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Questions and Answers
What is unusual about Miss Havisham's appearance?
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 __________.
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.
Charles Dickens got his start in writing as a reporter and worked as a freelance writer.
True (A)
What was the Marshalsea?
What was the Marshalsea?
Who did Dickens leave his wife to live with?
Who did Dickens leave his wife to live with?
Charles Dickens enjoyed writing, which is evident by his long list of written works, but he also enjoyed ______________________.
Charles Dickens enjoyed writing, which is evident by his long list of written works, but he also enjoyed ______________________.
Dickens' most common themes include _______________.
Dickens' most common themes include _______________.
What information does Pip give to the man that upsets him in Chapter 3?
What information does Pip give to the man that upsets him in Chapter 3?
In Chapter 1, Pip imagines what his mother and father were like by reading their old journals.
In Chapter 1, Pip imagines what his mother and father were like by reading their old journals.
What does Pip steal from the pantry and Joe's forge on Christmas Day?
What does Pip steal from the pantry and Joe's forge on Christmas Day?
Pip named himself 'Pip.'
Pip named himself 'Pip.'
Who does Pip meet in evening school?
Who does Pip meet in evening school?
In chapter 8, Miss Havisham tells Pip that she makes frequent trips throughout Europe and is rarely at home.
In chapter 8, Miss Havisham tells Pip that she makes frequent trips throughout Europe and is rarely at home.
What is on the dining room table in Satis House?
What is on the dining room table in Satis House?
In chapter 8, Miss Havisham repeatedly asks Pip what he thinks of ________.
In chapter 8, Miss Havisham repeatedly asks Pip what he thinks of ________.
Who does Pip suspect to be Mrs. Joe's attacker in chapter 16?
Who does Pip suspect to be Mrs. Joe's attacker in chapter 16?
In chapter 15, Pip admits that ________.
In chapter 15, Pip admits that ________.
Pip's greatest fear is that Estella might somehow show up and ________.
Pip's greatest fear is that Estella might somehow show up and ________.
In chapter 17, Pip confides in Biddy and confesses that _________
In chapter 17, Pip confides in Biddy and confesses that _________
What object was found lying beside the unconscious Mrs. Joe in chapter 16?
What object was found lying beside the unconscious Mrs. Joe in chapter 16?
Very quickly, Pip finds himself hanging on future expectations. By contrast, Miss Havisham ____________.
Very quickly, Pip finds himself hanging on future expectations. By contrast, Miss Havisham ____________.
Satis House and the marshes share some surprising similarities. Both are (select all that apply):
Satis House and the marshes share some surprising similarities. Both are (select all that apply):
The major theme brought out by Miss Havisham's character is that ___________.
The major theme brought out by Miss Havisham's character is that ___________.
What is satire?
What is satire?
Great Expectations is a classic coming-of-age novel, also known as a/an __________.
Great Expectations is a classic coming-of-age novel, also known as a/an __________.
Great Expectations is the only Dickens novel that was not written in serial format.
Great Expectations is the only Dickens novel that was not written in serial format.
Pip hardly develops at all in part 1 of Great Expectations.
Pip hardly develops at all in part 1 of Great Expectations.
Though Pip the narrator dwells on the more difficult parts of his childhood, he maintains a _______ tone.
Though Pip the narrator dwells on the more difficult parts of his childhood, he maintains a _______ tone.
What is the most striking aspect of Pip's personality when he is a very young boy?
What is the most striking aspect of Pip's personality when he is a very young boy?
Mrs. Joe was a very clean housekeeper, but had an exquisite art of making her cleanliness more uncomfortable and unacceptable than dirt itself.
Mrs. Joe was a very clean housekeeper, but had an exquisite art of making her cleanliness more uncomfortable and unacceptable than dirt itself.
In literature, a setting can be symbolic of a theme or abstract idea.
In literature, a setting can be symbolic of a theme or abstract idea.
Throughout the novel, Pip experiences deep internal conflict, also known as ________ conflict.
Throughout the novel, Pip experiences deep internal conflict, also known as ________ conflict.
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.
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.
Why does Dickens contrast Joe's dialect with Miss Havisham's?
Why does Dickens contrast Joe's dialect with Miss Havisham's?
In chapter 8, how does Estella treat Pip while playing cards with him?
In chapter 8, how does Estella treat Pip while playing cards with him?
Who is described as 'a very old man in a flannel coat, clean, cheerful, comfortable, and well cared for'?
Who is described as 'a very old man in a flannel coat, clean, cheerful, comfortable, and well cared for'?
Why is Pip so mortified that the convict is his benefactor? (Select all answers that apply)
Why is Pip so mortified that the convict is his benefactor? (Select all answers that apply)
How is Pip's expectation about money solving his problems dashed?
How is Pip's expectation about money solving his problems dashed?
A caricature is a/an _________ description of a character.
A caricature is a/an _________ description of a character.
One of the major themes in Great Expectations is the instability of expectations in life.
One of the major themes in Great Expectations is the instability of expectations in life.
There is only one reason that Pip loves Estella so fiercely, and that reason is completely obvious to the reader.
There is only one reason that Pip loves Estella so fiercely, and that reason is completely obvious to the reader.
Charles Dickens is known for the many colorful caricatures in his work.
Charles Dickens is known for the many colorful caricatures in his work.
Because adult Pip narrates Great Expectations, the many caricatures in the novel highlight Pip's __________.
Because adult Pip narrates Great Expectations, the many caricatures in the novel highlight Pip's __________.
The narrator of Great Expectations (adult Pip) proves that narrators are NEVER internally conflicted.
The narrator of Great Expectations (adult Pip) proves that narrators are NEVER internally conflicted.
Possibly Pip treats Joe and Biddy poorly because Estella treats him so poorly.
Possibly Pip treats Joe and Biddy poorly because Estella treats him so poorly.
How is Uncle Pumblechook described?
How is Uncle Pumblechook described?
Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love.
Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love.
Pip discovers that his benefactor is the convict, not Miss Havisham. This is an example of the literary device __________.
Pip discovers that his benefactor is the convict, not Miss Havisham. This is an example of the literary device __________.
Pip is deeply embarrassed by Joe. However, he also feels ashamed of himself for rejecting Joe. This is an example of __________.
Pip is deeply embarrassed by Joe. However, he also feels ashamed of himself for rejecting Joe. This is an example of __________.
A literary subject is a simple topic; by contrast, a ________ is a particular message about that subject.
A literary subject is a simple topic; by contrast, a ________ is a particular message about that subject.
In chapter 22, Herbert Pocket renames Pip 'Frederick.'
In chapter 22, Herbert Pocket renames Pip 'Frederick.'
In chapter 23, Pip visits Mr. Matthew Pocket, his tutor and Herbert's father. Matthew Pocket is surrounded ______.
In chapter 23, Pip visits Mr. Matthew Pocket, his tutor and Herbert's father. Matthew Pocket is surrounded ______.
How is Estella attached to Miss Havisham?
How is Estella attached to Miss Havisham?
Who does Pip realize is the pale young gentleman he fought at Satis House?
Who does Pip realize is the pale young gentleman he fought at Satis House?
What are Wemmick's public and private selves?
What are Wemmick's public and private selves?
Which of the following is NOT something Pip learns from Herbert about Miss Havisham in chapter 22?
Which of the following is NOT something Pip learns from Herbert about Miss Havisham in chapter 22?
What does Wemmick do when he and Pip tour Newgate Prison in chapter 32?
What does Wemmick do when he and Pip tour Newgate Prison in chapter 32?
Who is claiming to be Pip's benefactor?
Who is claiming to be Pip's benefactor?
What familiar face does Pip see at the door of Satis House in chapter 29?
What familiar face does Pip see at the door of Satis House in chapter 29?
What does Joe realize when he visits Pip in chapter 27?
What does Joe realize when he visits Pip in chapter 27?
Where does Pip stay overnight when he goes back to his old village in chapter 28?
Where does Pip stay overnight when he goes back to his old village in chapter 28?
What does Pip overhear about a coin on the coach ride to his old village?
What does Pip overhear about a coin on the coach ride to his old village?
In chapter 37, what does Pip want to use his fortune for?
In chapter 37, what does Pip want to use his fortune for?
Who joins Pip, the Aged, and Wemmick in chapter 37?
Who joins Pip, the Aged, and Wemmick in chapter 37?
What did Pip hope to get from Jaggers on his birthday in chapter 36?
What did Pip hope to get from Jaggers on his birthday in chapter 36?
What tragic news does Pip receive in chapter 34?
What tragic news does Pip receive in chapter 34?
How does Magwitch sum up his life story in chapter 42?
How does Magwitch sum up his life story in chapter 42?
What does Estella tell Pip in chapter 44?
What does Estella tell Pip in chapter 44?
Who has been following Pip in chapter 45?
Who has been following Pip in chapter 45?
What fake name do Pip and Magwitch decide to use in chapter 40?
What fake name do Pip and Magwitch decide to use in chapter 40?
Which of the following events fall under the 'Creation' part of Pip's story? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following events fall under the 'Creation' part of Pip's story? (Select all that apply)
How many different endings did Dickens write for Great Expectations?
How many different endings did Dickens write for Great Expectations?
Why did Dickens rewrite his original ending?
Why did Dickens rewrite his original ending?
Dickens absolutely hated the revised ending.
Dickens absolutely hated the revised ending.
The story of the Bible (and the story of Great Expectations) can be summed up through which structure?
The story of the Bible (and the story of Great Expectations) can be summed up through which structure?
Which of the following events fall under the 'Fall' part of Pip's story? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following events fall under the 'Fall' part of Pip's story? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following events fall under the 'Redemption & Restoration' part of Pip's story? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following events fall under the 'Redemption & Restoration' part of Pip's story? (Select all that apply)
In chapter 53, who rescues Pip from Orlick?
In chapter 53, who rescues Pip from Orlick?
In chapter 49, Pip refuses to forgive Miss Havisham.
In chapter 49, Pip refuses to forgive Miss Havisham.
In chapter 46, why do Pip and Herbert take up rowing practice?
In chapter 46, why do Pip and Herbert take up rowing practice?
What does Pip see when he returns from his walk in chapter 49?
What does Pip see when he returns from his walk in chapter 49?
In chapter 52, what does Pip get that is strange?
In chapter 52, what does Pip get that is strange?
In chapter 58, what job does Pip take?
In chapter 58, what job does Pip take?
What secret does Pip withhold from Magwitch about his wealth in chapter 56?
What secret does Pip withhold from Magwitch about his wealth in chapter 56?
How does Pip feel when he sees that Joe and Biddy are married in chapter 58?
How does Pip feel when he sees that Joe and Biddy are married in chapter 58?
How does Wemmick get Pip to attend his marriage to Miss Skiffins in chapter 55?
How does Wemmick get Pip to attend his marriage to Miss Skiffins in chapter 55?
Because of his experiences with Magwitch and Joe, Pip realizes that ____________.
Because of his experiences with Magwitch and Joe, Pip realizes that ____________.
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.
