Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’ is a Victorian-era novel that follows the journey of Philip “Pip”  Pirrip, an orphan navigating the complexities of social class, ambition, and personal growth. The story begins with a pivotal encounter in a desolate churchyard, where young Pip is confronted by an escaped convict who demands food and a file. This harrowing experience, set against the bleak marshes of his childhood, introduces themes of fear, morality, and transformation that resonate throughout the novel. As Pip wrestles with the consequences of aiding the convict, the encounter foreshadows his future struggles with crime, class disparity, and his own aspirations. Through Pip’s experiences, Dickens explores the tension between social mobility and personal values, weaving a tale of ambition, loyalty, and self-discovery.