Great Expectations Book Summary | Charles Dickens | Ratings & Review | 2023

If you’re looking for a classic novel that will keep you hooked from beginning to end, “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens is an excellent choice. This iconic novel tells the story of an orphan boy named Pip, who rises from humble beginnings to pursue his dreams of wealth and success

Introduction

As one of the most beloved works of English literature, “Great Expectations” is a book that has stood the test of time. First published in 1861, it has since been adapted into numerous stage plays, movies, and TV shows

Is it worth sacrificing your morals and integrity for personal gain ?

While achieving personal gain may bring immediate benefits, such as wealth or status, compromising one’s values can lead to feelings of guilt, regret, and shame. It can also damage personal relationships and harm one’s reputation, which can have lasting consequences.

Furthermore, living a life guided by principles and integrity can lead to a sense of inner satisfaction and fulfillment that cannot be achieved through material possessions or external recognition

Let’s dive deeper into the question through the help of novel’s storyline and try to uncover an answer that truly satisfies our curiosity

Great Expectations Book Quotes

Great Expectations Book Characters

Here are some of the most prominent characters in the book:

PipThe protagonist of the novel and the narrator of the story. Pip is an orphan who lives with his sister and her husband in a small village in England
Estella Havisham A beautiful and wealthy girl whom Pip falls in love with. Estella was raised by the eccentric Miss Havisham to be cold-hearted and to break men’s hearts
Miss HavishamA wealthy and eccentric spinster who was jilted at the altar on her wedding day
Abel MagwitchA convict who escapes from prison and meets Pip in a graveyard. He later becomes Pip’s secret benefactor, funding his journey to become a gentleman
Great Expectations Book Characters

Great Expectations Book Summary

“Great Expectations” is a novel by Charles Dickens that tells the story of a young orphan named Pip. The story is set in early 19th-century England and follows Pip’s journey from a humble upbringing to becoming a gentleman.

The novel begins with Pip living with his abusive sister and her kind-hearted blacksmith husband, Joe. One evening, while visiting his parents’ grave, Pip encounters an escaped convict who threatens him into bringing him food and a file to remove his leg iron. Despite being terrified, Pip helps the convict but feels guilty and afraid of being caught.

Later, Pip is sent to the home of a wealthy and eccentric old woman named Miss Havisham to play with her adopted daughter, Estella. Pip develops a crush on Estella and is heartbroken when she tells him she plans to marry a wealthy gentleman. Miss Havisham later reveals to Pip that she raised Estella to break the hearts of men as revenge for being jilted at the altar years ago.

Pip is eventually given a large sum of money by an anonymous benefactor and moves to London to become a gentleman. He becomes friends with a fellow student named Herbert Pocket and is mentored by a mysterious benefactor who turns out to be a convict he helped in the past.

Pip becomes involved in a love triangle with Estella and a wealthy woman named Clara. He also discovers that his mysterious benefactor is actually the wealthy and reclusive Miss Havisham, who has been manipulating his life all along. Pip is devastated by this revelation and realizes that his great expectations have brought him nothing but heartache

Key Takeaways of Great Expectations

Some key takeaways from the book include:

Love and loyalty are the most valuable things in life. Pip learns this lesson through his relationships with his sister, Joe, and his childhood friend, Biddy
Redemption is possible, even for those who have made grave mistakes
Social class is a powerful force that shapes people’s lives and limits their opportunities
Ambition can drive people to great heights, but it can also blind them to the needs and desires of others
Key Takeaways of Great Expectations

If you like the way novel’s central idea got explained then you should try : ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE BOOK SUMMARY

Great Expectations Book Author

The author of “Great Expectations” is Charles Dickens, an English novelist and social critic who lived in the 19th century. He is known for his vivid characters, intricate plots, and social commentary, and is considered one of the greatest writers of the Victorian era.

Great Expectations Book Genre

The book “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens is a novel, which is a work of fiction that tells a story through the development of characters, plot, and themes. Specifically, “Great Expectations” is a coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of its protagonist, Pip, from childhood to adulthood as he navigates the challenges of social class, ambition, and personal growth

Books Like Great Expectations

If you enjoyed “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens, here are some other books that you may enjoy:

“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde Link
“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte Link
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte Link
“David Copperfield” by Charles Dickens Link
Books Like Great Expectations

Great Expectations Book Review

“Great Expectations” is a timeless work of literature that offers a complex and nuanced exploration of themes that remain relevant to this day. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, its enduring popularity and influence speak to the power and resonance of Dickens’s writing

Great Expectations Book Price In India

“Great Expectations” is available on Amazon India . The Price of the Novel is 238/- The price may vary depending on the format (e.g. paperback, hardcover, Kindle edition)

Great Expectations Book Price In U.S

“Great Expectations” is also available on Amazon U.S . The Price of the Novel is $14.00 The price may vary depending on the format (e.g. paperback, hardcover, Kindle edition)

Great Expectations Audiobook

Audiobook of “Great Expectations” is available on Audible.in. The price of this version is $26.05 You can also find it on various audiobook platforms such as Google Play Books, and iTunes

Link of Audiobook : Great Expectations

Conclusion

“Great Expectations” is a timeless classic that explores themes and motifs that are still relevant today. The novel’s exploration of love, ambition, social class, guilt, and redemption, as well as its use of symbols and motifs, make it a rich and rewarding read. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or simply looking for a great story, “Great Expectations” is definitely worth your time

FAQs

Is “Great Expectations” a difficult book to read?

While “Great Expectations” is written in Victorian English and can be dense at times, it is considered a relatively accessible classic.

What is the main message of “Great Expectations”?

The main message of “Great Expectations” is that social class and wealth do not guarantee happiness or goodness. Pip learns this lesson the hard way, as he realizes that true fulfillment comes from within and not from external markers of success

Why is Miss Havisham such an important character in the book?

Miss Havisham represents the dangers of holding onto bitterness and regret, as she is consumed by her desire for revenge on all men. Her manipulation of Pip and Estella also highlights the ways in which the upper classes can exploit and control those lower on the social ladder

How does Pip change throughout the course of the novel?

Pip undergoes a significant transformation throughout the book, as he learns the harsh realities of the world and the limitations of his own desires. He becomes more empathetic and compassionate towards others, and ultimately realizes that true happiness comes from accepting oneself and finding contentment in the present moment

What is the significance of the title “Great Expectations”?

The title “Great Expectations” refers to Pip’s lofty ambitions and dreams of becoming a gentleman. However, the phrase also has a double meaning, as it can be read as a commentary on the dangers of having unrealistic expectations and the disappointment that comes from failing to achieve them

What are some of the major symbols in the book?

Some of the major symbols in “Great Expectations” include the river, Miss Havisham’s mansion, and Estella’s name. These symbols are used to enhance the themes and motifs of the novel and to deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters and their motivations

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