How Dickens Establishes a Strong Sense of Character in the Novel Great Expectations

How Dickens Establishes a Strong Sense of Character in the Novel Great Expectations

In the novel, ‘Great Expectations’, Dickens employs a number of

techniques to create a strong sense of his characters. One way in

which he does this is by describing the settings in which Magwitch and

Miss Havisham are placed, and using them to reflect the characters

themselves. He situates both in environments that echo neglect,

abandonment and decay, and both have an eerie, hostile feel about

them.

When introducing Magwitch’s setting, Dickens writes, “this bleak place

overgrown with nettles”, whilst he says of Miss Havisham’s room,

“everything within my view which ought to be white, had been white

long ago, and had lost its lustre” These examples show a distinct lack

of care toward the setting. Although this does not necessarily mean

that nobody cares for the characters themselves; it does suggest they

have experienced hardship and are not subjects of much attention or

consideration. The word “overgrown” helps to imply this, as does the

phrase “everything... which ought to be white, had been white long

ago.” The quotations also both hint of an emptiness, which can be seen

in the words “bleak” and “lost its lustre”. This could indicate a loss

of the characters, whether it be of status, emotion or another aspect

of their lives. This is particularly true of Miss Havisham, whose

social status collapsed after being jilted at on her wedding day. Once

a well-respected young lady, she, just like the room around her, has

gradually decayed and become a fragile reminder of a once magnificent

existence. The word “lustre” suggests an element of grandeur or

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Miss Havisham as an experiment to how effective her own plans can and

will be – Pip will be tested as Estella’s fist ‘victim’.

The various techniques that Dickens uses to create the characters

Magwitch and Miss Havisham are both extremely well employed and highly

interesting. Even through the short introductions, Dickens establishes

his characters so that we are able to gain a good understanding of

each. Their experiences, suffering, eccentricity and ultimately the

profound effects that they will both have upon Pip, are all explored

in a manner that still encourages the audience to read further.

Although fictional, and existing in situations that are far beyond the

average, they are still humane and pathetic characters who readers can

both pity and yet fear as they recount Pip’s experiences with each

one.