Great Expectations By Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens One of the most well-known authors to ever live Oliver Twist A Christmas Carol David Copperfield The Little Curiosity Shop Great Expectations was written near end of career (1860-1861)
Things to Keep in Mind as You Read: Charles Dickens was born in England Moved to London when young 12 years old Mother, father, and younger sibling sent to debtors’ prison Charles had to find work
Work…Work…Work… Charles had to provide for his family Pasted labels on shoe polish Ate little, slept on floors, and practically lived on London’s rough streets Family was relatively comfortable
Teen Years Allowed to briefly return to school At fifteen became a law clerk Taught himself shorthand Used as a reporter At 19 he was rejected Eventually married 10 Children
Great Expectations “The title refers to the hopes for the future of Pip, the main character, who is not satisfied with his position as a blacksmith’s apprentice.” Takes place in 19th century Victorian England The poor youth had little hope of getting an education and escaping a life of poverty. Humor…Sympathies…Surprises…Great Expectations
Great Expectations is a Bildungsroman A Bildungsroman is a novel about the moral and psychological growth of the main character.