Great Expectations

Discussion of Novel

What is the setting and point of view of Great Expectations?

Due to the way Estella makes Pip feel about his knowledge over the “Beggar my Neighbor” game, he has the following negative thought about Joe: “I wished Joe had been rather more genteelly brought up, and then I should have been so, too.” Discuss why this statement might be important to the novel and may even tie into the title of the novel.

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What are some themes found in Great Expectations?

What does Great Expectations reveal about expectations and happiness?

Discuss how the theme of appearance vs. reality is supported in the novel.

We all have Great Expectations--illusions and foolish desires--that lead us astray; however, we grow out of them to some extent. What are Pip's, Miss Havisham's, and Magwitch's expectations and how do they affect the lives of others?

Cite three examples where the theme of "basic goodness does not come from social status or wealth--it comes from inner worth" is supported in Great Expectations.

How does Pip's loyalty to Magwitch relate to a theme found in the novel?

In what ways does Great Expectations reflect the impact of the Industrial Revolution?

Static? Dynamic?

Philip Pirrip

Joe Gargery

Mrs. Joe Gargery

Miss Havisham

Estella Havisham

Herbert Pocket

Mr. Jaggers

Mr. Wemmick

Abel Magwitch

What is Orlick's role in the novel? Why are he and Pip antagonistic to one another?

Why does Dickens have Pumblechook and Pip assaulted by the same assailant?

Children need supportive parents who are nurturing. How many good parents can be found in Great Expectations?

What is the significance of Philip Pirrip's nickname "Pip"? Why do you think one of Magwitch's principal conditions is that Pip "always bear the name of Pip"?

Biddy’s question to Pip:

“‘Do you want to be a gentleman to spite her or gain her over?’”

Why is this an insightful question?

Worldly or Moral Values?

• Joe Gargery• Phillip Pirrip• Mrs. Joe Gargery• Miss Havisham• Estella Havisham

• Herbert Pocket• Mr. Jaggers• Abel Magwitch• John Wemmick

One subplot concerns the “expectations” of Herbert Pocket. Contrast the attitudes, background, and prospects of Pip and Herbert.

Motifs

Brainstorm motifs found in the novel.

Motifs

One of the motifs is the doubles motif. List three different doubles found in the novel.

Identify the following places: Three Jolly Bargemen, Satis House, Barnard's Inn, Little Britain, Walworth, the marsh country, and The Blue Boar