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:
PLOT: The sequence of events in the story, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
CHARACTERS: The individuals who drive the story, including protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters.
SETTINGS: The time and place where the events occur, influencing the mood and atmosphere.
THEME: The central idea or message the novel conveys, such as love, ambition, or social class.
POINT OF VIEW: The perspective from which the story is told (first— person, third-person, omniscient, etc.).
CONFLICT: The 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.
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?