Great Expectations (Penguin Classics)
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Great Expectations Questions & Answers

by Charles Dickens

"The name is Great Expectations. I think a good name?" Dickens to his editor before he started publishing the novel.

When Dickens started his thirteenth novel , Great Expectations, in 1860, he was already a national hero. He had come from humble beginnings, working as a child in a shoe polish factory…

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Questions about Great Expectations

 
How does Dickens gain sympathy for the people who are on trial?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 8:08 PM
Answers: 1
 
Why does Jaggers pose his information in the form of a hypothetical situation?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: Aslan on Aug 18, 2012 8:00 PM
Answers: 1
 
What does the author do to keep the chapters from being too dark and tragic?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 7:55 PM
Answers: 1
 
What is the significance of Magwitch’s death? Why did Dickens have him die, but not hanged, as he was sentenced?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 7:44 PM
Answers: 1
 
How does Pip repay Magwitch before he dies?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 7:40 PM
Answers: 1
 
Why is Pip in so much debt?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 7:38 PM
Answers: 1
 
During this 11-year period, what happened to Estella? What does Pip notice about her when he meets her at the site of Satis House?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:59 PM
Answers: 1
 
How have Pip’s expectations changed? What does he expect now?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:59 PM
Answers: 1
 
What do you think will happen to Pip during the next twenty years?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:58 PM
Answers: 1
 
Which ending of the story do you find the most believable? The most satisfying? Why?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:58 PM
Answers: 1
 
What advice does Biddy give to Pip after his return 11 years later?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:54 PM
Answers: 1
 
What does Pip plan to do after Joe leaves? What are his newly revised expectations?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:52 PM
Answers: 1
 
Why was Biddy able to teach Joe to read when Pip had failed?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:51 PM
Answers: 1
 
In Chapter 27 Joe says he will not return to London, but he does in Chapter 57. Why?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:51 PM
Answers: 1
 
Why were the police unable to take him to Newgate?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:49 PM
Answers: 1
 
How do you think the book will end? What will Pip do now?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:46 PM
Answers: 1
 
Why is Pip finally able to accept and love Magwitch? What has caused this change in Pip?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:42 PM
Answers: 1
 
The narrator says of Magwitch, “One would have supposed that it was I who was in danger, not he, and that he was reassuring me”. Why does Magwitch seem increasingly calm and submissive, even under such dire circumstances?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:39 PM
Answers: 1
 
What is the mood as Pip sets out for the sluice house? How does this foreshadow the action in the chapter? Why does Pip feel he is doomed?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:35 PM
Answers: 1
 
Why does Pip leave Monday night? Why does he decide to go in spite of the risk? Why must he hurry and return to London?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:35 PM
Answers: 1
 
How does Startop get involved in the plan to save Magwitch? Do you think this is a good idea?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:34 PM
Answers: 1
 
What news does Pip get about Herbert when he goes to Clarriker’s?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:34 PM
Answers: 1
 
Why does the narrator say, “All other swindlers on earth are nothing to the self-swindlers”? To what action does this event refer?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:26 PM
Answers: 1
 
Why does Pip meet Estella’s coach so early? What does this say about him?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:22 PM
Answers: 1
 
Describe Pip’s spending habits. What do Pip and Herbert do when their spending seems out of control? Explain “leaving a margin.” How helpful is this practice?
Posted by BO NER #11
Last updated by: jill d #170087 on Aug 18, 2012 2:18 PM
Answers: 1
 

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