In Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, the protagonist, Pip,
             becomes almost obsessed with the idea that he is meant for 'great
             expectations' in life. The story, written in 1860, is set in late
             sixteenth century England where being a 'gentleman' means acquiring wealth
             and learning the social skills of the upper class. During the course of
             the novel it becomes clear that the expectations he feels he has been
             endowed with are metaphors for a life that is more than the young man had
             thought possible.
             The story of Pip is one of transformation and of learning the true
             value and worth of people. Pip, as a child, believes that the only
             worthwhile people are those who have money and standing. He yearns to be a
             'gentleman'. This feeling is exacerbated after his visit to the home of
             Miss Haversham where he meets the young Estella and Herbert Pocket.
             Although he does not know the name of the boy he beats up and who will one
             day be his friend. He thinks that having money and breeding gives one
             'character' and he wants more than anything to be a member of this select
             group. The changes that he undergoes as he comes into possession of his
             'expectations', the misuse of his money and, finally, the lesson of value
             he learns through his benefactor bring Pip to a point of personal
             redemption and happiness.
             The changes in character that Pip undergoes are the central theme of
             the novel and provide the movement for the story. Pip is the protagonist
             as well as the narrator. This provides two 'voices' for the telling of the
             story: the person who is the elder Pip and who stands as narrator for the
             growth and development of the young Pip provides the stability of the
             presentation. On the other hand, there is Pip as he was; from the time he
             was a young boy, to early adulthood and through a series of tribulations
             until he becomes the narrator. The two voices allow the reader to 'see'
             Pip's character as it ch...