Literary Works

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens: Summary and Themes

Published April 16, 2026 · 2 views

Great Expectations is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published or performed around 1861. This study guide gives a summary, themes and revision tips.

Summary

Pip, an orphan, rises in society and learns the true value of loyalty and humility.

Key Themes

The main themes are ambition, class and guilt.

Quick Facts

TitleGreat Expectations
AuthorCharles Dickens
Date1861
Formnovel

Study Questions

  • How does Charles Dickens present the theme of ambition?
  • Which characters or images best express the central ideas of Great Expectations?
  • How does the novel form shape the reader's response?