Study Guide: Charles Dickens & Great Expectations

Charles Dickens

Novelist, journalist, and editor born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England.

Great Expectations

A novel by Charles Dickens that follows Pip, a poor orphan who dreams of becoming a gentleman.

Pip

The protagonist of Great Expectations; starts as a poor boy and dreams of becoming a gentleman.

Estella

The adopted daughter of Miss Havisham and Pip's love interest.

Miss Havisham

A wealthy, eccentric woman who raises Estella to break men's hearts.

Magwitch

An escaped convict who is Pip's true benefactor.

Joe Gargery

Pip's brother-in-law and moral compass; a kind blacksmith.

Jaggers

A powerful lawyer involved with Pip's benefactor.

Herbert Pocket

Pip's friend who helps him become a gentleman.

Social Class and Ambition

A theme in Great Expectations that explores the impact of social class on personal aspirations.

Guilt and Redemption

A theme in Great Expectations that examines the concepts of guilt and the possibility of redemption.

Love and Rejection

A theme in Great Expectations that reflects the complexities of love and the pain of rejection.

Identity and Self-Discovery

A theme in Great Expectations focusing on Pip's journey to understand himself.

Exposition

The part of the plot where Pip meets Magwitch and is introduced to his family and village life.

Rising Action

The part of the plot where Pip visits Miss Havisham and Estella and receives news of his 'great expectations.'

Climax

The turning point in the plot where Pip discovers that Magwitch is his benefactor, not Miss Havisham.

Falling Action

The part of the plot where Pip's fortunes fall, and he begins to make amends.

Resolution

The conclusion of the plot where Pip matures, returns to Joe, and reconciles with his past.

Pip's Motivations

Desire for self-improvement, love for Estella, and shame of his origins.

Antagonists

Social Class System and Miss Havisham, who manipulate Pip and contribute to his internal conflict.

Character Growth

Pip learns to value integrity over wealth and gains humility and emotional maturity.

Connections Between Characters

Relationships that illustrate themes of revenge, love, and unconditional support.