Great Expectations Module 4 Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What is unusual about Miss Havisham's appearance?

She is dressed in bridal clothes.

In literature, dialect signals where the speaker comes from geographically, but it also can signal the speaker's __________.

social status

Charles Dickens got his start in writing as a reporter and worked as a freelance writer.

True

What was the Marshalsea?

a debtor's prison for those who did not pay their bills Signup and view all the answers

Who did Dickens leave his wife to live with?

Ellen, an 18-year-old actress Signup and view all the answers

Charles Dickens enjoyed writing, which is evident by his long list of written works, but he also enjoyed ______________________.

performing his works and often toured around the world giving readings Signup and view all the answers

Dickens' most common themes include _______________.

all of these Signup and view all the answers

What information does Pip give to the man that upsets him in Chapter 3?

that there is another convict on the loose Signup and view all the answers

In Chapter 1, Pip imagines what his mother and father were like by reading their old journals.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Pip steal from the pantry and Joe's forge on Christmas Day?

a pork pie, brandy, and a file Signup and view all the answers

Pip named himself 'Pip.'

True Signup and view all the answers

Who does Pip meet in evening school?

Biddy Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 8, Miss Havisham tells Pip that she makes frequent trips throughout Europe and is rarely at home.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is on the dining room table in Satis House?

an old, decayed wedding cake complete with insects Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 8, Miss Havisham repeatedly asks Pip what he thinks of ________.

Estella Signup and view all the answers

Who does Pip suspect to be Mrs. Joe's attacker in chapter 16?

the convict he freed at the start of the story Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 15, Pip admits that ________.

he does not want Joe to embarrass him and bring Estella's reproach Signup and view all the answers

Pip's greatest fear is that Estella might somehow show up and ________.

see him working as a blacksmith Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 17, Pip confides in Biddy and confesses that _________

he wants to become a gentleman to win Estella's love Signup and view all the answers

What object was found lying beside the unconscious Mrs. Joe in chapter 16?

a convict's leg iron Signup and view all the answers

Very quickly, Pip finds himself hanging on future expectations. By contrast, Miss Havisham ____________.

traps herself in the past Signup and view all the answers

Satis House and the marshes share some surprising similarities. Both are (select all that apply):

dark Signup and view all the answers

The major theme brought out by Miss Havisham's character is that ___________.

not moving on from the past causes one's life to decay Signup and view all the answers

What is satire?

the use of humor or exaggeration to expose and mock injustice or wrongdoing Signup and view all the answers

Great Expectations is a classic coming-of-age novel, also known as a/an __________.

bildungsroman Signup and view all the answers

Great Expectations is the only Dickens novel that was not written in serial format.

False Signup and view all the answers

Pip hardly develops at all in part 1 of Great Expectations.

False Signup and view all the answers

Though Pip the narrator dwells on the more difficult parts of his childhood, he maintains a _______ tone.

satirical Signup and view all the answers

What is the most striking aspect of Pip's personality when he is a very young boy?

his imagination Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Joe was a very clean housekeeper, but had an exquisite art of making her cleanliness more uncomfortable and unacceptable than dirt itself.

True Signup and view all the answers

In literature, a setting can be symbolic of a theme or abstract idea.

True Signup and view all the answers

Throughout the novel, Pip experiences deep internal conflict, also known as ________ conflict.

individual vs.self Signup and view all the answers

The narrator of Great Expectations is the adult Pip looking back at his youth. This means that the book is written in the _______ point of view.

first person Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dickens contrast Joe's dialect with Miss Havisham's?

to highlight Pip's embarrassment Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 8, how does Estella treat Pip while playing cards with him?

insults him by pointing out his commonness Signup and view all the answers

Who is described as 'a very old man in a flannel coat, clean, cheerful, comfortable, and well cared for'?

the Aged Signup and view all the answers

Why is Pip so mortified that the convict is his benefactor? (Select all answers that apply)

Estella is not designed for him Signup and view all the answers

How is Pip's expectation about money solving his problems dashed?

He finds himself deeply in debt. Signup and view all the answers

A caricature is a/an _________ description of a character.

exaggerated Signup and view all the answers

One of the major themes in Great Expectations is the instability of expectations in life.

True Signup and view all the answers

There is only one reason that Pip loves Estella so fiercely, and that reason is completely obvious to the reader.

False Signup and view all the answers

Charles Dickens is known for the many colorful caricatures in his work.

True Signup and view all the answers

Because adult Pip narrates Great Expectations, the many caricatures in the novel highlight Pip's __________.

imagination Signup and view all the answers

The narrator of Great Expectations (adult Pip) proves that narrators are NEVER internally conflicted.

False Signup and view all the answers

Possibly Pip treats Joe and Biddy poorly because Estella treats him so poorly.

True Signup and view all the answers

How is Uncle Pumblechook described?

a large hard-breathing middle-aged slow man, with a mouth like a fish, dull staring eyes, and sandy hair standing upright on his head Signup and view all the answers

Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love.

Pip and Estella Signup and view all the answers

Pip discovers that his benefactor is the convict, not Miss Havisham. This is an example of the literary device __________.

irony Signup and view all the answers

Pip is deeply embarrassed by Joe. However, he also feels ashamed of himself for rejecting Joe. This is an example of __________.

individual vs.self conflict Signup and view all the answers

A literary subject is a simple topic; by contrast, a ________ is a particular message about that subject.

theme Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 22, Herbert Pocket renames Pip 'Frederick.'

False Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 23, Pip visits Mr. Matthew Pocket, his tutor and Herbert's father. Matthew Pocket is surrounded ______.

by many children and an 'ornamental' wife who has no control over the household Signup and view all the answers

How is Estella attached to Miss Havisham?

Miss Havisham adopted Estella Signup and view all the answers

Who does Pip realize is the pale young gentleman he fought at Satis House?

Herbert Pocket Signup and view all the answers

What are Wemmick's public and private selves?

the stern clerk of a shady defense lawyer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT something Pip learns from Herbert about Miss Havisham in chapter 22?

Miss Havisham made up the story of her rejection to make people pity her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Wemmick do when he and Pip tour Newgate Prison in chapter 32?

all of these Signup and view all the answers

Who is claiming to be Pip's benefactor?

Pumblechook Signup and view all the answers

What familiar face does Pip see at the door of Satis House in chapter 29?

Orlick Signup and view all the answers

What does Joe realize when he visits Pip in chapter 27?

that he is no longer suitable company for Pip and leaves so he won't continue to embarrass Pip Signup and view all the answers

Where does Pip stay overnight when he goes back to his old village in chapter 28?

at the Blue Boar Inn Signup and view all the answers

What does Pip overhear about a coin on the coach ride to his old village?

the convict was doing the bidding of another convict sentenced to life in prison Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 37, what does Pip want to use his fortune for?

help Herbert succeed in business Signup and view all the answers

Who joins Pip, the Aged, and Wemmick in chapter 37?

Miss Skiffins, Wemmick's girlfriend Signup and view all the answers

What did Pip hope to get from Jaggers on his birthday in chapter 36?

the revelation that he was to marry Estella Signup and view all the answers

What tragic news does Pip receive in chapter 34?

Mrs. Joe passed away Signup and view all the answers

How does Magwitch sum up his life story in chapter 42?

In jail and out of jail. Signup and view all the answers

What does Estella tell Pip in chapter 44?

she and Bentley Drummle are going to be married Signup and view all the answers

Who has been following Pip in chapter 45?

Compeyson Signup and view all the answers

What fake name do Pip and Magwitch decide to use in chapter 40?

Uncle Provis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events fall under the 'Creation' part of Pip's story? (Select all that apply)

Pip learns to read and write. Signup and view all the answers

How many different endings did Dickens write for Great Expectations?

2 Signup and view all the answers

Why did Dickens rewrite his original ending?

His friend urged him to. Signup and view all the answers

Dickens absolutely hated the revised ending.

False Signup and view all the answers

The story of the Bible (and the story of Great Expectations) can be summed up through which structure?

creation, fall, redemption, restoration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events fall under the 'Fall' part of Pip's story? (Select all that apply)

Pip is in debt. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events fall under the 'Redemption & Restoration' part of Pip's story? (Select all that apply)

Pip celebrates the marriage of Biddy and Joe. Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 53, who rescues Pip from Orlick?

Herbert, Startop, and Trabb's boy Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 49, Pip refuses to forgive Miss Havisham.

False Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 46, why do Pip and Herbert take up rowing practice?

as a disguise to move Magwitch in helping him to escape Signup and view all the answers

What does Pip see when he returns from his walk in chapter 49?

Miss Havisham in flames in her old wedding dress. Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 52, what does Pip get that is strange?

all of these Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 58, what job does Pip take?

with Herbert and after a few years, is promoted to partner Signup and view all the answers

What secret does Pip withhold from Magwitch about his wealth in chapter 56?

Pip will never see a penny of Magwitch's fortune because it will be seized by the state. Signup and view all the answers

How does Pip feel when he sees that Joe and Biddy are married in chapter 58?

He is disappointed but selflessly celebrates with them. Signup and view all the answers

How does Wemmick get Pip to attend his marriage to Miss Skiffins in chapter 55?

He walks with Pip to the church, where everyone else is waiting. Signup and view all the answers

Because of his experiences with Magwitch and Joe, Pip realizes that ____________.

the measure of the man is his character and his actions and not a man's wealth or position in life Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Themes

Miss Havisham appears eccentric, consistently dressed in old bridal attire, symbolizing her fixation on the past.
Pip’s experiences highlight social class disparities, often evidenced through dialect usage that reflects both geographical and social origins.
Dickens started as a reporter, intertwining his observations into his literary works.
Joe Gargery, representing the working class, is contrasted with the wealthy characters, highlighting Pip's growing embarrassment about his origins.

Plot Developments

Pip steals food and a file for an escaped convict, shaping the storyline around guilt and moral conflict.
He grapples with expectations of gentility and the reality of his background, leading to significant character development.
Major events include Pip's conflict with Joe, his internal struggle about becoming a gentleman, and his pursuit of Estella’s affection.
The multifaceted nature of Pip's benefactor's identity—revealed to be the convict Magwitch—creates ironic twists in the narrative.

Literary Devices

The theme of decay versus progress is illustrated through Miss Havisham’s refusal to move on and Pip's ambition.
Satire is evident in Dickens's portrayal of social injustices, including class expectations and individual integrity.
The narrative uses a first-person perspective, allowing adult Pip to reflect on and narrate his past with depth and introspection.
Caricature is employed by Dickens to create vivid, exaggerated descriptions of characters, enhancing their distinctive traits.

Structure and Symbolism

The novel follows a "bildungsroman" structure, showcasing Pip's journey from innocence to experience.
Key stages in Pip's story correspond to a biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption, encapsulating life lessons about identity and virtue.
Settings like Satis House and the marshes symbolize isolation and entrapment, mirroring Pip's emotional state.

Conflict and Resolution

Pip faces inner conflict regarding his self-worth, often comparing himself to Estella and feeling ashamed of his background.
Relationships evolve throughout, notably with Biddy and Joe, as Pip learns the importance of empathy over social standing.
The resolution of various plot threads comes together as Pip helps others and ultimately finds redemption, emphasizing character over wealth.

Variations and Endings

Dickens originally wrote multiple endings for "Great Expectations," reflecting different thematic interpretations and character outcomes.
The final rewrite was spurred by advice from a friend, although Dickens was satisfied with the results.

Important Events

Significant shifts occur when Pip learns unsettling truths about his benefactor, leading to pivotal decisions.
The climax involves multiple rescues and confrontations, including Pip's effort to save Magwitch, showcasing themes of loyalty and redemption.
Pip's reflections upon returning to his roots underscore the novel's enduring message about character and integrity, juxtaposed against the desires for wealth and status.

Character Relationships

Pip’s connection with characters like Estella and Miss Havisham evolve through the narrative, illustrating themes of unreciprocated love and the impact of upbringing.
Wemmick’s duality between his public and private selves serves to further explore personal identity versus societal expectations.
The contrasting relationships Pip has with Joe and Biddy reveal his conflicted feelings about class and personal worth.

Final Insights

The exploration of societal expectations, personal identity, and the intrinsic value of human connections underpin the entire narrative of "Great Expectations."
Pip ultimately learns that true gentility comes from one’s actions and moral character, not merely social status or wealth.

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Description

Explore the key concepts and vocabulary from Module 4 of 'Great Expectations'. This study guide features important characters and themes, including Miss Havisham and the role of dialect in literature. Perfect for reviewing prior to exams or deepening your understanding of Dickens' work.