The Role of Class and Ambition in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (1861)

Expanding the Roles:
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is a coming-of-age novel that follows Pip, an orphan boy who rises from humble beginnings to become a gentleman. The novel explores themes of class, ambition, social mobility, and the consequences of striving to improve one's position in society. For literature students, Great Expectations provides an essential study of the Victorian class system and how social status affects individual identity and aspirations.

• Class and Social Mobility:
  Pip’s journey is marked by his desire to rise above his social class. Students can explore how Dickens critiques the social structures that restrict upward mobility, and how ambition can drive individuals to make significant personal sacrifices.

• The Consequences of Ambition:
  Pip’s desire to become a gentleman and win Estella’s love leads to both personal growth and disillusionment. Literature students can analyze how Dickens uses Pip’s ambition to explore the complexities of personal fulfillment and the moral implications of striving for social advancement.

What We Learn:
Great Expectations teaches literature students about the Victorian class system, social mobility, and the consequences of ambition. The novel provides valuable insights into how class and social expectations shape individual desires, identity, and relationships.