Dickens Flashcards
Who are the main characters in “Great Expectations”?
- Pip
- Joe Gargery
- Orlick
- Mrs. Joe
- Magwitch
- Estella Havisham
- Miss Havisham
- Herbert Pocket
Who is Pip’s benefactor?
Magwitch, the convict Pip aids as a child
What is the name of Miss Havisham’s house?
Satis House
What is Mrs. Joe proud of ?
Bringing Pip up “by hand”
What is the genre of this novel?
It can be seen as a Bildungsroman in Three Stages:
- Pip’s childhood and early youth in Kent, where he dreams of rising above his humble station
- His time in London after receiving “great expectations”
- Finally his disillusionment on discovering the source of his fortune, followed by his slow realisation of the vanity of his false values
Where does the Gothic come into play in this novel?
Mainly in the character of Miss Havisham and her ruined, decaying house.
Discuss the ending of this novel.
The ending takes place roughly 11 years after the final events which are narrated. In the original ending, it was unambiguous that Pip and Estella would not end up together, but Dickens was asked to re-write it because that ending was too sad.
He instead makes the ending ambiguous. Pip says, ““I saw the shadow of no parting from her,” and it’s not clear if this means the two will never part again, or if Pip’s hopes for reunion are no more than a shadow.
This ambiguous ending makes this novel quite different from the other 19th c. novels on my list. It does not end in the protagonist’s marriage and is not straightforwardly “happy.” The hero cultivates virtue and eventually acts correctly, but is not necessarily rewarded with anything more than peace of mind.
What are some of the social issues explored in this novel?
- Social upheaval caused by industrial revolution
- The consequences/responsibilities of social mobility
- classism against lower economic classes
- self-knowledge and accountability
- ambition
- loyalty
What is Joe’s occupation?
Blacksmith
Where does Pip first meet Herbert Pocket?
He meets him first at Miss Havisham’s house, were he defeats him in a street fight.
What does Mr. Jaggers tell Pip that he has?
Great Expectation
What is Herbert’s nickname for Pip?
Handel
Who is Pip’s law clerk friend?
Mr. Wemmick (who perhaps also provides a guide on how to care for your family in his treatment of “the Aged Parent”)
He also allows Dickens to make fun of the idea of “separate spheres”
Where is Pip for the intervening 11 years?
Cairo, working for the company he secretly helped Herbert found.
Who are Estella’s parents?
Molly, Jaggers’ maid, and Magwitch
