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Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens

Great Expectations

Great Expectations follows Pip's life expectations as he attempts to fit in with upper class society, while pining for the affection of Estella.

Source: Dickens, Charles. (1861). Great Expectations. London; Chapman and Hall.

Chapter 1
Young "Pip" encounters a stranger in the village churchyard.
Chapter 2
Frightened, Pip agrees to help the stranger.
Chapter 3
Pip encounters another stranger as he heads back to the marsh.
Chapter 4
Pip experiences guilt for the incident in the marsh, but continues to help the stranger.
Chapter 5
The Police show up at Pips house seeking assistance from Joe. Pip begins to feel a sense of loyalty to the convict. The convicts are discovered together, and Pip is shielded from blame.
Chapter 6
Pip returns to dinner but continues to feel a sense of guilt.
Chapter 7
Pip becomes acquainted with Biddy. Pip is to be sent to the home of Miss Havisham to play.
Chapter 8
Pip is taken to Miss Havisham's manor. Pip is affected by Miss Havisham's daughter, Estella.
Chapter 9
Pip is less than honest with Joe about his experiences at the Havisham manor.
Chapter 10
Pip encounters a mysterious strange in possession of a familiar object.
Chapter 11
Pip returns to Satis House.
Chapter 12
Pip's continued visits to Satis House create a distance between himself and Joe. Pip is devastated by Miss Havisham's decision.
Chapter 13
Joe visits Satis House to finish Pip's papers. Pip is angry at the current turn of events.
Chapter 14
Pip works diligently for Joe at the forge, but continually longs to return to Satis House.
Chapter 15
Joe defends Mrs. Joe's honor by fighting Orlick. Miss Joe is attacked.
Chapter 16
Pip begins to suspect Orlick in the attack on his sister.
Chapter 17
Biddy and Pip become closer. Biddy gives Pip a warning.
Chapter 18
Pip is given good news by the lawyer Jaggers.
Chapter 19
Pip prepares to leave for London feeling guilty about his behavior.
Chapter 20
Pip and Jaggers travel to London.
Chapter 21
Pip is introduced to Herbert Pocket, but realizes they have met before.
Chapter 22
Herbert tells Pip the story of Miss Havisham.
Chapter 23
Pip has dinner at the house of Matthew Pocket and observes the strange social lives of the Pocket family.
Chapter 24
Pip befriends Wemmick and gets a chance to see Jaggers in action.
Chapter 25
Pip continues to become acquainted with the Wemmick's, Pockets', and Jaggers.
Chapter 26
Pip has dinner with Jaggers. Jaggers warns Pip about Drummle.
Chapter 27
Joe visits Pip in London. Pip is informed of Estella's return to Satis House.
Chapter 28
Pip returns home, encountering the mysterious stranger from the pub once again.
Chapter 29
Pip returns to Satis House, but continues to feel inadequate around Estella.
Chapter 30
Jaggers has Orlick dismissed. Herbert tells Pip of his fiancee.
Chapter 31
Pip and Herbert attend a play.
Chapter 32
Pip receives correspondence from Estella. Wemmick gives Pip a tour.
Chapter 33
Estella's visit fills Pip with optimism.
Chapter 34
Pip experiences guilt about the nature of his lifestyle. News arrives concerning Mrs. Joe.
Chapter 35
Pip returns home for his sister's funeral. Pip makes a pledge to a skeptical Biddy.
Chapter 36
Pip turns twenty-one, giving him access to his fortune. Jaggers refuses to reveal the identity of Pip's benefactor.
Chapter 37
Pip gives anonymous assistance to Herbert.
Chapter 38
Pip visits Estella in London. Pip confronts Estella about one of her suitors.
Chapter 39
Pip is visited by his benefactor, and although horrified by the implications, Pip feels a loyalty to his benefactor.
Chapter 40
Pip encounters a another stranger and continues to assist "Uncle Provis".
Chapter 41
Herbert returns home prompting Magwitch to leave. Herbert and Pip devise a plan to keep Pip out of harms way.
Chapter 42
Magwitch tells the story of his life to Herbert and Pip. Herbert reveals a secret to Pip concerning Miss Havisham.
Chapter 43
Pip prepares to say his farewells.
Chapter 44
Miss Havisham confesses to Pip. Pip professes his feelings to Estella. Pip receives a note from Wemmick.
Chapter 45
While in hiding, Pip is told of Compeyson's return.
Chapter 46
Herbert and Pip construct a plan for Magwitch's escape.
Chapter 47
Pip continues to worry for Magwitch's safety. Pip fears he is being followed.
Chapter 48
Pip dines with Jaggers and learns of Estella's marriage.
Chapter 49
Miss Havisham begs for Pips forgiveness. A hardship befalls Miss Havisham.
Chapter 50
Herbert tells Pip the rest of Magwitch's story.
Chapter 51
Pip confronts Jaggers concerning Estella's parents.
Chapter 52
Pip heads back to the marsh once again.
Chapter 53
Pip encounters an old nemesis at the marsh. Herbert arrives just in time.
Chapter 54
Pip and Herbert take Magwitch down river.
Chapter 55
Pip remains loyal to Magwitch, as Herbert and Wemmick both prepare to marry their fiancees.
Chapter 56
Pip eases Magwitch's mind before he departs, and prays for him afterwards.
Chapter 57
Pip, in extreme debt, falls ill. Joe comes to Pip's aid bring news of home. Pip decides to return home.
Chapter 58
Pip is shocked and disappointed with the situation at home. Pip reconsiders Herbert's offer.
Chapter 59
Pip returns home after an extended period abroad. Pip pays a visit to the remains of Satis House.
  • Year Published: 1861
  • Language: English
  • Country of Origin: England
  • Readability:
    • Flesch–Kincaid Level: 8.2
  • Word Count: 199,016
  • Genre: Realism
  • Keywords: remaining in the past, social class distinction, social class distinction remaining in the past, unrequited love
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