Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Pip's real name?
What is Pip's real name?
Philip Pirrip
Who does Pip live with?
Who does Pip live with?
His sister, Mrs. Joe, and his brother-in-law, Joe Gargery.
When Pip goes to the graveyard, who is there?
When Pip goes to the graveyard, who is there?
A convict.
What does the convict order Pip to do?
What does the convict order Pip to do?
Define Bildungsroman.
Define Bildungsroman.
Identify Tickler.
Identify Tickler.
Who is Biddy?
Who is Biddy?
Who is Mr. Wopsle?
Who is Mr. Wopsle?
Who is Mr. Pumblechook?
Who is Mr. Pumblechook?
Explain the quote, 'Brag is a good dog, but Holdfast is better.'
Explain the quote, 'Brag is a good dog, but Holdfast is better.'
Who is Miss Havisham?
Who is Miss Havisham?
Who is Estella?
Who is Estella?
What does Pip want Biddy to do?
What does Pip want Biddy to do?
What happens to Mrs. Joe? Why does Biddy come to live with the Gargerys?
What happens to Mrs. Joe? Why does Biddy come to live with the Gargerys?
Who will be Pip's tutor?
Who will be Pip's tutor?
Who does Pip suspect to be his mystery benefactor?
Who does Pip suspect to be his mystery benefactor?
What is Pip's great expectation?
What is Pip's great expectation?
Who is Herbert Pocket?
Who is Herbert Pocket?
Who is Jaggers? Wemmick?
Who is Jaggers? Wemmick?
Who is Startop? Drummle?
Who is Startop? Drummle?
What did Herbert tell Pip about Estella?
What did Herbert tell Pip about Estella?
What is different about Jaggers' and Wemmick's dinner party?
What is different about Jaggers' and Wemmick's dinner party?
Define contumaciously.
Define contumaciously.
Why is Pip a little saddened by the fact that Joe is coming to visit him?
Why is Pip a little saddened by the fact that Joe is coming to visit him?
Who is the author of Great Expectations?
Who is the author of Great Expectations?
Study Notes
Characters and Relationships
- Pip's full name is Philip Pirrip, shortened to "Pip" due to his inability to pronounce it as a child.
- Pip lives with his sister Mrs. Joe and her husband Joe Gargery, who works as a blacksmith.
- Biddy is Pip's friend and Mr. Wopsle's niece, who later comes to help after Mrs. Joe is injured.
- Mr. Wopsle serves as the church clerk, providing a connection to Pip's upbringing.
- Mr. Pumblechook is Joe's uncle, often involved in Pip's early life.
- Miss Havisham is an elderly, reclusive woman and Estella's guardian—she is key to Pip's expectations.
Plot Points and Events
- A convict appears at a graveyard where Pip visits, demanding food and a file for his escape.
- Pip's "great expectation" is his desire to become a gentleman through education.
- Pip suspects that Miss Havisham is his secret benefactor.
- Mrs. Joe is attacked, leading to Biddy moving in to assist the family.
Themes and Concepts
- "Bildungsroman" defines the novel's genre as a coming-of-age story, following Pip's growth and self-discovery.
- The quote "Brag is a good dog, but Holdfast is better" emphasizes the value of honesty over mere boasts.
- Contumaciously means to act in a rebellious manner, relevant to Pip's struggles against societal expectations.
- Pip experiences anxiety about Joe's visit, fearing embarrassment over his newfound status.
Education and Influence
- Pip is tutored by Mathew Pocket, who becomes instrumental in his transformation.
- Herbert Pocket, Mathew's son, becomes Pip's roommate and previously fought with him in their youth.
- Estella, raised by Miss Havisham, represents a significant emotional challenge for Pip, complicating his aspirations.
Social Dynamics
- Jaggers is a criminal lawyer, while Wemmick, his assistant, reflects contrasting social settings: Jaggers represents tension and discomfort, compared to Wemmick's more relaxed and friendly gatherings.
- Startop is a friendly boarder, while Drummle is characterized as mean and arrogant, embodying the class struggles Pip faces.
Author
- "Great Expectations" is a novel authored by Charles Dickens, showcasing his commentary on Victorian society and personal growth.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of Charles Dickens' classic novel 'Great Expectations' with these flashcards. Each card covers a key aspect of Pip's journey, from his identity to his relationships. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike.
