Significance of the Title “Great Expectations”:
Charles Dickens's Great Expectations basically deals with the great expectations of money and
gentility as defined by the Victorian society. Due to the Industrial
revolution, English society changed radically. There were people who wanted to
be gentleman by virtue of money only. However, Dickens shows that money alone
cannot be the touchstone of gentility. Dickens shows how the expectations of
the characters in the novel are crushed, as they are devoid of generosity and moral sense.
Pip is the central character of Great Expectations. His desire to be a gentleman stems from the
society to which he is exposed. In his childhood, he experiences violence,
brutality and bullying of his elders. His sense of helplessness is reinforced
by his sudden encounter with the convict who inserts in him the fear of
punishment. Again, at Satis House Estella scorns him as "a common
labouring-boy". His encounter with Miss Havisham rouses his great
expectations. All these factors react in him and he desires to lift himself
above what is deemed as "common". Pip confesses to Biddy that he
wants to be a gentleman for Estella's sake. To Pip, gentlemen means rising
above one's own humble root.
Pip's great
expectations prove an irony for him. Instead of being a gentleman in the true
sense of the term, he becomes a snob. He cuts off his connection with Mr. Joe,
and Biddy and runs after Estella. However, although Pip is deluded by great
expectations, he shows some proofs of inherent goodness. He helps Herbert to
establish in life, rescues Miss Havisham from the fire and supports Magwitch
till his death. Pip fails in his expectations, although there is an indication
that he succeeds in life by his integrity and hard work.
Besides Pip, there are
other characters who have their respective expectations. Miss Havisham's
expectation for a happy marriage has failed, because it does not match
Compeyson's expectation for wealth. Magwitch expects Pip to be a member of the
upper class. Estella expects a happy conjugal life with Drummle. Joe and Mrs.
Joe expect that Pip will be a gentleman; Herbert expects a handsome offer from
Miss Havisham. Pumblechook expects favour from Pip. But all these expectations
are thwarted.
Dickens seems to use
the title Great Expectations in an ironic vein. He is of the opinion that
money is the source of evil. So only hard work and moral sense can fulfill a
man's expectations. Joe and Biddy lead a happy life by dint of their hard work.
Pip becomes a partner of Herbert by his integrity and benevolence. Thus the
title of the novel seems quite justified.
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