Great Expectations (1861) By Charles Dickens: Book Analysis— A Timeless Exploration Of Identity
Celebrating the novel’s 163rd anniversary and David Lean’s 1946 direct cinematic adaptation
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[This text was originally written in response to an assignment in the ENGL 4292 (Literature into Film) course at the University of Minnesota Duluth.]
[Warning: contains some spoilers]
How can one’s ambition impact their identity? Charles Dickens’ 1861 novel Great Expectations offers an interpretation of this question that deeply influenced a myriad of coming-of-age narratives. On one note, it offers an inspiring tale of how ambition can allow one to rise in social class, even when faced with obstacles that are seemingly impossible to overcome. These include domestic crises, crime, and poverty. On another note, Dickens’ story also illustrates the dangers of having lofty ambitions by showing the alienation and emptiness that can stem from a rise in social class, as well as unmet expectations.
