Social and Historical Background Essay Example for Free

Social and Historical Background Essay Dickens was born in Portsmouth, and his father was a naval clerk. Dickens had a rough upbringing, which tormented him and gave him bitterness towards life. At the age of 12 his father was arrested for being in debt and sentenced to imprisonment. This influenced him into writing novels, because he didnt want the same life as his father. Dickens learns about the poor side of London, by visiting it and meeting poor children, this inspired him to write articles about the labour laws and conditions of poor children Later on in life, Dickens wrote many novels expressing his feelings, about the publics ignorance about the corruption within society, especially unnecessary suffering and greed. He was extremely successful and wrote many novels. Great expectations was Charles Dickenss self-portrait, it expresses himself and shows how he has been mistreated in his own life. The character Pip reflects in some ways based on Dickens. Dickens has made several endings to his novel. This shows that he is writing his book only to please the audience. The only difference is that Pip at the end of the novel, becomes self fulfilled, realising that there is more to life than being a gentleman, and finally becoming happy and looses his Great Expectations. Background on PIP Pip grew up in two places, the forge and satis house. In the forge Pip is reared by his sister and her gentle husband Joe Gargery, the village blacksmith. His sister beats him daily, trying to teach him morals, but mostly because she despises him. Pips mother and father are dead and so his sister is forced to look after him. Pip is a common poor boy who spends his days helping Joe. One day while visiting the graveyard, where his mother and father are buried, Pip meets an escaped convict who demands food and a file, to break his chains. Fearing for his life, Pip complies. Little does he know that this terrifying act of kindness will affect the entire course of his life. From an early age pip wants to be able to read and write. After this Pip is called upon by Miss Havisham, who has been deserted by her future husband on their wedding day. Miss Havisham feels destroyed by this and is planning to have her revenge on the male sex. She has adopted a daughter, who she is rearing to wreak her revenge, unfortunately Pip is the prime target. After meeting and being demeaned, because of his clothes and wealth, by Miss Havisham and Estella, he begins to envy the rich and longs to become a gentle man. Then Pip falls in love with Estella, but at the same time Miss Havisham is psychologically torturing him. He becomes ashamed of his house and upbringing. Pip expected Satis House to be great and help him on his quest to become a gentleman, but unfortunately this wasnt the case, his poor home upbringing did him more good, which later Pip realises.