10 Reasons Why

Great Expectations

is a Classic

BY REBECC

A

1. Vivid characters with relatable experiences

In this book, Dickens clearly and thoroughly develops his characters. They encounter many common things that people of every generation can relate to; they struggle for survival, discover love, encounter failure and strive for success.

2. Universal IdeasThe experiences

that the characters have are filled with universal main ideas of alienation, loneliness, ambition, success, failure, family, and self-discovery.

Pips’ Christmas Dinner

The audience gets to see the whole story of Pip’s life, more or less. We get to see him grow up; his journey through life is very relevant to the human experience.

3. Dickens relates to the human conditionThe human condition is

something that can always be looked into, and Dickens does just that. Dickens gives us insight into human interaction; this book looks at many different parts of both inter and intra personal relationships.

"So, throughout life, our worst weaknesses and meannesses are usually committed for the sake of the people whom we most despise.“ – Chapter 27

Miss Havisham

4. Dickens creates iconic characters

Although Pip is the main character in Great Expectations, I find Miss Havisham to be the more memorable character. She is so strange and bitter, yet understandable.

Pip and Miss Havisham

To have a classic novel, you need meaningful plots and strong, intriguing characters. Some of Dickens most memorable characters include Scrooge from A Christmas Carol and Madame Defarge from A Tale of Two Cities.

5. Specific social

commentaryOne very obvious and dominant part of the story is the separation of social classes. In the book it shows how shallow a view society had of who was important and who was not and what made them that way. This can be related to modern times in a way.

“Take another glass of wine, and excuse my mentioning that society as a body does not expect one to be so strictly conscientious in emptying one's glass, as to turn it bottom upwards with the rim on one's nose.” – Chapter 22

6. Situational humourPeople continue to like

this story because it can be considered humorous at times. This novel is not restricted to one genre; it has poignant dramatic scenes but also comedy. Most of the comedy is in the characters and is used to give relief to the drama of the story.

7. Different levels of love

There are different levels of love in Great Expectations, including unrequited love. Pip doesn’t really know what or who he wants until near the end of the story when he is too late for Biddy.

Biddy and Pip

Love is something that people everywhere, no matter what era or culture, will be able to relate to. Love is something unknown that people will always have to discover themselves.

8. Many adaptations of the storyThroughout the years, there have been many adaptations of this story; there are numerous movies, theater, and even television series. This shows how it is constantly enjoyed by people of different generations. It lends itself well to audiences across different aesthetic genres.

Great Expectations movie poster, 1946

9. Something of historical

fiction

He vividly describes the setting and lifestyle, so it ends up reading like historical fiction in the fact that the reader gets a good picture and sense of life in the 19th century.

Being set in the time that it is, the story could act as a sort of historical fiction. Dickens aptly captures the mentality and spirit of the age.

Pip and Magwitch

10. Dickens is an iconic writer

Dickens has had such a huge impacts on English literature, which is what makes this book (and so many others of his) a classic. They have captivating storylines and characters, with relatable universal themes. This is why Great Expectations, and Charles Dickens himself, can be considered as part of the “classics” in literature.