Charles Dickens 
Great Expectations 
Illustrated

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is a classic novel that follows the life of Pip, an orphan boy who dreams of becoming a gentleman. The book is known for its social commentary on class, wealth, and morality in Victorian England. Dickens’ rich and detailed descriptions bring to life the characters and settings, making the story both realistic and engaging. The novel is written in a literary style that combines humor, suspense, and drama, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers captivated until the very end. Great Expectations is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and the consequences of one’s choices. Dickens’ intricate plot and well-developed characters make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature or 19th-century British society. With its powerful storytelling and enduring themes, Great Expectations remains a literary treasure that should not be missed.

Giới thiệu về tác giả

Charles Dickens, born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, holds a towering presence in the world of English literature. Recognized for his remarkable characters, biting social commentary, and vivid storytelling, his works are considered classics, resonating through the ages. Dickens began his career with the serialization of ‘The Pickwick Papers’ in 1836 and quickly rose to fame for novels that highlighted the stark social inequalities of Victorian England. He possessed an ingenious flair for marrying the comedic with the grave, and the grotesque with the commonplace. ‘Great Expectations, ‘ one of his seminal works, published in 1860, exemplifies his literary prowess. Through the complex moral development of the protagonist, Pip, Dickens explores themes of ambition and desire against a backdrop of a rigid class structure. Dickens’ narrative techniques and masterful use of language, including his distinctive use of irony, satire, and well-crafted dialogue, affirm his novels as pedagogical cornerstones (Collins, 1996). His prolific output includes other monumental works such as ‘David Copperfield’ (1850) and ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ (1859). He remained a prolific novelist until his death on June 9, 1870, leaving a legacy that endures in literature courses worldwide, and ensuring his place as a literary luminary (Forster, 1872-1874; Schlicke, 2011).