Possibly, the best English writer in history is Charles Dickens. His book, “Great Expectations”, is one of his best books (and even one of his most popular). It was made into a movie several times with the latest being done in the late 90’s starring Ethan Hawke and Gwenyth Paltrow. The book, “Great Expectations”, is full of surprises, twists, intriguing characters, and memorable theme.
The story tells of a coming of age tale of a young boy named Philip Pirrip or simply known as Pip. He wishes and expects to elevate his lot in life since he was raised as an orphan by his sister (who he had clashes with) and her good-natured husband, Joe Gargery. In a strange twist to his life, he helps a convict named Abel Magwitch escape. That convict would one day come to Pip’s aid later in life. Now, to understand Pip, you have to understand his perception of life. He believes to be around wealthy people in order to move up in life. Unfortunately for him, he also looks down upon those who are not as wealthy (which would include himself). Then, Pip is sent to live with a wealthy lady named Miss Havisham (with the emphasis on the Miss). She can be characterized as a disgruntled bride-to-be who was literally left at the altar by her groom. She is an eccentric lady who still lives in the past especially on her intended wedding day. Together with Miss Havisham, there is a young orphan girl named Estella who Pip has a liking towards later in his life.
Unfortunately for Pip, Estella is being raised by Miss Havisham who is teaching Estella to “emotionally hurt all men” which would include Pip. Estella is taught to torment and torture all men by her beauty and reject them all just as Miss Havisham has experienced. Then, there is a secret benefactor in Pip’s life who allows Pip to live and be educated in London. This is an enormous good fortune in Pip’s life. Pip believes that the secret benefactor is Miss Havisham since she is rich (yet eccentric). Pip looks down upon his humble and poor youth. By the way, in a twist of fate, Estella ends up marrying an ill-tempered person named Bentley Drummle who berates Estella. This is karma at its best. As for the benefactor, Pip finds out and is disappointed (at first) that it turns out to be Abel Magwitch the convict he helped out earlier (a reminder of his humble beginnings). Eventually, the convict dies in prison as he awaits for his trial. Pip is in despair and gets physically sick. He almost dies from despair and sickness until another person in his youth saves him. It is Joe Gargery who helped raised Pip when he was a kid. Joe nurses Pip back to health. This is what occurs in the story. Pip’s expectations did not come from his perceptions instead his great expectations and hope came from his humble (yet solid) beginnings. Pip learns that there is more to a person that his lot in life- especially in his life.
The story is a great character study on a youth who learned about people and life as he experienced his expectations from unlikely (yet obvious) sources.
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