WHAT'S THE STORY?

     I believe that Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectations to showcase the social injustices that he found prevalent in Victorian society. He somewhat held the time period in contempt for its unfairness. This is shown in his characterization in Great Expectations. Pip was poor in the beginning of the novel but as he gains nobility he also gains unflattering characteristics such as greed and contempt for the lower class. Joe on the other hand is characterized as good and honest but he represents a very low social class. Irony also shows this theme of class frustration. Pip is so earnest to become a gentleman and become prosperous but when he achieves these things, they don't really bring him happiness; they only bring him more complications. The imagery that Dickens writes with shows his attitude towards London and social classes. He paints a dreary picture of London for the most part. London, where Pip is supposed to fulfill all of his ''great expectations'' isn't made out to be the most ideal place by Dickens's descriptions. Dickens wanted to point out that great expectations didn't turn out great because greatness did not lie in the higher social classes.