Abstract

As one of the greatest British realistic novelists, Charles Dickens presented to the readers different aspects of the times he lived in and explored the hypocrisy of the capitalist society through his numerous works. At the same time, he strongly expressed the humanity and deep concern as well as sympathy towards the poor people. 

This paper mainly analyzes the four major female characters’ influences on the shaping the process of Pip’s characteristics, the hero in Dickens’s Great Expectations in order to have a better understanding of the novel and Charles Dickens’s great power in the criticism of society.. 

Key words: Charles Dickens; Great Expectations; female characters; character development

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1 Introduction-1

2 The impact of Mrs. Joe Gadgetry on Pip’s personality-3

2.1-Affection between sister and brother formed Pip’s kindness-3

2.2 The brutal way of education leads to Pip’s timidity and sensitivity-4

3 The influence of Miss Havisham on the direction of Pip’s life-4

3.1 The aristocratic way of life changes Pip’s attitude towards life.-5

3.2 Ridiculous and absurd behavior leads to Pip’ s choice of life-6

4 Estella’s influence on Pip-7

4.1 Brutal tease stimulates Pip’s “lofty aspirations”-7

4.2 Idol’s illusion leads to Pip’s lost in nature-8

5 Biddy and the return of Pip’s humanity-8

5.1 Good nature guides Pip’s thinking and understanding-9

5.2 Tolerance brings the return of Pip’s nature-10

6. Conclusion-10