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Great Expectations: the plot
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Dickens's novel follows Pip, an orphan, from a Kent forge to London society and back to humility. It was published in parts in 1860 to 1861.
Stage 1: childhood
Pip lives with his harsh sister, Mrs Joe, and her kind husband, Joe Gargery, the blacksmith.
On the marshes he helps an escaped convict, Magwitch, with food and a file.
He is sent to play at Satis House, home of the strange Miss Havisham, and falls for the proud Estella, who mocks his "coarse hands" and "thick boots".
On the marshes he helps an escaped convict, Magwitch, with food and a file.
He is sent to play at Satis House, home of the strange Miss Havisham, and falls for the proud Estella, who mocks his "coarse hands" and "thick boots".
Stage 2: expectations
The lawyer Jaggers announces that Pip has "great expectations" from a secret benefactor. Pip assumes it is Miss Havisham.
In London he becomes a gentleman with his friend Herbert Pocket, spends too much, and grows ashamed of Joe.
In London he becomes a gentleman with his friend Herbert Pocket, spends too much, and grows ashamed of Joe.
Stage 3: truth and change
Magwitch returns: he is the real benefactor. Pip is horrified, but grows to care for him.
Estella turns out to be Magwitch's daughter. Miss Havisham repents ("What have I done!") and is badly burnt.
Magwitch is caught and dies. Pip falls ill and Joe nurses him. Years later Pip meets Estella again at the ruins of Satis House.
Estella turns out to be Magwitch's daughter. Miss Havisham repents ("What have I done!") and is badly burnt.
Magwitch is caught and dies. Pip falls ill and Joe nurses him. Years later Pip meets Estella again at the ruins of Satis House.
Why is Magwitch's return a turning point?
- Pip learns his money comes from a convict, not Miss Havisham.
- His snobbish dream collapses.
- He begins to value loyalty and kindness over class.
Answer: It destroys Pip's snobbish assumptions and starts his moral growth.
Pip helps Magwitch, meets Miss Havisham and Estella, receives great expectations, becomes a snob in London, learns Magwitch is his benefactor, and is redeemed through loyalty to Magwitch and Joe.
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