远大前程GreatExpectations.doc

Great Expectations Charles Dickens Setting: London, England, 1800s Background Information: Pip lives with his very strict, martinet older sister, Mrs. Joe, and her husband, Joe Gargery. Mrs. Joe is abusive and is the dominant force in the household, having raised Pip by hand. Joe is a kind and caring role model for Pip, whose parents died right after his birth. Pip ventures to the churchyard to visit their graves often. This very place is where this classic tale unfolds. Characters: Pip (Philip Pirrip) - narrator. His ambition is to better himself socially. However, in doing this, he rejects many of his closest friends in order to achieve his goals. His devotes most of his life pursuing Estella. Estella Havisham - adopted daughter of Miss Havisham. She was brought up on Miss Havishams desire to get revenge on men. She is condescending despite her beauty. Miss Havisham - an eccentric old lady who lives in seclusion with her adopted daughter, Estella. She was deserted on her wedding day, and then made it her goal in life to get revenge on men. She lives in the past, wearing her yellowing wedding dress. All the clocks in her estate are stopped on the minute she found out her fiancee left her. Joe Gargery - Pips brother-in-law. Hes a gentle giant who is Pips best friend and father figure. He is a hard worker and a very moral man. Abel Magwitch - the first convict that Pip encounters in the graveyard. With Pips help, he escapes and later repays Pip by becoming his benefactor. Mrs. Joe - Pips older sister. She raised Pip by hand using the tickler. Herbert Pocket - the pale, young gentleman who becomes a close friend of Pips. Mr. Jaggers - lawyer who defends Magwitch. Magwitch orders him to keep track of Pips finances. Jaggers serves as Pips guardian. Plot Summary: Pip lives with his older sister and her husband. One day, while visiting his parents grave, Pip encounters a convict, Magwitch, who he helps escape by providing him with a file and food. Pip is hired a