Great Expectations

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Great Expectations

Great expectations was written by Charles Dickens in 1860. It is a story about a young boy named Pip, and his journey from childhood, where he was brought up “by hand” by his sister, to manhood where someone he used to know comes back to haunt him. The story also somewhat resembles Dickens’ own life for instance; Dickens’ family move to debtor’s prison, but the author goes to work in a blacking warehouse at the age of twelve. This is similar to where Pip moves to London to become a gentleman in the novel.

          Pip’s family’s social status was low, especially when compared to Miss Havisham This is mainly shown in Pip’s meetings with Miss Havisham and Estella. After Pip’s first meeting with the two  (Miss Havisham and Estella) he is left bewildered and depressed. Pip also finds himself talking like Estella, as if he is trying to compensate for his low class.

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         Before going to Miss Havisham’s house, Pip viewed himself as high up in society, because people

require  Joe Gargery‘s (his brother in law/ guardian) skills. ‘Are you the blacksmith?

Yes.

We need you to make us a pair of handcuffs for this ‘ere criminal ‘

to make handcuffs and horseshoes along with many other things. Also people asked Pip to do jobs for them and Pip got paid for doing the jobs.

         When Pip visits Miss Havisham’s house, he is treated with little respect like a servant ’He calls the Knaves, ...

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