Summary:
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is a coming-of-age novel that follows the life of Pip, an orphan raised by his abusive sister and her kind husband, Joe Gargery. Pip’s life changes when he encounters an escaped convict, Magwitch, and later, the wealthy and eccentric Miss Havisham, who raises her beautiful but cold-hearted ward, Estella.
Pip dreams of becoming a gentleman, especially after receiving financial support from a mysterious benefactor. Believing it to be Miss Havisham, he aspires to win Estella’s love. However, he later discovers that his benefactor is actually Magwitch, the convict he once helped. This revelation forces Pip to reconsider his values and expectations.
As Pip matures, he realizes that true worth is defined by character, not wealth or social status. He eventually reconciles with Joe and learns humility, love, and redemption. The novel explores themes of social class, ambition, morality, and personal growth, making it one of Dickens’ most enduring works.
MCQs:
- Who is the protagonist of Great Expectations?
A) Estella
B) Pip
C) Magwitch
D) Miss Havisham
Answer: B) Pip - Who raises Pip after his parents die?
A) Miss Havisham
B) Mr. Jaggers
C) His sister and Joe Gargery
D) Estella’s family
Answer: C) His sister and Joe Gargery - What does Miss Havisham wear throughout the novel?
A) A black dress
B) A tattered wedding gown
C) A red cloak
D) A golden robe
Answer: B) A tattered wedding gown
Great Expectations - Who is Pip’s secret benefactor?
A) Miss Havisham
B) Joe Gargery
C) Magwitch
D) Mr. Jaggers
Answer: C) Magwitch - What is Pip’s primary motivation for becoming a gentleman?
A) To gain wealth and social status
B) To impress Estella
C) To escape his poor upbringing
D) To become a lawyer
Answer: B) To impress Estella - Who is Estella’s biological father?
A) Compeyson
B) Joe Gargery
C) Magwitch
D) Mr. Jaggers
Answer: C) Magwitch - How does Miss Havisham die?
A) In a carriage accident
B) From a fire in her home
C) She drowns in the river
D) She is murdered by Compeyson
Answer: B) From a fire in her home - Which character remains loyal to Pip despite his arrogance?
A) Mr. Jaggers
B) Herbert Pocket
C) Joe Gargery
D) Drummle
Answer: C) Joe Gargery - What does Pip do after learning Magwitch is his benefactor?
A) Rejects the money
B) Helps Magwitch escape
C) Betrays Magwitch to the authorities
D) Leaves for America
Answer: B) Helps Magwitch escape - What is a major theme of the novel?
A) The rise of industrialization
B) The power of true love
C) The struggle between wealth and morality
D) The importance of war
Answer: C) The struggle between wealth and morality
| Question | Answer |
| Book Name | Great Expectations |
| Author | Charles Dickens |
| Year Published | 1861 |
| Genre | Bildungsroman (Coming-of-age novel) |
| Setting | Early 19th-century England |
| Main Themes | Social Class, Ambition, Morality, Redemption |
| Main Characters | Pip, Estella, Miss Havisham, Magwitch, Joe Gargery, Mr. Jaggers |
| Symbolism | Satis House (decay of wealth), The mist (moral confusion), Fire (destruction and transformation) |
| Literary Significance | One of Dickens’ greatest novels, explores class struggles and personal growth |