Great Expectations (Grades 9–1) York Notes

Pip has to work out who he really is, taking into account his troubled childhood, his infatuation with Estella and his unexpected wealth.

Generosity and kindness are always rewarded in Great Expectations, as in the happy lives of Wemmick, and Joe and Biddy.

Pip is driven by his desire for money and the status it brings, just as Miss Havisham is ruined by Compeyson’s greed for her inheritance.

Jaggers is the face of the London law courts, but his power has made him uncaring towards the desperate and the needy.

Pip is desperate to improve his station in life, but in doing so acts cruelly towards the people who care most about him.