Essay on Dickens Social Commentary in Great Expectations

Dickens Social Commentary in Great Expectations Charles Dickens Great Expectations stands as one of the most highly revered works in all of English literature. The novels perennial appeal lies in its penetrating depictions of character, rich panoramas of social milieu, and implicit crusades against social evils.1 Dickens used the growth of his characters in Great Expectations, particularly Pip, in relation to others to write about social reform, and most effectively illustrated this by using the first-person narrative style. In Great Expectations, Charles Dickens has written a social commentary using the development of his characters to illustrate his message. In my paper, I will concentrate on three of the main†¦show more content†¦Dickens uses his characters to illustrate these themes. He shows in-depth character transformation by showing his characters learning these lessons through suffering and hardships. Great Expectations is told by a first-person narrator, the narrator being the main character, Pip. He tells about his own life of selfishness and greed and how he learned through his own experiences how to make himself useful and happy. This novel is a first-person narrative because it is Pips own story. Since it is about his own life it makes it easy for the reader to identify with Pip and what he is going through. In a first- person narrative you know from the very beginning of the story the conflict between the narrator and the main character will be resolved.4 In Great Expectations the narrator is the main character grown up and telling about his experiences as a young boy. It would be difficult to tell a story unless you really understand the meaning and importance of it and you can only realize this through your own experiences. Pips first encounter with Magwitch, an escaped convict, is down by the marshes where Pip is visiting his parents graves. Magwitch asks Pip, Wheres your mother? Pip points to the grave and says There sir.5 Magwitch is startled and we can sense that he was a bit frightened also. From Magwitchs nervousness we see that he is just as scared and unhappy as Pip. Pip is veryShow MoreRelatedCharles Dickens Great Expectations: End Analysis1039 Words   |  4 Pagesof the novel. The ending must also leave the reader with the impact intended by the author. In other words, an ending is what the author is really trying to say. The global, political, and social commentary in literature is embedded in the way the narrative ends. In the case of Great Expectations, Charles Dickens ultimately selected the ending in which Pip and Estella are reunited, leaving open the precise way their newfound emotional intimacy will develop. 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