Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

from goodreads

4.5 stars

When it comes to reading what is considered a classic  it is hard to give it a rating. Either you love the language used or you don't. Dickens is very wordy and sometimes your eyes do glaze over but, the story is great when you read between the wordiness.

Synopsis

This follows the life of a boy/man named Pip. It begins with Pip as a boy. He runs into an escaped convict whom he gives food and a file. While still young he is ordered to go to a Miss Havisham's, to play. Miss Havisham is a very rich and very odd lady, who has an adopted daughter around Pip's age. While there Pip realizes how un-genteel and crude he is and he begins to feel ashamed of himself and those whom he loves.

Later, as a blacksmith's apprentice, Pip is told that he has a secret benefactor who wishes to increase his fortunes and expectations in life. Pip sets off for London to be educated as a gentleman. With his new "expectations", Pip learns what is truly important in life, though it comes with heartache and humility.

My Thoughts

I first read this story when I was in grade 12 for my english class. I loved it. Rereading it 13 years later my opinion of it has not changed. I love this story. I love it is because of the whole notion of what makes someone great. Pip thinks he needs to be rich, have nice things and a good education in order to be a good and worthy person. Yet, we see the character of Joe, and we realize that those things, though helpful and nice, does not make the worth or the goodness of a person.

The book also delves into the subject of forgiveness and grudges. Those characters who held onto grudges or the wrongs done to them where unhappy and wanted to drag others into their own misery. While those who freely forgave, as Joe did, were happy and content and brought up those around them.

The ensemble of characters that Dickens created was fantastic. They each seemed to embody a particular character flaw or goodness. I loved the range of characters that Wemmick had. He was either the office Wemmick or he was the Walworth Wemmick. It is interesting how he is able to completely compartmentalize his life. I think that is something most people have a hard time doing. I also love Wemmick's need for portable property.

My favourite character was Joe. I mean, how could it not be. Joe is the best person. If we could all be half as kind and loving as Joe the world would be a much happier and nicer place. His undying devotion to Pip, his kindness to his rather abusive wife, his gentle manner, he is truly a saint. Joe is the person you want as your best friend. Your heart aches for him when he is treated unkindly, and in the end you are so glad that he has found true happiness.

I am glad that Pip realizes what is truly important and life and becomes less obsessed with worldly possessions and pride. In the end, he becomes a man with whom you would like to become better acquainted.

Dickens is wordy. Sometimes the story slowed a bit because of that. Some chapters seemed randomly thrown in. I know it was written as a serial for the newspaper, so that might be why they seemed so random. I just sort of skimmed over those until I got back to the meat of the story.

If you are nervous about reading the classics, or Dickens, try Great Expectations. It is a great story. Masterpiece Theatre did a great adaptation not too long ago, if you watch an abridged version first to whet your appetite before diving in. Here is the trailer below.