'Great Expectations' is a highly acclaimed novel written by Charles Dickens first published in 1861, which follows the journey of a young boy commonly known as Pip (his Christian name is Phillip Pirrip) who is born into a middle-class family but receives wealth from a mysterious benefactor to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a gentleman. The story is written in the first person with Charles Dickens recounting Pip's experiences. Although not his autobiography, the events recounted in the book mirror, in many ways, the events of his childhood. This allows him to reflect on Pip's actions, which helps readers understand the novel. The story begins in the haunting marshes of Kent and is set in Victorian England at a time when the industrial revolution had created a wider divide between social classes. Pip is a boy (about 7 years old) who lives with his sister and her husband, a blacksmith. He is treated harshly by the people he lives with, works a job he hates, and considers himself too good for his surroundings. One day he is brought to Satis House by his uncle, Mr. Publechook, to play for an old maid named Miss Havisham who is of a considerably higher class. He is treated by both with great disdain and disdain for his very presence. Despite the treatment, he falls in love with Miss Havisham's daughter Estella and wishes to become a gentleman to live up to her standards. His wishes come true soon after, when he receives riches from an anonymous benefactor who he believes is Miss Havisham. At this point, he snobbishly abandons his humble background for wealthy London society in an attempt to become a gentleman. Dickens cleverly captures the d...... middle of paper ......h Magwitch speaks to him, he is intimidating and authoritative e.g. “Tell us your name!” which sounds more like a command than a question. Despite his insolent attitude towards him, Pip responds in a polite and respectful tone of voice: "If you would kindly, please..." this creates a sense of urgency and shows that he is helpless and vulnerable. Magwitch continues to use discouraging imagery to threaten Pip by saying, "Your liver will be torn out, roasted, and eaten." He also forces Pip to take an oath, which he feels obliged to do since he has no power to do otherwise. This scene as a whole causes the reader to feel resentment towards Magwitch and pity for Pip's situation, further increasing sympathy. The next chapter of this book begins by introducing his sister, Mrs. Joe (with whom he lives) and her husband, Joe Gargery. , who is a poor blacksmith.