Historical Context (Great Expectations)

This section explains the historical context of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Illustrating how Charles Dickens's social environment influenced the narrative and themes within the novel.

Historical Period When the Novel was First Published

Published: 1860-1861, during the Victorian Era (1837-1901), a period defined by Queen Victoria’s reign and significant social, political, and economic changes in Britain.

Contextual Significance: This era was marked by industrialisation, urbanisation, and the expansion of the British Empire, all of which deeply influenced Dickens’s writing and the themes of Great Expectations.

Industrial Revolution

Economic Transformation: The Industrial Revolution fundamentally changed the British economy from agrarian to industrial, leading to the rise of factories and mass production. This shift resulted in significant social changes, including the growth of cities and changes in class structure.

Urbanisation: Many people migrated from rural areas to urban centres in search of work, leading to overcrowded cities with poor living conditions. Dickens often depicted the struggles of the urban poor, highlighting the harsh realities of life in Victorian cities, as seen through Pip’s experiences in London.

Social Class and Mobility

Class Structure: The Victorian class system was rigid, consisting of the upper class, middle class, and working class. Social status was often tied to wealth and lineage, and mobility between classes was very limited.

Aspiration for Social Mobility: Pip's journey reflects the desire for social mobility, a prevalent theme during the Victorian era. However, Dickens critiques the notion that wealth alone can lead to personal fulfilment, as Pip’s expectations ultimately lead to disappointment and moral dilemmas.

Childhood and Education

Child Labour: During Dickens's time, child labour was common, with children working long hours in dangerous conditions. This social issue is reflected in Pip’s early life and the portrayal of the working class.

Education Reform: The period saw growing awareness of the need for educational reform. Dickens emphasised the importance of education through characters like Pip and the contrasting experiences of children like Joe and Estella, highlighting both the opportunities and the limitations of education.

Legal and Penal System

Punishments and Transportation: The legal system was often harsh and punitive, with transportation to penal colonies being a common punishment for crimes. Magwitch’s backstory illustrates the severity of the penal system and its impact on individuals.

Reform Movements: The Victorian era saw various reform movements, including those advocating for better conditions for the poor and changes to the penal system. Dickens was an outspoken critic of social injustices, and his works often called for reform.

The Role of Women

Gender Inequality: The Victorian era was marked by strict gender roles, with women often confined to domestic spheres and lacking legal rights. Marriage was often a woman’s only path to financial security.

Representation of Women: Characters like Estella and Miss Havisham illustrate the limited options available to women, as well as the emotional and psychological impacts of societal expectations. Pip’s relationships with these women reflect the complexities of gender dynamics in the Victorian era.

Dickens’s Personal Context

Author’s Background: Charles Dickens (1812-1870) experienced poverty in his childhood, particularly after his father was imprisoned for debt. His personal experiences shaped his views on social justice and the plight of the underprivileged, which are central themes in Great Expectations.

Literary Career: By the time he wrote Great Expectations, Dickens was an established author known for his social critiques and character-driven narratives. This novel marks a maturation in his writing style and themes, reflecting a deeper psychological insight into his characters.

Themes and Contextual Relevance

Identity and Self-Discovery: The quest for personal identity and moral integrity is a central theme in Great Expectations. Pip’s journey illustrates the conflicts between social ambition and personal values, a reflection of Victorian anxieties regarding class and morality.

Critique of Society: Dickens’s portrayal of the various social classes, the consequences of ambition, and the failures of the legal system provide a critique of Victorian society. The novel invites readers to question societal values and the true nature of success and happiness.