side once he gets the taste of the ‘other side’. In this sense, while he achieves his ambition in a material sense, he “fails” to find the fulfillment he initially sought, leading him to a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life.

• Love and Relationships

Dickens explores different forms of love, including the unrequited love Pip feels for Estella and the genuine, unselfish affection represented by Biddy. The novel examines how love can be influenced by social expectations and personal insecurities. While one does everything to excel in the love he wants, he ignores and loses out on something more important, the love that flew effortlessly toward him. Pip proves to be a less witty one in this aspect. He relentlessly pursues the allure of social advancement, captivated by its shining promises, while overlooking the simplicity and sobriety that were already offered to him without effort.

A similar aspect is reflected in the setting. While Pip initially yearns to escape the warmth and familiarity of his small village, his experiences in London reveal the stark reality of his isolation and suffering. The grandeur of London fails to provide the fulfillment he sought, highlighting the emotional distance and struggles he faced throughout his journey of transformation.

• Crime and Redemption

The impact of crime and the possibility of redemption are key themes. Magwitch’s criminal history influences Pip’s life in profound ways, illustrating how the effects of crime extend beyond the individual to impact others in complex ways. Magwitch’s desire to improve Pip’s life is his efforts to make amends for his wrongdoing. They mirror Pip’s journey toward self-discovery and moral growth. Pip’s realization of the true nature of his benefactor and his eventual attempts to make things right reflect his quest for redemption. But we still are led to question if redemption is possible for a crime!

• Isolation and Alienation

Just as discussed above, there is a certain cold and bleakness throughout the novel’s narrative. This corresponds to the feeling of isolation and alienation that can be felt through the lives of the characters. For instance, Miss Havisham lives in seclusion within her decaying mansion, Satis House, surrounded by the remnants of her failed wedding day. Her self-imposed isolation stems from her betrayal and heartbreak, leading her to remain emotionally and physically detached from the world. This alienation profoundly impacts her upbringing of Estella and her interactions with others, reflecting the broader theme of how isolation can distort one’s perception and influence their actions.

Also, Pip experiences profound isolation when in London. Despite his newfound wealth and social status, he feels disconnected from his past and the people who genuinely cared for him, such as Joe and Biddy. The grandeur and opulence of London fail to provide him with the companionship and sense of belonging he seeks.

• Wealth and Morality

Dickens explores the moral implications of wealth and the often-corrosive effects of money on character and integrity. The novel questions whether true gentility is defined by social standing or moral values.

For instance, the character of Bentley Drummle serves as a stark example. Drummle, a wealthy but brutish man, epitomizes the notion that high social status and wealth do not inherently bestow nobility or virtue. His rude and arrogant behavior highlights the disparity between outward appearances of gentility and genuine moral character, reinforcing Dickens’ critique of a society that often equates wealth with worthiness.

Symbols And Motifs

Dickens has skillfully incorporated various symbols and motifs in this novel giving it an unparalleled reader’s experience, while also enriching the narrative with deeper layers of meaning. For instance, gothic elements like the decaying mansion where Miss Havisham lives symbolizes both wealth and decay. It also represents the destructive power of living in the past and the corruption of a life without growth or forward movement.

Similarly,the marshes near Pip’s childhood home symbolize danger, mystery, and uncertainty, contrasting with his aspiration for a brighter future. Weather and mistserve as motifs to reflect the mood and atmosphere of the story. Shadows and darknesssymbolize fear of the unknown as they often appear in scenes where Pip is unsure of his path or grappling with difficult truths. These add a different layer of eeriness to the novel.

At the same time,fire and lightare recurring motifs that symbolize knowledge, warmth, and destruction. The fire at Miss Havisham’s wedding banquet symbolizes both her self-destructive nature and her eventual redemption. Light, on the other hand, often represents moments of clarity and insight for Pip.

Chains and prison recur throughout the novel and represent both literal and metaphorical constraints. Magwitch’s chains are a literal symbol of his status as a convict, while Pip’s feelings of guilt and indebtedness act as metaphorical chains that restrict his freedom and happiness.

These symbols and motifs not only enhance the thematic complexity of the novel but also provide readers with a more profound understanding of the characters’ journeys and the societal matters Dickens critiques.

Concluding Notes

While the book could be a lengthy read, it offers a richly rewarding reader’s experience. Dickens’ masterful storytelling and detailed exploration of social and moral issues ensure that every page contributes to the novel’s depth and enduring impact. While giving rise to various questions surrounding the social norms, “Great Expectations” leaves readers with a sense of closure. Dickens brings Pip’s journey to a full circle, where he undergoes significant emotional metamorphosis alongside his social experiences. 

The novel prompts readers to consider the complexities of human relationships and the moral lessons learned along the way. You might be left with questions like:

• What truly defines a person’s worth—social status or moral integrity?
• Can one ever fully escape the influences of their past?
• How do love and loyalty shape our identities and decisions?
• Is material wealth proof of genuine happiness in life?

I personally fell in love with the character of Pip, especially the kind of innocence he exhibits towards his childhood. Would like to recommend this one to fans of Classic Literature, lovers of character-driven novels, Victorian Era enthusiasts, and those who like to reflect social and moral themes. The book is very popular and highly regarded from a literary perspective and is frequently studied in multiple academic settings.

Frequently Asked Questions