Great Expectations MCQs & Summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 22, 2025

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:

1. Who is the protagonist of Great Expectations?
   A) Estella
   B) Pip
   C) Magwitch
   D) Miss Havisham
   Answer: B) Pip
2. 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
3. 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

   

4. Who is Pip’s secret benefactor?
   A) Miss Havisham
   B) Joe Gargery
   C) Magwitch
   D) Mr. Jaggers
   Answer: C) Magwitch
5. 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
6. Who is Estella’s biological father?
   A) Compeyson
   B) Joe Gargery
   C) Magwitch
   D) Mr. Jaggers
   Answer: C) Magwitch
7. 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
8. Which character remains loyal to Pip despite his arrogance?
   A) Mr. Jaggers
   B) Herbert Pocket
   C) Joe Gargery
   D) Drummle
   Answer: C) Joe Gargery
9. 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
10. 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