Great Expectations, Charles Dickens’ classic novel, has captivated readers for over a century with its intricate plot and rich characters. The novel explores themes of ambition, social class, and the human condition, offering a complex tapestry of expectations and their consequences. This article aims to critically analyze the concept of great expectations in Great Expectations, examining its impact on the characters and the broader societal context.
Introduction
Great Expectations is set in 19th-century England, a period marked by rapid industrialization and social change. The novel follows the protagonist, Philip Pirrip, better known as Pip, as he navigates through life, shaped by his great expectations. These expectations are rooted in the belief that he will rise above his humble origins and achieve social and financial success.
The Nature of Great Expectations
Great Expectations are defined as high hopes or anticipations for the future. In the novel, these expectations are both personal and societal. Pip’s personal expectations are driven by his desire for social advancement and wealth, while societal expectations are imposed upon him by the class system of the time.
Personal Expectations
Pip’s personal expectations are primarily driven by his encounter with Miss Havisham, a wealthy spinster who takes an interest in him. Miss Havisham’s expectations for Pip are that he will become a gentleman and marry her adopted daughter, Estella. These expectations are rooted in her own bitterness and desire for revenge against the malevolent figure who jilted her at the altar many years ago.
Societal Expectations
Societal expectations in Great Expectations are rooted in the class system. The novel portrays a society where wealth and social status are paramount, and individuals are expected to conform to their designated roles. Pip’s background as a poor orphan living with his sister and her husband, Joe Gargery, sets him apart from the upper class, making his great expectations seem almost impossible.
The Impact of Great Expectations on Characters
The concept of great expectations has a profound impact on the characters in Great Expectations, shaping their lives and decisions.
Pip
Pip’s great expectations lead him to abandon his humble upbringing and pursue a life of wealth and status. This pursuit ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes obsessed with his own ambitions and loses sight of his true values. Pip’s transformation from a kind-hearted, innocent boy to a self-centered, greedy man is a direct result of his great expectations.
Miss Havisham
Miss Havisham’s great expectations are rooted in her own bitterness and desire for revenge. She expects Pip to fulfill her vision of a perfect gentleman, but her expectations are unrealistic and harmful. Miss Havisham’s expectations ultimately lead to her own isolation and despair.
Estella
Estella, Miss Havisham’s adopted daughter, is raised to fulfill her mother’s expectations of becoming a gentleman’s wife. However, Estella’s own great expectations are to become a great actress. Her expectations are complex, as she is torn between her love for Pip and her desire to fulfill her mother’s vision.
The Broader Societal Context
Great Expectations also serves as a critique of the 19th-century English class system. The novel highlights the stark differences between the wealthy and the poor, and the expectations placed upon individuals based on their social status.
Social Mobility
The novel explores the concept of social mobility, or the ability to move up the social ladder. Pip’s great expectations are a testament to the desire for social mobility, but the novel ultimately suggests that such aspirations are often unattainable or come at a great cost.
Wealth and Power
Great Expectations also examines the role of wealth and power in shaping individuals and society. The novel portrays a world where wealth is often equated with power and status, and individuals are expected to conform to these expectations.
Conclusion
Great Expectations is a rich novel that explores the concept of great expectations in depth. The novel’s characters are shaped by their personal and societal expectations, which ultimately lead to their downfall or redemption. The novel serves as a critique of the 19th-century English class system and the expectations placed upon individuals based on their social status. By examining the impact of great expectations on its characters, Great Expectations offers valuable insights into the human condition and the complexities of ambition, social class, and the pursuit of happiness.