Great expectation
Big expectations follow Pip's childhood and youth, a blacksmith apprentice in a rural village. He suddenly got a big fortune. (His great expectation) from the mystery of his patron and moved to London, where he entered the high society. He thinks he knows where the money comes from. But he was sadly misunderstood. The story also follows Pip's dealings with his beloved girl Estella. But unable to return love to him

Social and historical context
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
Great Expectations written by Charles Dickens in 1860 and 1861.

The mid-19th century was a time of great social change in Britain. More and more moving from rural to urban, education is improving and the legal system is changing. The novel reflects that change.