Great Expectations By Charles Dickens Charles Dickens One

Great Expectations By Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens • One of the most wellknown 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… • 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 19 th 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.