Compare the way in which tensions between young people and adults are presented in 'Great Expectations' (volume 1) and ' The Darkness Out There'

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Daryl Carter        English Coursework – Wider Reading

Compare the way in which tensions between young people and adults are presented in ‘Great Expectations’ (volume 1) and ‘ The Darkness Out There’

Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations remains to be the most widely read novels from the Victorian period. Dickens use of cruelty, between adults and children reflects how childhood was for Victorian children, but also his use of ‘ironic’ comedy throughout his novels, and the inclusion of somewhat repugnant characters has allowed his novels to become unforgettable.

        Dickens opening scene is a memorable one and has set a standard for what most opening scenes are judged on. This scene is rich in pathetic fallacy in that the mood and atmosphere is clearly reflected by the weather. The scene begins dark and gloomy with Pip in the local churchyard reading from his families’ tombstones. Dickens brings the setting to life, so to speak, as his in-depth descriptions allows us to feel and hear where the scene is set.

        Pip is alone, isolated from the world, he has no one with him, and he reads from the tombstones “and that Philip Pirrip, late of this parish, and also Georgiana wife of the above, were dead and buried” while reading Pip is interrupted by the escaped convict Magwitch. One of the first things that Magwitch says is “Keep still, you little devil or I’ll cut your throat!” This is very threatening comment, and as Pip is alone he most probably feels incredibly scared and frightened, and fears for his life. This causes great tension between the characters at their first meeting.

        Magwitch’s only request was for Pip to retrieve food “Vituals” and to meet with him again the next day, Christmas Day. Pip is perplexed by this request. There is a lot of irony in this scene “with a great iron on his leg” this to the reader would tell us that Magwitch is a convict, yet Pip is naïve to this fact, and this presents dramatic irony to the reader.

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        Pip makes a fundamental judgement call that could result in detrimental consequences for himself. The stealing of the valuable and ‘sacred’ pork pie, which has been reserved for Christmas dinner. Although Magwitch praises Pip for this deed, he feels he has committed a great crime, begins to feel very guilty for his actions. When Pip delivers the pork pie to Magwitch there is still some tension between them, this is broken by Pips comment “I am glad you enjoyed it” This took Magwitch by surprise, as it comes apparent to the reader that Magwitch has never received such comments before. ...

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