Great Expectations (A Norton Critical Edition)
Great Expectations charts the progress of Pip from childhood through often painful experiences to adulthood, as he moves from the Kent marshes to busy, commercial London, encountering a variety of extraordinary characters ranging from Magwitch, the escaped convict, to Miss Havisham, locked up with her unhappy past and living with her ward, the arrogant, beautiful Estella. Pip must discover his true self, and his own set of values and priorities. Whether such values allow one to prosper in the complex world of early Victorian England is the major question posed by Great Expectations, one of Dickens's most fascinating, and disturbing, novels. This edition includes the original, discarded ending, Dickens's brief working notes, and the serial instalments and chapter divisions in different editions. It also uses the definitive Clarendon text.
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Community Reviews
I am of the opinion that you cannot read Dickens in a rush. The minority low ratings of this book seem to be filled with accusations that Great Expectations is “slow”, “boring”, or “dull.” I think this sentiment is largely a result of the readers lacking the luxury (or patience) to slow down to Dickens pace. This is an author, after all, who rented a commercial boat to sail down the river just to make sure he could write accurately about obscure landmarks for his characters.
The book itself is excellent. You will find that the specificity of emotion and the afflictions of conscience that this book elucidates will stir your own sensitivities in an unusual way. The shame the protagonist feels is relatable and understandable, as are his mistakes. Every good deed will be celebrated inwardly as though you also were an accomplice to its benevolence. If you are at all interested in or afflicted with the concepts of classism, shame and guilt, personal identity, or personal maturity, this book will greatly delight you.
Lastly, I wish I had more friends who had read this book, even if it were just to be able to discuss the characters if Estella and Miss Havisham. It bewilders me that these two females, as well as Satis House, are not more iconic and famous/infamous in today’s culture. They are controversial, engaging, puzzling, and enlightening; easily two of Dicken’s most commendable constructions! Enjoy!
The book itself is excellent. You will find that the specificity of emotion and the afflictions of conscience that this book elucidates will stir your own sensitivities in an unusual way. The shame the protagonist feels is relatable and understandable, as are his mistakes. Every good deed will be celebrated inwardly as though you also were an accomplice to its benevolence. If you are at all interested in or afflicted with the concepts of classism, shame and guilt, personal identity, or personal maturity, this book will greatly delight you.
Lastly, I wish I had more friends who had read this book, even if it were just to be able to discuss the characters if Estella and Miss Havisham. It bewilders me that these two females, as well as Satis House, are not more iconic and famous/infamous in today’s culture. They are controversial, engaging, puzzling, and enlightening; easily two of Dicken’s most commendable constructions! Enjoy!
Reread this classic, remembering much of the plot. Forgot how much Pip cried and his lack of confidence. Nature v nurture - poor Pip. What would Pip do today?
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