HSSC - Federal Board

Novel (The Great Expectations) - Question Answers

 SECTION-C: NOVEL
GREAT EXPECTATIONS


By: CHARLES DICKENS

                                   

INTRODUCTION: (Definition of a Novel): A novel is a long, fictional narrative written in prose that explores characters, events, and themes through a structured plot. It allows for deep character development and detailed storytelling, often reflecting social, cultural, or psychological themes.

PARTS OF NOVEL:

PLOTThe sequence of events in the story, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

CHARACTERSThe      individuals      who     drive    the       story,   including protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters.

SETTINGSThe time and place where the events occur, influencing the mood and atmosphere.

THEMEThe central idea or message the novel conveys, such as love, ambition, or social class.

POINT OF VIEWThe perspective from which the story is told (first— person, third-person, omniscient, etc.).

CONFLICTThe struggle between opposing forces, either internal (within a character) or external (against another character, society, or nature).

STYLE & TONE: The  author's unique way of writing, including language, sentence structure, and emotional feel.

ABOUT THE NOVELIST:

Charles Dickens (1812—1870) was one of the most famous and influential novelists of the 19th century. Born in Portsmouth, England, he experienced hardship in his early life, which deeply influenced his writing. When he was just twelve, his father was sent to prison for debt, and Dickens had to leave school to work in a factory. These difficult experiences gave him a strong sense ofjustice and compassion for the poor and vulnerable.

Many of his novels highlight the struggles of the poor, the injustices of society, and the importance of kindness, honesty, and moral strength. He used his writing to speak out against child labor, harsh school systems, and social inequality. His stories gave a voice to those who were often ignored in Victorian society.

Dickens had a remarkable gift for creating unforgettable characters and powerful stories. His novels were first published in serial form— chapter by chapter in newspapers—and read widely by people of all classes. Readers eagerly awaited each new installment. Among his most celebrated works are Oliver hoist, David Copperfield, A Tale of hero Cities, and Great Expecfnfions.

Through humor, drama, and vivid storytelling, Dickens brought attention to social problems and helped shape modern English literature. His works continue to inspire readers around the world for their emotional depth, moral messages, and rich portrayals of Victorian life. His legacy lives on, not only in the popularity of his novels, but also in how they continue to encourage empathy, fairness, and reform.

ABOUT THE NOVEL:

"Great Expectations" follows the life of Pip, an orphan who navigates love, ambition, and social class in Victorian England, ultimately discovering the true meaning of wealth and personal integrity.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO GREAT EXPECTATIONS:

Great Expectations is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1861. It follows the journey of Pip, an orphan raised by his strict sister and kind brother-in-law, Joe Gargery. Pip's life changes when he encounters an escaped convict, Magwitch, and later receives an unexpected fortune from a mysterious benefactor.

Believing his wealth comes from Miss Havisham, an eccentric woman who was abandoned on her wedding day, Pip aspires to become a gentleman to win the love of Estella, her beautiful but cold ward. However, Pip's expectations are shattered when he discovers the true source of his fortune and learns important lessons about love, loyalty, and self-worth.

The novel explores themes of social class, ambition, justice, and redemption, making it one of Dickens' most profound works.

CAPSULE SUMMARY:

Great Expectations tells the story of Pip, a poor orphan raised by his harsh sister and kind brother-in-law, Joe, in rural England. One day, Pip helps a desperate escaped convict named Magwitch, an act of kindness that later changes his life. Rp is invited to the house of Miss Havisham, a wealthy, eccentric woman who raises her cold and beautiful ward, Estella, to break hearts as revenge against men. Pip falls in love with Estella and becomes ashamed of his humble background.

Feeling ashamed of his rough upbringing, Pip longs to become a gentleman worthy of Estella. Years later, a mysterious lawyer named Mr. Jaggers informs Pip that he has inherited a fortune from a secret benefactor and must move to London. Believing the fortune comes from Miss Havisham and that she intends him to marry Estella, Pip embraces his “great expectations” and begins a new life in the city.

In London, Pip befriends Herbert Pocket, who teaches him proper manners and social customs. However, Pip becomes increasingly proud and distant, forgetting the people who truly care for him—Joe and Biddy. His world turns upside down when his true benefactor is revealed to be Abel Magwitch, the convict he helped as a child. Magwitch made a fortune in Australia and returned to make Pip a gentleman out of gratitude.

This shocking discovery forces Pip to confront the truth about himself, Estella, and the hollow values of wealth and class. Disgusted by the source of his fortune, Pip tries to help Magwitch escape, but their plan fails, and Magwitch is captured and dies in prison. Around the same time, Miss Havisham dies in a tragic accident, and Estella enters a cruel and loveless marriage with Bentley Drummle.

In the end, Pip loses his wealth but regains his moral compass. He returns home, reconciles with Joe and Biddy—who are now married—and finds peace in their simple, honest life. Years later

Pip meets Estella again at the ruins of Satis House. She, too, has changed. Their final meeting is calm, forgiving, and full of understanding. As they walk away from the past, Pip feels no shadow of another parting between them. 



THEME(s) COVERED IN THE NOVEL:

Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. Major Themes covered in The Great Expectations are:

((A)..Ambition and Self-Improvement

((B)..Social Class differences

((C)..Crime, Guilt, and Innocence

((D)..Sophistication

(E). education

&

(F). family



COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:

Answer the following questions in context with the story.

Q: 01. Does Pip feel nervous or excited about accompanying the soldiers on the convict search?

Ans:

Q: 02. What surprising confession does Pip's convict make to the soldiers, and why do you think he did it?

Q: 03. How does Estella treat Pip when they first meet, and in what ways does this encounter influence his self-image?

Q: 04. What is unusual about Miss Havisham's appearance and lifestyle, and how do these reflect her past?

Q: 05. Does Pip tell the truth about his visit to Miss Havisham's house? Does Pip reveal the truth to someone later?

Q: 06. What happens when Pip meets the pale young gentleman, and what is unusual about the outcome?

Q: 07. Is Pip happy about becoming a blacksmith after visiting Miss Havisham's house?

Q: 08. What role does Miss Havisham play in Pip's apprenticeship, and how does this impact his expectations for the future?

Q: 09. How does Pip's relationship with Joe and Biddy begin to change as he becomes more focused on his new life in London?

Q: 10. Who unexpectedly visits Pip in London, and what shocking revelation does this person share?

Q: 11. Does Pip feel proud or ashamed when he learns that Magwitch is his benefactor?

Q: 12. How does Pip's relationship with Estella evolve by the end of the novel, and what lesson does he learn from their journey?

Q: 13. How does Pip's character evolve from childhood to adulthood, and what key experiences shape his transformation?

Q: 14. What does Joe Gargery represent in the story, and how does his relationship with Pip highlight themes of integrity and unconditional love?