Great Expectations Charles Dickens

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Great Expectations Charles Dickens
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Introduction Background Discussion Starters
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Great Expectations Charles Dickens
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Great Expectations Introduction

• Is it childish to dream about a future completely
  different from what you expect to happen?

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Great Expectations Introduction

• In Great Expectations, Pip is at first content
  with his future as a blacksmiths apprentice.

The blacksmith, his brother-in-law Joe, is much
nicer than Pips own sisterwho has brought him
up by hand.
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Great Expectations Introduction

• One day Pip wanders across the marshes to visit
  his parents graves.

But instead, he finds a runaway convict who
demands that Pip help him escape from his chains.
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Great Expectations Introduction
Although the man is later caught, Pip feels
horribly guilty.
He is sure Joe will be disappointed if he finds
out what Pip has done.
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Great Expectations Introduction

• But this frightening episode fades from Pips
  memory when he encounters even more remarkable
  people.

He is invited to rich Miss Havishams house to be
a playmate for Estella, the proud girl in her
care.
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Great Expectations Introduction

• Years ago, Miss Havishams fiancé stood her up at
  the altar.

Ever since, she has remained in her wedding
dress, let no sunlight into her house, and let
the clocks stop. Everything is left just as it
was the day of her heartbreak.
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Great Expectations Introduction

• Pips friends all hope that Miss Havisham will
  do something for himgive him money.

However, for Pip, the appeal of Miss Havishams
house isnt just the thought of money or the
elegant lifestyle Its Estella.
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Great Expectations Introduction
And then, the unexpected happens!
An anonymous benefactor sends money to pay for
Pips education in London!
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Great Expectations Introduction
Is Miss Havisham giving Pip the money?
Does she hope to make Pip into a gentleman for
his own sake?
Or is it for the sake of someone else?
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Great Expectations Background
Charles Dickens (18121870) was deeply concerned
about the struggles of the poor and mistreated
people.

• During this period, people who simply could not
  pay their bills often went to debtors prison.

• A criminal who was considered dangerous might be
  sent to what is now Australia to serve time.

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Great Expectations Background
In Dickenss time, London was a rich city, but
poor people lived in terrible squalor.

• Children of those in debtors prison often had
  to support themselves.

• A child might work up to sixteen hours a day.

• Labor in a factory or work pulling a cart earned
  only pennies a day.

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Great Expectations Background
Shortly before his own father was sent to
debtors prison, twelve-year-old Charles was sent
to work at a shoe polish factory.

• Dickenss unfinished autobiography describes the
  suffering he endured as a child laborer.

• He worked long hours in a cramped room infested
  with rats.

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Great Expectations Background
The unique history of Australia is tied to a
thread in Great Expectations.

• In Dickens time, British convicts were often
  punished in a way that might seem cruel and
  unusual by todays standards.

• Convicts thought to pose some threat to society
  might be shipped off to a distant British
  territorywhat is now Australia.

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Great Expectations Background

• During the time when Australia served as a penal
  colony for England, prisoners were deposited near
  what is now Sydney.

• Only the strongest and hardest-working people
  could prosper in the harsh conditions.

• Once sent to Australia, a convict was frequently
  forbidden to ever return to England.

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Great Expectations Discussion Starters

• Discuss (1)
• Orphaned and then cared for by a harsh older
  sister, Pip stumbles upon great opportunity.
• Is it best to jump at whatever opportunity comes
  along? Or should a person consider staying in
  familiar territory?
• What problems might come from dreaming of a
  better future? What rewards?

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Great Expectations Discussion Starters

• Discuss (2)
• Loyalty and gratitude are themes running through
  Great Expectations.
• What are the qualities of a loyal friend?
• Should a friends loyalty have limits?
• Should a successful person show gratitude to
  those who have helped along the way?