Great Expectations - Charles Dickens

Great Expectations, considered by some to be Dickens’ finest, is certainly one of his most celebrated and renowned works. The novel is arranged into three volumes and follows in first person narrative the story of young orphaned Pip from childhood to his coming of age, and the trials thereof. Part one introduces us to Pip’s humble yet harassed beginnings under the care of the kindly blacksmith Joe Gargery, and the foul tempered Mrs Joe Gargery. Part two sees Pip thrust into the height of London society as he strives to become a gentleman, and part three deals with the tumultuous aftermath of Pip learning the true identity behind his mysterious benefactor. Plot wise, that’s as far as I’ll venture, as I would be loathe to ruin it for anyone who has not yet read it.

As a work of literature, Great Expectations succeeds in all fields, but its crowning achievement must surely be found in characterisation. Dickens is well known for creating highly memorable characters, even if he does tend to recycle some of them throughout his novels. From the menacing convict Magwitch with his iron file on the marshes, to the sinisterly eccentric Miss Havisham in her manky old wedding dress, and her beautiful but heartless adopted daughter, Estella. The boundaries of good and evil, hero and villain, are expertly blurred into conflicting and contradictory spheres, with the result that the reader never quite knows who to align his or her sympathies with. Notwithstanding the richness and depth of the characters, the most important factor of any novel (and perhaps the most difficult to pull off) is to ensure that they are all fully believable. Dickens, being a master of his craft, accomplishes this with ease. Almost every character has a strong associating and defining trait, be it simply a pattern of speech exclusive to them, or a physical mannerism. This grounds them firmly within the realm of human habit and earthly authenticity, a welcome change to the lofty and often vague representations of characters in much earlier literature.

The primary themes of the book; namely criminality, social class, ambition, pride, and greed, are as what one would expect from the great social reformer. With Pip’s unexpected wealth and subsequent rise in social status, his old life is soon quite forgotten in exchange for the company deemed proper for a gentleman. He falls prey to the arrogance of snobbery just as easily as though he had always enjoyed such distinguished prospects. His character is not an unlikable one, for he is self conscious and guilty enough of his defects in order to pave the way for later repentance. Another major affliction attached to the hapless Pip, is romantic disappointment and the smart of rejection; sensations instantly recognisable to any male who has been used cruelly by women. The sick arrangement between Estella and her jilted, embittered guardian, Miss Havisham, to break the hearts of young men, makes for material both disturbing and engaging. One could stipulate that it is essentially the disappointment and unfulfillment of one’s ambitions which lies at the heart of Great Expectations.

Despite the more serious undertones of the novel, there is no want of humour, for some genuine laugh out loud moments are included throughout. Much of this comedy arises from the protagonist’s shrewd social observations and the absurdities of hypocrisy. Following Pip’s rise in fortunes, there is an automatic change in the local community’s treatment of him. With some few exceptions, original adversaries suddenly make themselves very agreeable, the impostor Pumblechook being a prime example. Herbert’s attempts to teach Pip table etiquette whilst simultaneously telling him the tale of Miss Havisham, also makes for equally humorous reading. Although not quite perfect, (the ending leaves something to be desired in my opinion) Great Expectations makes for a tense, lively, highly enjoyable read with a narrative that never drags and I would recommend it to all who appreciate good literature. For those of you seeking to jump back into the classics, this is surely the book to start with.

Rating: 4/5