This post is going to address 4 questions relating to the Charles Dickens Novel Great Expectations regarding three themes present throughout the tale which help to define and depict certain character traits and set the scene and ambiance within story.
How is the grotesque depicted in Great Expectations?
In general terms in the literary sense the grotesque refers to a style of writing which over exaggerates scenarios, relationships, features or feelings in an outlandish and fantastical manor of written descriptions and imagery. For example Dickens's description of Miss Havisham as wax work and skeleton like strikes up a morbid and ghoulish representation in the readers mind of what she may look like. In addition to this the ruthlessness and merciless behaviour portrayed by Magwitch in the opening scenes in which he threatens to cut the young boys throat, however highly descriptive in a form of realism regarding the depiction of his physical appearance which is intricately detailed, his exaggerated bloodthirstiness via his aggressive and ferocious language is a prime example of the grotesque.
How is the Gothic depicted in Great Expectations?
Great Expectations is one of Novelist Charles Dickens most famous works, set during the Victorian Era when Gothic Horror was becoming an extremely popular genre in literature. as mentioned previously during this blog Charles Dickens was said to have been inspired by Gothic Horror literature he enjoyed to read during his teen years.
The Dickens's Gothic inspiration is most evident in the use of characters such as Miss Havisham whom allows the story to take a less literal, slightly unrealistic path. Her paradoxical personality however has its purpose, playing a major a role in binding together all the different aspects of the tale, which in the beginning of the book you may not realise are related in any way whatsoever. However as the story begins to evolve Miss Havishams bizarre behaviour starts to make some sense in terms of her relationship with her adopted daughter, and and her ability to manipulate Pip along with the amusement she gains from doing so. It is Miss Havisham's unhinged, negative influence in their lives which lasting and detrimental effect on both characters thus shaping the relationship between the two of them. Dickens has used Gothic themes such as death to shape the character of Miss Havisham by introducing the theme of death, although not in the literal sense. Miss Havishams abnormal behaviour which reflects that of someone grieving the loss of a loved one during Victorian times, would lead the reader to assume that her significant other is indeed deceased. However he is not literally deceased at all, but very much alive. as the story begins to unravel and we learn of Compeysons deceit and betrayal we begin to understand why in Miss Havisham's mind he is dead, that and she is mourning the notion or ideal of "what could have been" This idea of mourning provides also provides a powerful insight to just how deranged she in fact is and helps to set a somewhat Gothic like, dark and haunting atmosphere. Dickens has included fine details such as Miss Havisham having stopped the clocks (a Victorian superstition associated with death) along with descriptions of her physicality such as skeleton like and that of similarity to a waxwork giving her a peculiar and mysterious aura.
Prior to this, alternative scenes of the story is set and which also contain links to a re-occurring and underlying Gothic theme are the misty grey marshland and the use of a graveyard where Pip is visiting the resting place of his departed parents. And with the unpleasant fates of Pips sister, Mrs Gargery, Miss Havisham, Able Magwitch and Mr Drummle still to follow death is also a prevalent theme from beginning to end.
What are the specific elements of the Uncanny?
The uncanny relates to something wich is unexplainable, strange or mysterious.yet strangely familiar. In the story of great expectations the uncanny elements would include the relationships between Miss Havisham and Estella, Pip and Estella, Pip and Miss Havisham, Pip and Able Magwitch and Finally Estella and Able Magwitch. in the case of Pip and Magwitch Pip has spent his life being ashamed of his poor roots, even when he is granted the opportunity to become a gentleman he still despises the fact that he was not born a gentleman and it eats away at him from within. As a result of this when he finally learns that Magwitch is indeed his benefactor he is both repulsed and ashamed at the same time. for the money that has provided him with his new lifestyle has come from a source that represents everything about himself that he has tried to change and bury within himself. In terms of the relationship Between Miss Havisham and Estella, Miss Havisham finds immense satisfaction and pleasure in creating a monster in Estella, whom she uses to purposely toy with the emotions others. Her seemingly endless bitterness towards men drives her ambition to create a woman who is able to break the heart of others as was once done to her, and she clearly enjoys watching Pip suffer. However when the tables turn and Estella is finds herself unable to love her mother, it is only then when, forced to feel the pain she has inflicted on others that Miss Havisham is able comprehend what she has done. In this moment of self realization she see's that she has become the victim of her own bitterness and yet again has to face rejection from the person she loves, only this time she herself is to blame.
This bizarre turn of events could be described as Karma, the mysterious phenomenon of what you give out to others gets returned, almost like a higher power intervened to inflict payback on Miss Havisham for her cruel actions towards others.
At first Estella and Pip seem to be the complete opposite of each other however as the story unfolds it becomes apparent that although in some respects they are worlds apart they actually have a great deal in common, these similarities bond them and It is almost as if they are "meant to be" by supernatural intervention, as their individual situation unfold in a peculiar and unexpected way almost as if the universe were trying to put them both together, the events and experiences of both characters during clashing time periods, and although experienced via contrasting lifestyles are still however very similar in nature in terms of emotional and situational challenges they are both required to overcome.
Estella has been fortunate enough to have an upper class and privileged upbringing, whilst pip comes from a very poorer background. Never the less both children have been orphaned and both have less than ideal relationships with the mother figures in their life. It is obvious to the reader that Pips elder sister Mrs Gagery who has raised him feels a great deal of resentment towards him, constantly treating him as nothing but a nuisance and a burden. At the same time Estella's and Miss Havisham's relationship is just as complex with Miss Havisham using Estella to play her wicked and twisted games. Neither child is shown love or affection by either of these women which may explain why they share some kind of understanding of one another. it is clear to the reader that there is more to the relationship between Estella and Pip. It is obvious that Pip has feelings of both a romantic and sexual nature towards Estella and although She is quick to dismiss him and warn him away you cant help but wonder if she is suppressing similar emotions herself. Miss Havisham has encouraged Estella to use her sexuality, beauty and femininity to entice men with the aim of leaving them heartbroken, and although Estella seems to be sure of herself and her abilities you do begin to wonder her flirting and taunting of Pip is somewhat an instinctive reaction which reflects her true feelings. Dickens has created a character in Estella which keeps the reader guessing as to how the tale will unravel.
How does Dickens give the uncanny a unique twist within the novel in terms of Characterization?
In terms of characterization and the twist s within the plot Magwitch and Miss Havisham are the two characters which bind together the story and links between the other characters.
Miss Havisham's bizarre, creepy and mysterious behaviour is a key component of the plot as it influences one of the biggest plot twists which eventually allows her to see herself for hat she is and regret the pain and bitterness which has fuelled her desire to inflict pain on Pip. If it were not for Estella's dysfunctional upbringing she would have undoubtedly grown up to love her mother, yet as she matures into a woman we see that the psychological damage that has been inflicted as she cuts he mother out of her life, unable to love her with a cold heart. This twist, where Estella becomes everything Miss Havisham wanted, yet instead of ending in pleasure it which she believed it would it inevitably ends in heartbreak.
The realization of Magwitch being the mystery benefactor of Pips fortune is also a surprise in the plot. this twist has a great effect on Pip which makes him question and reassess his behaviour of late.
Again both of these individual stories and relationships are almost Karma like in nature, Pip is granted everything he has ever wanted yet it is at the expense of his morals, he ignores those closest to him who have loved and cared for him instead solely focused chasing his dreams of Estella being wealthy, and becoming a gentleman, however by the end of the novel he comes to realise that what he prioritized was not of true value and that it is those that he shut out, those who loved him that were.
Bibliography
Wright, B. (2011) The Grotesque in Great Expectations - Pip’s Early Encounters With Magwitch. Available at: http://www.sooperarticles.com/art-entertainment-articles/grotesque-great-expectations-pips-early-encounters-magwitch-652194.html (Accessed: 4 May 2015)
Citation
(Wright, 2011)
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