Dickens starts by describing the graveyard as “a dark flat wilderness. “ This allows the reader to point an image of a quite scary desolate place and perhaps quite intimidating. Dickens then quickly moves on to describe Pip as a “small bundle of shivers.” This again allows the reader to point an image but this time of a minute vulnerable child possibly quite haunted at the situation. This contrast seems to exaggerate the timid Pip allows the feelings of sorrow towards him to increase.
Dickens then introduces us to quite threatening Magwitch who opening words were “Keep still, you little devil or I’ll cut your throat.” This instantly makes the reader assume he is dangerous and threatening. As Pip explains he had a “great iron on his leg” it becomes quite clear he is a convict. This begins to make reader worry for Pip because we are not enlightened as to why he is a criminal.
As Magwitch threatens Pip he takes it extremely seriously this helps to enhance three important characteristics of Pip the first that he is extremely scared shows he is very vulnerable and the second is the fact that he replies “sir” shows he has been brought up with manners. This again contradicts negative views of lower class people in Victorian times. Also the fact he worked out this man could possibly be dangerous showed Pip to be sharp and quick to react. Certain phrases like “Who d’ye live with” makes it clear that Magwitch is from a lower class background.
Although after this negativity the reader cannot help but feel pity towards Magwitch and this because you can imagine how difficult it must have been. Dickens shows this in such lines as “A man with no hat, and broken shoes.” This is Dickens demonstrating his use of description to encourage emotions and reactions.
The first chapter is set in a desolate church yard near the marsh land. Dickens descriptions such as “This bleak place overgrown” and “raw afternoon towards evening” contribute to the ever growing dark and oppressive atmosphere. This kind of description also help to redeem the understandably scared Pip but they almost make him seem more pathetic and helpless. If for example Dickens had decided to set the scene in a pleasant grave yard on a sunny day it would withdraw the sense of suspense amongst readers.
Satis house is introduced to us in chapter 8 as well as the characters Estella and Mrs Havisham. Estella explains to Pip that Satis means enough this was because the designer of the house assumed whoever had this house would be satisfied and need nothing more. This extra information seems to contrast the first impression given to be by Pip where he is describing it as “old brick and dismal”. This allows the reader to ask questions about why such a great house now appears to be in ruins.
The description of Satis house continues in this manner. He also mentions windows were barred and cemented. This makes the house seem daunting. Dickens also makes you acknowledge the houses former glory by saying “there were no pigeons in the dove cot, no horses in the stable, no pigs in the sty, no mat in the stone house, no smells of grains and beer in the copper vat.” However this line also illustrates how far from it is former glory. This leaves the reader to assume the owner has given up.
When Pip describes Estella he says she is beautiful but self possessed. Pip demonstrates how memorised he is by her beauty by saying such things as “one and twenty, and a queen.” This implies that despite her possesses qualities such as being pretty and rich she shows little respect to people often even more so if they are considered to below her class. She continually criticises Pip. This is contrast to the consistent manners of Pip despite him being considered lower class and Estella higher.
She mentions how coarse Pips hands are, though this is only due to strenuous hard labour. This idea of coarse hands could be an extended metaphor for the lower class and labourers. They symbolised his life, when older he would be expected to be an apprentice with Joe and in due course become a blacksmith himself. This may show why Dickens is outraged at the way society assumes who you will be even maybe before you are born.
Estella also points our Pips common traits such as how he calls Knaves, Jacks. This leaves Pip almost ashamed of who he is and feeling he is not worthy for anyone. If this was to occur today I doubt a boy would continue to show the respect Pip did. This may be due to the message of equality in today’s society a boy would not feel obliged to continue to be polite in the manner.
Soon after the introduction of Estella we are introduced to Mrs Havisham. The first impression you may draw from her is that she quite simply mad. Dickens gives as a steady flow of information that only helps but to confirm this impression. Such things as she wore her ancient wedding dress and never taken it off! As well as the fact she had completely isolated herself from the outside world so much so she wasn’t even aware of which day it was.
We later find out she has been left by her Fiancé and she has never recovered from this traumatic experience. Due to the fact she was heartbroken she took very drastic measures to cut herself of from the rest of the world. This is explains the state of the Satis house and such lines as “I saw that the dress had been put upon the rounded figure of a woman, and that the figure upon which it hung loose, had shrunk to skin and bone” show that Satis house and Mr Havisham crumbled together. Her neglect is reflected upon the house.
Charles Dickens was effective in introducing the main characters by using descriptive language to create images of them and successfully chose settings to influence the reader’s emotions towards certain characters. Each character brought a new aspect to the story to enhance its grip on the reader and to make sure it engaged people from all backgrounds. My view of each character varied, young Pip who could only receive upmost sympathy in chapters 1 to 8. Magwitch caused fear and hatred, and Estella stimulates detest. Whereas Mrs Havisham almost left the reader confused as to how to feel towards her.
I think this novel has historical relevance to today as many people in our country have demonstrated with hard work and ambition it is possible to make a positive reputation. For example Sir Alan Sugar is well known successful business man who has build his business empire from scrap. This Demonstrates how much more accepting society is nowadays. So it is now possible for many people to have “Great Expectations.”
By Jacob (Prose Study)