Book Sharing---Great Expectations

"Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens is a classic coming-of-age novel that explores themes of love, ambition, betrayal, and redemption. The story follows Pip, a young orphan boy who dreams of becoming a gentleman and rises from his humble beginnings to enter the upper echelons of society. Along the way, he encounters a cast of memorable characters, including the mysterious Miss Havisham, the beautiful Estella, and the loyal Joe. Through Pip's journey, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as he navigates the complexities of human relationships and learns valuable life lessons about the true meaning of love, the dangers of ambition, and the power of forgiveness. Dickens' vivid descriptions, complex characters, and engrossing plot make "Great Expectations" a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Join me in discovering what makes this book worth recommending!

1）The Danger of False Hope

Great Expectations tells the story of Pip as he grows from trusting child to an adult prig with visions of becoming a gentleman. He manages to grow older without growing up, but he is not unsympathetic. This happens to many of us, after all, and in the end he redeems himself.

Like many of Dickens’ characters, Pip is an orphan. He is raised by his shrewish older sister and her loving husband, Joe the blacksmith. “I was always treated as if I had insisted on being born in opposition to the dictates of reason, religion, and morality, and against the dissuading arguments of my best friends.”

Although his childhood is not a happy one, Pip is content with his prospects of growing up to work in the forge alongside his friend Joe. Then his life is upended by Estella, the adopted daughter of the mysterious Miss Havisham, who thinks him coarse and common. The unexpected announcement that Pip has great expectations from an anonymous benefactor that will enable him to leave the forge and his friends is initially greeted with joy, but ultimately makes things worse. Giving up what you have in order to strive for what you do not need is not a recipe for a happy life[1]. The true happiness and contentment come from within and cannot be achieved through external factors. In this way, Great Expectations teaches a valuable lesson about the dangers of false hope and the importance of tempering one's expectations and finding contentment in the present moment.

2) Love

The theme of love is also prevalent throughout Great Expectations. Pip's initial infatuation with Estella, who he views as a symbol of upper-class refinement and sophistication, drives much of the plot. However, as the story progresses, Pip learns that true love is not based on superficial qualities such as wealth or status, but rather on genuine kindness and compassion.

One of the most poignant examples of this is the character of Joe, Pip's adoptive father figure and the town blacksmith. Although Joe is initially portrayed as a simple and somewhat uncultured man, it is ultimately revealed that he possesses a deep and abiding love for Pip that transcends societal expectations and norms.

In this way, Great Expectations teaches readers the importance of looking beyond surface-level appearances and valuing people for their inherent worth and goodness.

3）The power of Forgiveness

Great Expectations teaches the power of forgiveness through the character of Pip and his relationship with his benefactor, Abel Magwitch. Initially, Pip despises Magwitch as he believes him to be his secret benefactor, but later learns that Magwitch is a man with a troubled past who has been exiled to Australia. Despite this, Magwitch has been working hard to accumulate wealth for Pip, whom he regards as his own child.

As Pip comes to understand Magwitch's true nature, he also learns to forgive him for his past wrongdoings. Pip realizes that Magwitch is a victim of his own circumstances and that he has been seeking redemption for his past mistakes by trying to help Pip. This realization leads Pip to not only forgive Magwitch but also to help him escape from the country when he is in danger of being caught.

Through this relationship, the novel teaches that forgiveness can be a powerful force that can help to heal past wounds and repair damaged relationships. It also shows that people are capable of change and that redemption is possible, even for those who have made terrible mistakes.

4) Ambitions

Great Expectations tells a story of ambition through its protagonist Pip, who dreams of becoming a gentleman and rising above his humble beginnings. Pip's ambition is fueled by his desire to win the love of Estella and to escape his upbringing as an orphan. Throughout the story, Pip encounters challenges and setbacks, including financial ruin and personal betrayals, that force him to reevaluate his goals and motivations.

Through Pip's journey, Great Expectations teaches a lesson about the dangers of unchecked ambition. Pip's single-minded pursuit of his dream causes him to neglect his relationships with those who care about him, including his best friend Joe and his loyal benefactor, Abel Magwitch. As Pip becomes more focused on achieving his own ambitions, he becomes increasingly isolated and unhappy. Ultimately, Pip comes to realize that true happiness cannot be found through ambition alone. He learns the value of humility and the importance of cherishing the relationships that matter most in life. In this way, Great Expectations offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the importance of finding balance in one's goals and relationships.

[1] “Worth Reading: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens” https://techwritersbureau.com