Great Expectations by Charles Dickens for SS 1

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the plot and main events of the novel;
2. identify and describe major characters in the novel;
3. analyze the themes in the novel;
4. interpret how the text uses narrative voice and setting to teach moral lessons.

Introduction to Great Expectations

Great Expectations is a classic novel written by Charles Dickens, one of England’s most famous authors. Published in 1861, the story is set in Victorian England and follows the life of an orphan boy named Philip Pirrip, known as Pip. The novel explores themes of social class, ambition, love, and the true meaning of happiness and moral integrity. It is a story of self-discovery, showing how Pip’s journey from a humble village boy to a young gentleman in London shapes his understanding of himself and the world.

Reading the Text

To fully understand and appreciate Great Expectations, it is essential to read the novel. Reading the complete text allows learners to experience the story, characters, and themes directly as intended by the author. This unit provides a guide to understanding the key aspects of the novel, which will be clearer after reading the full story.

Plot Summary and Plot Structure of the Novel

The plot of Great Expectations follows Pip’s life from childhood to adulthood, detailing his encounters and experiences that shape his character and destiny.

Plot Summary

The story begins with Pip, an orphan, living with his harsh elder sister and her kind husband, Joe Gargery, a blacksmith, in the Kent marshes. One Christmas Eve, Pip encounters an escaped convict, Abel Magwitch, in the churchyard and is forced to bring him food and a file. This encounter deeply frightens Pip.

Soon after, Pip is sent to Satis House, the decaying mansion of the eccentric Miss Havisham, a wealthy spinster who was jilted on her wedding day and has lived in perpetual darkness ever since. There, Pip meets and falls in love with Estella, Miss Havisham’s beautiful but cold adopted daughter, who is trained to break men’s hearts. Estella treats Pip with disdain because of his common background, making him ashamed of his simple life and inspiring in him a desire to become a gentleman.

Years later, Pip is working as Joe’s apprentice when he receives news from the lawyer Mr. Jaggers that an anonymous benefactor has provided him with “great expectations”—a large sum of money to make him a gentleman in London. Pip assumes Miss Havisham is his benefactor and believes she intends for him to marry Estella. He moves to London, where he lives extravagantly, studies with Matthew Pocket’s son, Herbert, and tries to forget his humble past and the kind people who raised him.

Pip’s life changes dramatically when his true benefactor is revealed to be Abel Magwitch, the convict he helped as a child. Magwitch, who made his fortune in Australia, returns illegally to England to see the gentleman he created. This revelation shatters Pip’s dreams and his belief that his fortune came from a respectable source. He is horrified and struggles to reconcile his past with his present.

The plot continues with Magwitch’s attempts to escape England, Pip’s efforts to help him, and the unraveling of various secrets, including Estella’s parentage and Miss Havisham’s true intentions. Magwitch is eventually captured and dies in prison, and his fortune is forfeited to the Crown. Pip loses his “great expectations” and falls into debt.

After a period of illness and recovery, during which Joe nurses him back to health, Pip returns to his village, humbled and matured. He apologises to Joe and Biddy for his snobbery. He then leaves for Egypt to work with Herbert Pocket, eventually finding success and contentment. The novel concludes with Pip’s final encounter with Estella, who has also experienced hardship and changed, suggesting a possibility of a future together.

Plot Structure

The plot structure of Great Expectations follows a traditional narrative arc, which can be divided into several stages:

1. Exposition: This is the beginning of the story, where the main characters, setting, and initial conflict are introduced. In Great Expectations, this includes Pip’s childhood with Joe and Mrs. Joe, his encounter with Magwitch, and his first visits to Satis House, where he meets Miss Havisham and Estella.
2. Rising Action: This stage builds tension and leads to the climax. It involves Pip’s growing dissatisfaction with his life, his desire to become a gentleman, and the unexpected announcement of his “great expectations.” His move to London and his experiences there, including his friendship with Herbert and his pursuit of Estella, are part of the rising action.
3. Climax: This is the turning point of the story, where the main conflict reaches its peak. For Pip, the climax occurs when he discovers that his true benefactor is Abel Magwitch, the convict, and not Miss Havisham. This revelation shatters his illusions and forces him to confront the reality of his situation.
4. Falling Action: This stage follows the climax, as the consequences of the turning point unfold. It includes Pip’s efforts to help Magwitch escape, the unraveling of other secrets (like Estella’s parentage), Magwitch’s capture and death, and Pip’s subsequent loss of fortune and illness.
5. Resolution: This is the conclusion of the story, where the conflicts are resolved, and a new state of normalcy is established. Pip returns to his village, reconciles with Joe and Biddy, and eventually finds success and moral maturity working abroad. The novel ends with his final encounter with Estella, suggesting a hopeful, albeit uncertain, future.

Major Characters in the Novel

The characters in Great Expectations are complex and play significant roles in Pip’s development and the unfolding of the plot. The major characters include:

1. Philip Pirrip (Pip): The protagonist and narrator of the novel. Pip begins as an innocent, impressionable orphan boy who is ashamed of his humble background. He longs for social advancement and falls in love with Estella. Throughout the novel, he undergoes significant moral development, learning the true value of kindness, loyalty, and humility over wealth and social status.
2. Miss Havisham: A wealthy, eccentric spinster who lives in Satis House. Jilted on her wedding day, she stops all the clocks at twenty minutes to nine and wears her wedding dress for the rest of her life. She adopts Estella and raises her to break men’s hearts as revenge for her own heartbreak. She represents bitterness, decay, and the destructive power of unfulfilled expectations.
3. Estella: Miss Havisham’s beautiful adopted daughter. She is cold, proud, and emotionally distant, having been raised to be incapable of love. Pip is deeply in love with her, but she constantly rejects him and marries Bentley Drummle. Her character highlights the theme of appearance versus reality and the consequences of a loveless upbringing.
4. Abel Magwitch: The escaped convict whom Pip helps as a child. He later becomes Pip’s secret benefactor, making a fortune in Australia and returning to England to see the gentleman he created. Magwitch is rough but ultimately loyal and kind-hearted, representing the novel’s exploration of crime, guilt, and redemption.
5. Joe Gargery: Pip’s brother-in-law and a kind, simple blacksmith. Joe is a symbol of unconditional love, loyalty, and moral goodness. Despite Pip’s snobbery and neglect, Joe remains steadfastly devoted to him, representing true integrity and humility.
6. Biddy: A kind, intelligent, and practical young woman from Pip’s village. She teaches Pip to read and write and is a moral compass for him. She eventually marries Joe, representing true happiness found in simplicity and genuine affection, contrasting with Pip’s misguided ambitions.
7. Mr. Jaggers: A prominent and formidable lawyer in London who handles Pip’s affairs and represents Magwitch. He is known for his sharp intellect and cynical view of human nature. He is a key figure in the legal and criminal underworld of London.
8. Herbert Pocket: Pip’s close friend and roommate in London. He is kind, optimistic, and supportive, despite his own financial struggles. Herbert becomes Pip’s confidant and a source of genuine friendship, helping Pip to navigate London society.
9. Wemmick: Mr. Jaggers’ clerk. He has a dual personality: formal and detached at work, but warm and affectionate at home in his “castle” with his Aged Parent. He advises Pip on navigating the complexities of London life and the legal world.

Themes in the Novel

Great Expectations explores several profound themes that are central to its meaning and message:

1. Social Class and Ambition: This is a dominant theme. Pip’s desire to rise above his humble origins and become a gentleman drives much of the plot. The novel critiques the rigid class system of Victorian England and shows how social ambition can lead to snobbery, ingratitude, and moral corruption. Pip learns that true gentility comes from character, not wealth or status.
2. Love and Rejection: The novel explores different forms of love, from Joe’s unconditional love for Pip to Pip’s obsessive and unrequited love for Estella. Miss Havisham’s story highlights the destructive power of rejection and heartbreak. Estella’s inability to love is a tragic consequence of her upbringing. The theme suggests that genuine love is selfless and nurturing, unlike the superficial affections driven by social climbing.
3. Crime and Guilt: The presence of Magwitch introduces the theme of crime and its consequences. Pip’s childhood encounter with Magwitch, and later the revelation of Magwitch as his benefactor, forces him to confront the criminal underworld. The novel also explores moral guilt, as Pip feels guilty for abandoning Joe and Biddy, and Miss Havisham carries the guilt of her past.
4. Appearance versus Reality: Many characters and situations in the novel are not what they seem. Pip initially believes Miss Havisham is his benefactor and that wealth will bring him happiness and Estella’s love. However, the reality is that his fortune comes from a convict, and Estella is incapable of love. The decaying Satis House, once grand, is a symbol of this theme, as is Pip’s own transformation into a “gentleman” who is morally flawed.
5. Moral Education and Development: Pip’s journey is essentially a moral education. He starts as an innocent boy, becomes a snobbish young man, and eventually matures into a compassionate and humble individual. His experiences teach him valuable lessons about true friendship, loyalty, and the importance of inner goodness over outward appearances. The novel suggests that true “great expectations” are not about wealth but about moral growth.

Interpretation of Narrative Voice and Setting to Teach Moral Lessons

Charles Dickens skillfully uses narrative voice and setting to convey the moral lessons embedded in Great Expectations.

Narrative Voice

The novel is told in the first-person narrative voice by an older, wiser Pip reflecting on his past. This narrative choice is crucial for teaching moral lessons:

1. Retrospective Wisdom: The adult Pip narrates the story, looking back at his younger, often misguided, self. This allows him to comment on his past mistakes, follies, and snobbery with the benefit of hindsight. For example, he often expresses regret for his treatment of Joe and Biddy, highlighting the moral error of his actions.
2. Irony and Self-Critique: The older Pip can use irony to critique his younger self’s ambitions and illusions. He shows how his “great expectations” were built on false premises and led him away from true happiness. This self-critique serves as a direct moral lesson for the reader, warning against superficial values.
3. Empathy and Understanding: By sharing his inner thoughts and feelings, Pip allows the reader to understand his motivations, even when they are flawed. This creates empathy, but also allows the reader to learn alongside Pip as he gradually understands the true meaning of gentility and love.

Setting

The novel’s setting plays a vital role in shaping the characters and conveying moral lessons. Dickens uses contrasting settings to highlight different aspects of society and human nature:

1. The Kent Marshes and Village: This rural setting, with its bleak landscapes and simple community, represents Pip’s humble origins and the values of honesty, hard work, and genuine affection embodied by Joe and Biddy. The harshness of the marshes also reflects the initial fear and vulnerability Pip experiences with Magwitch. It teaches that true goodness can be found in simple, unpretentious environments.
2. Satis House: Miss Havisham’s decaying mansion is a powerful symbol. Its perpetual darkness, stopped clocks, and cobweb-filled rooms represent stagnation, bitterness, and the destructive consequences of holding onto past grievances. It teaches the moral lesson that revenge and a refusal to move on can lead to a wasted, miserable existence.
3. London: The bustling, complex city of London represents social ambition, wealth, and the corrupting influence of money. Pip’s experiences in London expose him to snobbery, deceit, and the superficiality of high society. The city’s legal world, represented by Jaggers, also shows the harsh realities of justice and crime. London teaches that outward success does not guarantee inner peace or moral integrity.

Through the older Pip’s reflective voice and the symbolic power of these settings, Dickens teaches that true worth lies not in wealth, social status, or revenge, but in humility, kindness, loyalty, and moral integrity.

Relevance of the Novel’s Themes to Modern Nigerian Society

Despite being set in Victorian England, the themes in Great Expectations remain highly relevant to modern Nigerian society. Many of the issues Dickens explored are still present in our contemporary world:

1. Social Class and Ambition: In Nigeria, there is a strong emphasis on social status and wealth. Many young people aspire to “make it” and achieve financial success, sometimes at any cost. Pip’s journey reflects the pressure to conform to societal expectations of success and the dangers of abandoning one’s roots or moral values in pursuit of wealth. The novel warns against the snobbery that can arise when people forget their humble beginnings or look down on those less privileged.
2. Appearance versus Reality: Nigerian society often places a high value on outward appearances, such as expensive clothes, cars, and lavish lifestyles. However, the novel reminds us that what appears grand on the surface may hide moral decay or unhappiness. Just as Pip’s “great expectations” were built on a criminal’s fortune, many seemingly successful individuals in modern Nigeria might have acquired their wealth through questionable means, leading to a life that is not truly fulfilling.
3. Crime and Guilt: Nigeria faces significant challenges with crime, corruption, and social injustice. The character of Magwitch and the legal system represented by Jaggers highlight the complexities of crime, punishment, and the possibility of redemption. The novel’s exploration of guilt, both moral and legal, resonates with the consequences of criminal activities and corruption in society.
4. Moral Education and Development: Pip’s transformation from a morally flawed young man to a mature, compassionate individual is a powerful lesson for young Nigerians. It teaches the importance of integrity, humility, and genuine human connection over material possessions. In a society where moral values are sometimes eroded, Pip’s journey underscores the need for personal growth and ethical conduct.
5. Love, Family, and Loyalty: The unconditional love of Joe and Biddy for Pip stands in stark contrast to Pip’s infatuation with the cold Estella. This highlights the importance of true family bonds, loyalty, and genuine affection, which are highly valued in Nigerian culture. The novel encourages appreciation for those who genuinely care, rather than chasing superficial relationships or social validation.

By studying Great Expectations, Nigerian learners can gain insights into universal human experiences and reflect on how these themes manifest in their own lives and communities, fostering critical thinking about societal values and personal choices.