Charles Dickens gained contemporary literary recognition for writing several novels that not only narrated compelling stories, but also examined the deep social inequalities of his era. With a number of his novels Dickens brought attention to the troubles of the working underclass in Victorian England, and suggested ideas of repairing the gap of social injustice. Of all of his works, however, Great Expectations certainly stands alone in ... pairing of social critique and social commentary. In the beginning the reader only sees a simple description of the problematic life of an orphan during V...

• Word Count: 1112
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Charles Dickens' literary masterpiece, "Great Expectations," was written as a brutal commentary on the social hierarchy system during the Victorian era. The novel exemplifies the Victorian's desire for upward mobility ... my hands before; but I began to consider them a very indifferent pair. Her contempt for me was so strong, that it became infectious, and I caught it"" (Dickens 46). Estella's antipathy towards Pip was so strong, that he began to feel it about himself as well. Before this meeting Pip had been satisfied with the way ... where I sat thinking, and hanged at the Old Bailey door,...

• Word Count: 1549
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... while gentlemen and ladies were expected to have good classical educations and to behave correctly in every social situation. These conditions were prevalent in Dickens's time and therefore were expressed in the writing of his novels. Pip's sudden rise from laborer to gentleman in Great Expectations forces him to move from one social extreme to another while dealing with the strict rules and ... She and Pip end the novel hand in hand, together. Abel Magwitch, the most influential character in the story, is a fearsome criminal, who escapes from prison at the beginning of Great Expectatio...

• Word Count: 1548
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... is not gold" and "Things are seldom what they seem" are the most universal hackneyed phrases, but they do not cover entirely every aspect of appearance versus reality. In Charles Dickens' novel, Great Expectations, there are several differences between the illusion and the truth. The appearance of certain things is often detrimental to the outcomes of characters when the reality of a situation is revealed ... class boy caught in the struggle of the social classes of 19th century England. Throughout the book, Charles Dickens emphasizes the difference between appearance and reality throug...

• Word Count: 1658
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... is not gold" and "Things are seldom what they seem" are the most universal hackneyed phrases, but they do not cover entirely every aspect of appearance versus reality. In Charles Dickens' novel, Great Expectations, there are several differences between the illusion and the truth. The appearance of certain things is often detrimental to the outcomes of characters when the reality of a situation is revealed ... class boy caught in the struggle of the social classes of 19th century England. Throughout the book, Charles Dickens emphasizes the difference between appearance and reality throug...

• Word Count: 1660
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... a message or meaning can be gleaned from the book. One such example of this occurs in what is considered by many to be Charles Dickens' magnum opus, Great Expectations. In Great Expectations, Herbert Pocket, Pip's best friend, is a foil to Pip for various reasons like his opposing view on life and his social ... habits. Their relationship exemplifies the message of Great Expectations, that money and social standing can either make or break a person's life. The primary reason for why Herbert is a foil to ... a successful company. But they only ended up giving Pip more heartbreak and har...

• Word Count: 1229
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography

Synopsis Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is the classic story of "rags to riches- seen from the eyes of a young boy, Pip. Despite his abusive upbringing he ... mysterious benefactor. He lives in his imagination assuming that it is Miss Havisham, preparing him to marry Estella the girl of Pip's dreams. He has great expectations of himself as he tries to improve himself morally and socially. Joe-Pip's brother-in-law and village blacksmith. He is uneducated and unrefined but he ... a gentleman. He has an obsession of washing his hands as to keep the criminal taint off of him. Time and Sett...

• Word Count: 680
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

1. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens, 1840-1850 Victorian Era 2. Pip-Pip's real name is Philip Pirrip but as a young boy he could not pronounce it and was given the nickname Pip. Pip was an orphan since birth and his brother-in-law, Joe Gargery, has been his father figure, raising him alongside his wife, Pip's sister. Pip has "great expectations" in that he wants to better his social ... to raise his social status was all for not, because his sole reason for doing it would never accept him, even if everyone else did. 9. Irony is often used in Great Expectations. For example, how Pip chose E...

• Word Count: 884
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Self Conflict in Great Expectations Througout his novel, Charles Dickens explored the constant struggle Pip faces as he realizes the dangers of being driven by a desire for wealth and social status. Pip attempts to achieve greater things for himself while ... came to realize his true feelings. He stepped away from the path he once saw as his way to self-worth, and returned to his true beliefs, his true friends. Great Expectations shows the need Pip has to establish his own sense of self-worth against the plans others have made for him, and thus hold a set of firm values and priorities ... ...

• Word Count: 543
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School