Great Expectations | Charles Dickens | Cliff Note Books | Summary and Analysis
“Great Expectations” is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1861. The story follows the life of a young orphan named Pip, who dreams of becoming a gentleman and leaving his humble upbringing behind.
The novel is set in England during the early 1800s and explores themes such as class, wealth, love, and identity. Pip’s life changes dramatically when he meets an escaped convict in a cemetery and helps him by bringing him food and a file to remove his chains. Later, Pip is invited to the wealthy Miss Havisham’s estate, where he falls in love with her adopted daughter, Estella, who is being raised to break men’s hearts.
Pip’s life takes a turn when he is informed that an anonymous benefactor has provided him with a large sum of money and the opportunity to become a gentleman in London. He assumes that the money comes from Miss Havisham, but it is later revealed that his true benefactor is the convict he helped as a child.
Pip’s new lifestyle leads him to abandon his old friends and family, including his loyal friend Joe and his childhood love, Biddy. However, his newfound wealth and status do not bring him happiness, and he realizes that he has lost sight of his true identity and values.
The novel ends with Pip coming to terms with his past and realizing the importance of family and love over wealth and social status. “Great Expectations” is a classic novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the search for identity, making it a timeless story that is still relevant today. There are 59 chapters in this work so I have broken down the chapter summaries in blocks of 10.
CHARLES DICKENS
Charles Dickens was a British novelist who lived from 1812 to 1870. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the Victorian era, and his novels are celebrated for their vivid characters, social commentary, and intricate plots.
Dickens had a difficult childhood, marked by poverty and family struggles. He was forced to leave school at a young age and work in a factory to support his family. However, he was a voracious reader and eventually became a journalist, publishing articles and sketches in various magazines.
His first novel, “The Pickwick Papers,” was published in 1836 and was an immediate success. He went on to write many other famous works, including “Oliver Twist,” “A Tale of Two Cities,” and “David Copperfield.”
“Great Expectations” was first published in serial form in 1860 and 1861, and was later released as a novel in 1861. The novel was written during a period of personal turmoil for Dickens, as he was going through a difficult separation from his wife and dealing with health problems.
The themes of “Great Expectations” reflect Dickens’ social concerns about class and ambition in Victorian England. The novel explores the idea that social standing and wealth do not necessarily lead to happiness, and that true worth lies in one’s character and inner qualities.
In addition to its social commentary, “Great Expectations” is also a deeply personal work for Dickens. The character of Pip is widely believed to be based on Dickens himself, and the novel is often seen as a reflection of his own struggles with ambition, success, and the expectations of others.
Overall, “Great Expectations” is a complex and multifaceted work that reflects Dickens’ own experiences and concerns, as well as his deep understanding of the society in which he lived.
THEMES
- Social class: The novel explores the idea that a person’s social class can have a significant impact on their life and opportunities.
- Identity: The novel examines the struggle to understand one’s own identity and the role that others play in shaping that identity.
- Ambition: The novel explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the negative consequences that can result from blindly pursuing one’s desires.
- Love and relationships: The novel examines the complexities of love and the ways in which relationships can shape a person’s life.
- Crime and punishment: The novel explores the themes of crime and punishment, including the idea of redemption and the consequences of one’s actions.
- Appearance vs. reality: The novel questions the nature of appearances and the ways in which people present themselves to the world.
- Guilt and forgiveness: The novel explores the themes of guilt and forgiveness, including the ways in which guilt can consume a person and the power of forgiveness to heal emotional wounds.
These themes are woven throughout the narrative and are explored through the characters and their experiences.
CHARACTERS
- Pip: The protagonist of the novel, Pip is an orphan who is raised by his abusive sister and her husband, the blacksmith Joe. He has big dreams of becoming a gentleman and leaving his humble roots behind. However, his ambition blinds him to the truth about those around him and the consequences of his actions. Over the course of the novel, Pip learns important lessons about love, forgiveness, and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
- Estella: A cold and haughty young woman, Estella is raised by Miss Havisham to break men’s hearts. She becomes Pip’s love interest, but is emotionally distant and ultimately rejects him. Over the course of the novel, Estella learns important lessons about love, forgiveness, and the nature of identity.
- Miss Havisham: A wealthy and eccentric woman who was left at the altar on her wedding day, Miss Havisham lives in isolation and raises Estella to be a heartbreaker. She is a tragic figure who is consumed by her bitterness and resentment.
- Abel Magwitch: A convict who escapes from prison and becomes Pip’s secret benefactor. Magwitch is rough around the edges, but has a kind heart and a deep love for Pip. He is ultimately redeemed through his love for Pip and his selfless actions.
- Joe Gargery: Pip’s kind-hearted and uneducated brother-in-law, Joe is a blacksmith who teaches Pip important lessons about compassion and humility. Despite being mistreated by Pip at times, Joe remains a loyal and loving figure throughout the novel.
- Jaggers: A powerful lawyer who plays a key role in Pip’s life, Jaggers is a cold and calculating figure who is more concerned with his reputation than with justice. He is a master of manipulation and often uses his power to control those around him.
- Herbert Pocket: A friend of Pip’s who helps him adjust to life in London, Herbert is a kind-hearted and optimistic young man who is unafraid to pursue his dreams. He is a symbol of the possibility of happiness and success through hard work and dedication.
These are just a few of the main characters in “Great Expectations.” The novel is populated by a wide range of complex and interesting characters, each of whom plays a role in shaping the narrative and exploring the novel’s themes.
SYMBOLISM
- Satis House: The decaying mansion where Miss Havisham lives is a symbol of the rot and decay that can result from an obsessive focus on the past. The house is frozen in time, with everything left as it was on the day Miss Havisham was left at the altar. It is a dark and oppressive place, with spider webs covering the furniture and the air thick with dust.
- Pip’s Great Expectations: Pip’s dream of becoming a gentleman is a symbol of his desire to escape his humble origins and become something greater. However, this ambition ultimately blinds him to the truth about those around him and the negative consequences of his actions.
- The River Thames: The river that flows through London is a symbol of the journey of life and the passage of time. Pip’s journey takes him from the marshes of his childhood to the bustling streets of London, and he is constantly reminded of the passage of time by the ebb and flow of the river.
- The Moors: The desolate marshes where Pip grows up are a symbol of the isolation and hopelessness of his childhood. They are a bleak and desolate landscape, with no trees or signs of civilization. However, they also represent the possibility of escape and a new life, as Pip’s journey begins on the marshes and eventually takes him to London.
- Miss Havisham’s Wedding Dress: The wedding dress that Miss Havisham wears is a symbol of the betrayal and heartbreak that she experienced on her wedding day. It is an emblem of her obsession with the past and her refusal to move on from the pain that she has experienced.
These are just a few examples of the symbolism in “Great Expectations.” The novel is filled with rich and evocative symbolism that helps to deepen its themes and explore its characters in greater depth.
QUOTES
- “I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.” – This quote is spoken by Pip near the end of the novel and reflects his growth and development as a character. He has been through many trials and tribulations, but he believes that they have ultimately made him a better person.
- “We forge the chains we wear in life.” – This quote, spoken by the character Estella, reflects the novel’s theme of personal responsibility. Estella suggests that we are responsible for our own fate, and that our choices shape the course of our lives.
- “Take nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There’s no better rule.” – This quote, spoken by Mr. Jaggers, reflects his pragmatic and cynical view of the world. He believes that appearances can be deceiving, and that the only way to truly understand the world is through hard evidence.
- “We need never be ashamed of our tears.” – This quote, spoken by Estella, reflects the novel’s exploration of emotion and vulnerability. Estella suggests that crying is a natural and healthy response to difficult situations, and that we should not be ashamed of showing our emotions.
- “There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart.” – This quote, spoken by the character Charles Dickens, reflects the novel’s exploration of the tension between reason and emotion. Dickens suggests that both types of wisdom are important, and that a balanced approach is necessary for true understanding.
- “I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be.” – This quote, spoken by Pip about his love for Estella, reflects the novel’s exploration of the irrational and uncontrollable nature of love. Pip’s feelings for Estella are so strong that they override all other considerations.
CHAPTER SUMMARIES
CHAPTERS 1-10
Chapter 1: The novel begins with the introduction of the protagonist, Pip, who is an orphan living with his abusive sister and her blacksmith husband, Joe Gargery. Pip visits his family’s grave and encounters a convict who threatens him and demands food and a file to remove his chains.
Chapter 2: Pip steals food and the file from Joe’s house and brings them to the convict, but the authorities catch the convict anyway. Pip feels guilty for his actions.
Chapter 3: Pip is invited to play at Satis House, the home of the wealthy Miss Havisham, who has been jilted on her wedding day and lives in isolation. Pip meets her adopted daughter, Estella, who is being raised to break men’s hearts.
Chapter 4: Pip returns to Satis House to play with Estella again and becomes embarrassed by his humble appearance and lack of education.
Chapter 5: Pip starts to dream of becoming a gentleman, hoping to win Estella’s heart. He is upset by his sister’s abuse and jealous of Joe’s easygoing nature.
Chapter 6: Pip goes to church with Joe and his Uncle Pumblechook, a pompous businessman who brags about Pip’s connection to Miss Havisham.
Chapter 7: Pip is called to Miss Havisham’s house again and insulted by her relatives for being a common laborer. He becomes angry and ashamed of his humble background.
Chapter 8: Pip starts to receive private tutoring from Matthew Pocket, a distant relative of Miss Havisham. He is excited by the prospect of education and becoming a gentleman.
Chapter 9: Pip is apprenticed to Joe as a blacksmith but finds the work difficult and unfulfilling. He continues to dream of a better life as a gentleman.
Chapter 10: Pip goes back to Satis House and confesses his love to Estella, but she rejects him and tells him that she plans to marry someone else. Pip is heartbroken and humiliated.
CHAPTERS 11 – 20
Chapter 11: Pip continues to feel ashamed of his humble background and dreams of becoming a gentleman. He visits Miss Havisham again and is encouraged by her to pursue his dreams.
Chapter 12: Pip’s apprenticeship with Joe becomes increasingly difficult, and he feels embarrassed by Joe’s lack of education and manners. He becomes more determined to leave his old life behind.
Chapter 13: Pip is surprised by a visit from Mr. Jaggers, a lawyer who informs him that he has been left a large sum of money by an anonymous benefactor. He assumes the money is from Miss Havisham.
Chapter 14: Pip travels to London with Mr. Jaggers to begin his new life as a gentleman. He is impressed by the city but overwhelmed by the new customs and expectations.
Chapter 15: Pip meets his new roommate, Herbert Pocket, who helps him adjust to his new life. Pip realizes that he has much to learn about being a gentleman.
Chapter 16: Pip receives a visit from his old friend, Joe, who is uncomfortable in Pip’s new surroundings. Pip is embarrassed by Joe’s lack of education and manners.
Chapter 17: Pip becomes friends with a wealthy woman named Miss Havisham, who encourages his pursuit of Estella. He becomes increasingly obsessed with her.
Chapter 18: Pip spends time with Estella, who is now in London. She continues to treat him poorly and reminds him of his low social status.
Chapter 19: Pip begins to spend money recklessly and becomes deeply in debt. He is forced to ask for help from Herbert, who offers to lend him money.
Chapter 20: Pip receives a surprise visit from his old acquaintance, Wemmick, who is a clerk for Mr. Jaggers. Wemmick takes Pip to visit his eccentric and reclusive father, who lives in a castle-like house called Walworth.
CHAPTERS 21 – 30
Chapter 21: Pip continues to spend time with Estella, who remains distant and cruel towards him. He becomes more obsessed with her and continues to dream of winning her heart.
Chapter 22: Pip receives a letter from Estella, asking him to meet her at Satis House. He hopes that this is a sign that she has finally developed feelings for him.
Chapter 23: Pip arrives at Satis House to find Miss Havisham badly burned and Estella absent. Miss Havisham reveals that she adopted Estella for the sole purpose of breaking men’s hearts and tells Pip that he is not the first to fall victim to her scheme.
Chapter 24: Pip becomes increasingly ashamed of his past and tries to distance himself from Joe and Biddy, his childhood friend. He feels guilty for his snobbish behavior but is unable to change his ways.
Chapter 25: Pip receives a visit from Mr. Jaggers, who informs him that a mysterious benefactor has arranged for him to become a gentleman and offers him an allowance of £500 per year.
Chapter 26: Pip becomes friends with a wealthy and influential man named Bentley Drummle, who treats him poorly and makes him feel inferior.
Chapter 27: Pip receives a visit from Estella, who is now married to Bentley Drummle. She tells him that she never had any real feelings for him and that she plans to use her beauty and charm to manipulate Drummle.
Chapter 28: Pip becomes increasingly isolated and unhappy in his new life as a gentleman. He misses his old friends and feels guilty for his past behavior.
Chapter 29: Pip receives a surprise visit from his convict friend from the marshes, who reveals that he was the one who arranged for Pip to receive his fortune. Pip is shocked and conflicted by this revelation.
Chapter 30: Pip becomes increasingly concerned about the source of his fortune and decides to investigate. He visits Mr. Jaggers and learns that his benefactor is a mysterious criminal named Abel Magwitch, who is now living in hiding. Pip realizes that he is in danger and must help Magwitch escape the country.
CHAPTERS 31-40
Chapter 31: Pip visits Abel Magwitch, his mysterious benefactor, and learns about his past as a convict and his love for a woman named Molly. Magwitch explains that he wants Pip to become a gentleman so that he can live vicariously through him.
Chapter 32: Pip becomes increasingly conflicted about his relationship with Magwitch and his own identity as a gentleman. He fears that his past will be revealed and that he will lose everything.
Chapter 33: Pip’s relationship with Estella becomes more complex, and he begins to see her as a victim of Miss Havisham’s cruel upbringing. He also learns that Miss Havisham is his benefactor’s estranged wife and that Estella is their daughter.
Chapter 34: Pip receives a visit from his old friend, Herbert, who tells him that Miss Havisham has died and that her estate has been left to him. Pip decides to use the money to help Magwitch escape the country.
Chapter 35: Pip meets with Magwitch and plans his escape, but they are betrayed by Compeyson, Magwitch’s former partner in crime. Magwitch is arrested, and Pip is injured in a struggle.
Chapter 36: Pip recovers from his injuries and realizes that he is deeply in debt. He decides to flee to the continent with Herbert, where they can work to repay their debts.
Chapter 37: Pip receives a surprise visit from Estella, who has been widowed by Drummle’s death. She tells him that she has changed and regrets her past behavior.
Chapter 38: Pip and Herbert begin to build a new life in the continent, but Pip is haunted by guilt and the memory of Magwitch. He realizes that he must return to England to face his past.
Chapter 39: Pip returns to England and learns that Magwitch has been sentenced to death. He visits him in prison and realizes that he has come to care for him deeply.
Chapter 40: Pip helps Magwitch escape from prison and tries to take him out of the country, but they are pursued by the police. In a struggle, Magwitch is gravely injured, and Pip takes care of him until his death. Pip is later arrested for his role in Magwitch’s escape.
CHAPTERS 41-50
Chapter 41: Pip is taken to trial and is eventually acquitted of all charges. He falls ill and is taken care of by Joe, who has come to London to visit him.
Chapter 42: Pip returns to his childhood home and realizes how much he has missed his old life. He also sees how much he has hurt the people who cared for him.
Chapter 43: Pip is visited by Estella, who has returned to England. She tells him that she plans to live a solitary life and warns him not to pursue her romantically.
Chapter 44: Pip reconciles with Joe and Biddy, who have married each other. He learns that they have a son named Pip after him and feels a sense of responsibility towards the child.
Chapter 45: Pip learns that Miss Havisham’s madness was caused by the pain of being jilted at the altar. He also learns that she left a substantial sum of money to Herbert, which helps him establish his business.
Chapter 46: Pip visits Satis House one last time and sees that it has fallen into ruin. He realizes that he has been chasing an illusion and that his expectations were misguided.
Chapter 47: Pip receives a surprise visit from Magwitch’s former servant, who reveals that Estella is actually Magwitch’s daughter and not Miss Havisham’s. Pip realizes that he and Estella are connected in a way he never imagined.
Chapter 48: Pip visits Magwitch’s grave and reflects on the lessons he has learned about wealth, class, and the nature of true happiness.
Chapter 49: Pip returns to the forge and begins to work alongside Joe once again. He realizes that he has finally found contentment in his old life and the people who love him.
Chapter 50: Pip and Estella meet one last time and share a moment of understanding and forgiveness. They part ways, each finding their own path in life. Pip concludes his story by reflecting on the power of love, forgiveness, and the lessons he has learned about the dangers of unchecked ambition.
CHAPTERS 51-59
Chapter 51: Pip spends time with Joe and Biddy, who reveal that they are expecting another child. Pip also receives a letter from Herbert, who informs him that he and Clara are expecting a child as well.
Chapter 52: Pip receives a visit from Wemmick, who informs him that Jaggers has retired and that he and Miss Skiffins are engaged to be married.
Chapter 53: Pip returns to London and visits the site of Satis House, which has been demolished. He also visits the site of Newgate Prison, where he first met Magwitch.
Chapter 54: Pip discovers that Magwitch is still alive and has been brought to England by Compeyson. He decides to help Magwitch escape England.
Chapter 55: Pip and Herbert make arrangements to smuggle Magwitch out of England. However, their plan is foiled when they are ambushed by Compeyson.
Chapter 56: Magwitch is seriously injured in the confrontation with Compeyson and is taken to prison. Pip visits him and they have a final conversation before Magwitch dies.
Chapter 57: Pip falls ill and is nursed back to health by Joe. He reflects on the mistakes he has made and the lessons he has learned.
Chapter 58: Pip returns to the forge and asks for forgiveness from Joe and Biddy. Biddy reveals that she is no longer upset with Pip and that she has married Joe.
Chapter 59: Pip returns to the site of Satis House and meets Estella. They share a moment of understanding and forgiveness before parting ways. Pip concludes his story by reflecting on the power of love, forgiveness, and the lessons he has learned about the dangers of unchecked ambition.