Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations", a classic bildungsroman, presents the struggles of poor, young Pip as his tumultuous life proceeds to adulthood and wealth. Next, the author relates that, in this novel, Charles Dickens attacks the Victorian institutions, which plagued the protagonist's early years, by utilizing the witty and sarcastic writing style of social satire. The paper focuses on Dickens' satirization of the negative aspects of childcare, education and social class, which enables the reader to understand the social values that Dickens promoted and disdained. The paper includes quotations.

From the Paper:

"Finally, Charles Dickens mocks Mrs. Pocket and Pip, exposing the superficial arrogance frequently exhibited by their social class. Mrs. Pocket holds herself in high regard because of her noble lineage. After neglecting her child in order to discuss her social status with Mr. Wopsle, Mr. Pocket exclaims that, "'Babies are to be nutcrackered dead, for people's poor grandpapa's positions!'" Although their daughter retrieves the nutcracker in time to prevent the baby from hurting itself too badly, Mr. Pocket is furious. He recognizes that his wife's conceited attitude about social class is endangering her children."

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