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Great Expectations in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Pip
Estella
Miss Havisham
Joe Gargery
Abel Magwitch
Pips Encounter with Convict
Pips Visit to Miss Havishams House
Pips Apprenticeship with Joe
Pips Inheritance from an Unknown Benefactor
Pips Reunion with Estella
Pips Discovery of Magwitchs Identity
Pips Help from Herbert Pocket
Pips Realization of Joes True Kindness
Pips Reconciliation with Estella
Pips New Beginning
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: Novel by Charles Dickens
- When: Victorian era
- Who: Pip, Miss Havisham, Magwitch
- Theme: Social class, ambition, guilt, redemption
List of Characters in Great Expectations
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Pip
Pip is the protagonist of the story, who goes through a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
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Estella
Estella is the beautiful but cold-hearted love interest of Pip, raised by Miss Havisham to break men's hearts.
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Miss Havisham
Miss Havisham is an eccentric and wealthy woman who has been jilted at the altar and lives in seclusion, raising Estella to seek revenge on men.
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Joe Gargery
Joe Gargery is Pip's kind and simple brother-in-law, who acts as a father figure to him.
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Abel Magwitch
Abel Magwitch is an escaped convict who becomes Pip's mysterious benefactor, changing the course of his life.
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Herbert Pocket
Herbert Pocket is a good-natured friend of Pip's, who helps him navigate the complexities of society.
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Biddy
Biddy is a kind and intelligent young woman who serves as a source of support and wisdom for Pip.
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Jaggers
Jaggers is a powerful and enigmatic lawyer who plays a key role in Pip's life.
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Wemmick
Wemmick is Jaggers' clerk, who has a dual personality of strict professionalism at work and caring friendliness at home.
Timeline of Great Expectations
Pip encounters an escaped convict in a cemetery.
Pip is invited to visit Miss Havisham and Estella at Satis House.
Pip becomes infatuated with Estella.
Pip is informed of his sudden inheritance from an anonymous benefactor.
Pip moves to London to become a gentleman.
Pip meets Herbert Pocket and they become close friends.
Pip discovers that his benefactor is Abel Magwitch, the escaped convict he encountered as a child.
Pip helps Magwitch escape the country.
Pip's hopes of a future with Estella are shattered when she marries Bentley Drummle.
Pip falls ill and is nursed back to health by Joe, his childhood friend.
Pip reunites with Estella, who has been widowed.
Pip and Estella reconcile and decide to remain friends.
Vocabulary List
- 1. Prodigy
- A young boy with exceptional talents and abilities, such as playing the piano beautifully
- 2. Miser
- A person who hoards wealth and avoids spending money, like Ebenezer Scrooge
- 3. Convict
- An individual who has been found guilty of a crime and is serving a prison sentence
- 4. Ominous
- A feeling or sign that something bad or unpleasant is about to happen, like dark storm clouds gathering
- 5. Orphan
- A child who has lost both of their parents and is left without a guardian or family
- 6. Inheritance
- The money, property, or possessions that are passed down to someone when a family member dies
- 7. Benefactor
- A person who gives money or other assistance to support a person or cause, like an anonymous donor
- 8. Social class
- A division of society based on factors such as wealth, occupation, and education, often determining one's status and privileges
- 9. Ambition
- A strong desire or drive to achieve success, power, or recognition in a particular field
- 10. Redemption
- The act of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil, often through self-improvement or atonement
- 11. Injustice
- Unfair treatment or behavior, often resulting from prejudice, discrimination, or corruption
- 12. Pip
- The protagonist and narrator of Great Expectations, a young orphan boy who dreams of becoming a gentleman
- 13. Expectations
- The hopes, desires, or assumptions one has for the future or a particular outcome
- 14. Guilt
- A feeling of responsibility or remorse for having committed a wrongdoing or offense
- 15. Disillusionment
- A feeling of disappointment or disenchantment when something or someone turns out to be less ideal than initially believed
- 16. Fortune
- A person's wealth or financial standing, often acquired through luck, inheritance, or hard work
- 17. Betrayal
- The act of being disloyal or unfaithful to someone's trust or confidence
- 18. Loneliness
- The state of feeling alone, isolated, or lacking meaningful connections with others
- 19. Resilience
- The ability to bounce back and recover quickly from difficulties, setbacks, or adversity
- 20. Transformation
- A significant change or conversion in character, appearance, or circumstances.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- - Pip is the protagonist of the story.
- - Miss Havisham is a wealthy, eccentric woman who plays a significant role in Pip's life.
- - Estella is Miss Havisham's adopted daughter and Pip becomes infatuated with her.
- - Joe Gargery is Pip's humble and kind-hearted brother-in-law.
- - Pip encounters an escaped convict named Magwitch in a graveyard.
- - Pip is sent to London to become a gentleman with the help of a mysterious benefactor.
- - Mr. Jaggers is a powerful lawyer who becomes Pip's guardian in London.
- - Pip befriends Herbert Pocket, who becomes his closest friend.
- - Pip discovers that his benefactor is not Miss Havisham, but rather Magwitch, the convict he encountered in the graveyard.
- - Pip is deeply disappointed and ashamed of Magwitch's criminal past.
- - Pip helps Magwitch escape the authorities and risks his own safety.
- - Miss Havisham's plan for Estella is to break men's hearts as revenge for her own heartbreak.
- - Pip's expectations of becoming a gentleman lead him to neglect his true friends and family.
- - Estella marries a cruel and abusive man named Bentley Drummle.
- - Pip's lavish lifestyle in London leads him into debt and despair.
- - Pip's friend, Wemmick, leads a double life as a mild-mannered clerk and a ruthless criminal hunter.
- - Pip's sister, Mrs. Joe, is attacked and left disabled by an unknown assailant.
- - Pip's feelings for Estella persist despite her marriage to Drummle.
- - Pip eventually realizes the importance of loyalty and love over social status.
- - The novel ends with Pip and Estella meeting years later, suggesting a possibility of reconciliation.
Analysis & Significance
Impact on Literature
‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens is considered a classic novel that has had a significant impact on literature. It is known for its intricate plot, multi-dimensional characters, and social commentary on class and identity. The novel’s exploration of themes such as ambition, love, and redemption has influenced countless authors and continues to be studied in literature courses worldwide.
Enduring Themes
The timeless themes in ‘Great Expectations’ still resonate with modern audiences. From the quest for self-improvement to the complexities of human relationships, the novel delves into universal experiences and emotions that continue to captivate readers of all ages. The struggles of the protagonist, Pip, as he navigates the challenges of growing up and finding his place in the world, are themes that remain relevant today.
Cultural Significance Today
‘Great Expectations’ has left a lasting legacy in popular culture, with numerous adaptations in film, television, and theater. The characters of Miss Havisham, Pip, and Estella have become iconic figures in literature, inspiring countless reinterpretations and reimaginings. The novel’s exploration of social issues and moral dilemmas continues to provoke thought and discussion, cementing its place as a timeless classic in the literary canon.
Great Expectations Games
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