Great Expectations: Context (AQA GCSE English Literature)
Revision Note
Written by: Nick Redgrove
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
Great Expectations historical and social context
Social class
The novel was written in 1860-1 but is set earlier in the century, mostly during the Regency and later Georgian period
This was a time of rapid political, industrial and social change, with four monarchs reigning in England within a very short period of time:
Following King George III’s bout of madness, the Prince Regent (his son) was given power in 1810 and later became King George IV (1820-30)
King William succeeded him between 1830-7 when Queen Victoria was crowned as queen
The majority of the events in Great Expectations take place before 1830, and even though there were important innovations during the novel's time period, they are not explored in the narrative itself:
Pip's narrative takes place between Christmas Eve in 1812 and the winter of 1840
During this period, social class could be easily distinguished by a person’s manner of speaking and their appearance
Your social class was not solely determined by noble lineage or your relationship with the aristocracy:
Instead, being accepted by the ruling class often required simply demonstrating that your wealth had been acquired in a gentlemanly manner
This was a period when the upper classes displayed a snobbish contempt and disdain for those beneath them:
They believed that by imposing strict class barriers, they could prevent the encroachment of the rapidly urbanising lower classes
How this links to the novel Great Expectations | |
Social shifts | Although Georgian and Victorian society is often viewed as a rigidly stratified one with firmly established class distinctions, Dickens reveals a contrasting narrative. Some of the characters in Great Expectations undergo significant social shifts, moving from affluence to poverty or vice versa. For example, Miss Havisham’s wealth has been earned rather than inherited but she has a powerful status in the novel. |
Class consciousness | When Estella first meets Pip in the novel, she is quick to criticise him for using the term “Jacks” instead of “knaves”. Pip is self-conscious about his clothing while at Satis House and he acknowledges that Joe looks presentable in his work clothes but appears dishevelled in his “best” outfit. As Pip becomes more affluent, he adopts a completely different persona and learns refined mannerisms including speech, attire, and dining etiquette in order to be recognised as an upper-class gentleman.
In certain aspects, Joe can be viewed as defying class stereotypes, but his use of language also defines his class status defines him. This aligns with the contemporary idea that social class is predetermined by divine order and should not be challenged. |
Integrity and reputation
People in the 19th century were eager to ensure that they were adhering to the conventions of behaviour and etiquette, outlined in popular published guides about proper behaviour and conduct
The concept of a gentleman or lady in the 19th century referred to individuals who displayed integrity and conducted themselves with grace in their respective social roles:
However, it was evident that social status and morality were not always linked
Respectability was a key aspect of Victorian society and there were strict social codes regarding behaviour and moral and social conventions were highly valued
The social standards of the time expected gentlemen and bachelors to act in a dignified and respectable manner, with the highest standards of behaviour
This period saw the emergence of a new middle class who were able to gain wealth and power through their own success, rather than through being born into the aristocracy:
This led to a debate about what it meant to be a ‘gentleman’ and whether their qualities could be acquired or were merely based upon one’s birth right:
Some argued that a gentleman was someone who behaved with respect and civility, regardless of his social class
Others argued a gentleman could only be someone of a particular social standing who had certain privileges and obligations
How this links to the novel Great Expectations | |
Integrity and reputation | Dickens was interested in the numerous ways that people exhibited and asserted their social identity, class and goals, including subtle differences in dress, speech, and conduct. In Great Expectations, he depicts characters on the fringes of social classes, including those who struggle to maintain their appearance of respectability as well as those who unexpectedly experience social mobility within the volatile Victorian economy. For example, despite his villainous nature, Compeyson appears like a gentleman due to his clothing and education, while Magwitch's ragged appearance hinders his chances of receiving fair treatment under the law. |
Ambition and self-improvement
Great Expectations takes place during the Industrial Revolution and it was a time characterised by significant advancements in technology:
This opened up numerous financial possibilities for individuals from lower economic backgrounds and provided opportunities for individuals to achieve immense wealth, despite their humble backgrounds
During the 1830s, there was an increase in social and political unrest:
The first Reform Bill in 1832 signalled the beginning of more progressive social policies, as middle class men were given the right to vote
In 1837, Queen Victoria was crowned, ushering in an era of Victorian values and ideals:
Unlike the previous era, when the aristocratic class dominated, this period saw a new shift towards increasing social mobility
How this links to the novel Great Expectations | |
Social mobility | By the time Pip returns in 1840, England had undergone a significant transformation and was now highly industrialised, socially progressive and deeply influenced by the new Victorian values. Dickens depicts this new world in the novel as it follows Pip's advancement through the class system, something that would not have been feasible in the traditional system of class hierarchy. Dickens demonstrates his support for social mobility among those like Pip, and he depicts a society that is constantly evolving, where wealth can be acquired and lost in an instant. |
Great Expectations literary context
Bildungsroman and Gothic genres
During the Victorian era, the Bildungsroman genre emerged as one of the most popular literary types of fiction: it translates as a “novel of education”
Like Great Expectations, these novels generally portrayed the protagonist’s psychological and moral growth from their youth into adulthood
The conventional structure of a Bildungsroman involved the following:
Loss: The protagonist experiences a profound emotional loss at the beginning of the story, typically during their childhood or adolescent years
Journey: Motivated by their personal tragedy, the protagonist embarks on a journey, either physical or metaphorical, to gain a better understanding of the world
Conflict and personal growth: The protagonist’s journey entails mistakes and often clashes with societal norms, although as the narrative progresses, the protagonist gradually embraces the values of society
Maturity: By the conclusion of the novel, the protagonist undergoes significant personal development, exhibiting a positive transformation as they reach maturity
The Gothic genre also became popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries:
Dickens made use of gothic elements extensively in Great Expectations
How this links to the novel Great Expectations | |
Bildungsroman and Gothic genres | Great Expectations is written in the form of a Bildungsroman, depicting the development and maturity of Pip as a character.
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