Abstract

Bildungsroman is a literary genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood, in which character change is extremely important. Great Expectations is Charles Dickens’s thirteenth novel, a bildungsroman which depicts the personal growth and personal development of an orphan nicknamed Pip. The transformation of Pip from being naive to mature is a long spiritual journey along with ups and downs of his life, from nobody to a gentleman to a man of humanity. The epiphany of Pip is led by his fatherly friend Joe Gargery and Abel Magwitch, who inspire him to live an ordinary and modest life with their love and good character, and with passing time and the changing environment Pip grows up. The development of Pip is meaningful for the education of adolescents in modern society.

Key words: Great Expectations; bildungsroman; educational novel; Pip; love

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 The Overview on the Theory of Bildungsroman-3

3 The Growth of Pip in Great Expectations-4

3.1 The Growth of Pip-4

3.2 Analysis of Pip’s Process of Growth-5

3.2.1 Bitter-sweet Childhood at Home-5

3.2.2 Transformation during Experience in London-7

3.2.3 Disillusionment and Maturity of Pip-8

4 Influential Figures in Pip’s Growth-10

4.1 Joe, the Moral Role with Love and Humility-11

4.2 Magwitch, the Second Father-12

4.3 Miss Havisham, a Symbol of Initiation-13

4.4 Estella, the Source of Pip's Suffering-14

5 Conclusion-14

References-17