Section One of Great Expectations (through Chapter 19)



1) Pip introduces himself in Chapter One. What do you think about his humble beginnings? What strikes you about his parents and his statement about how he took “wife of the above” on his mother’s gravestone? What do you think about his sister, and his being raised “by hand” by her? How strong or weak do you think a first person narrative is?

2) What motivated Pip to help give the file and food to the escaped convicts? What do you think about his guilt during Christmas dinner, and his behavior during the hunt? Do you think this scene will be important as the story unfolds (if you've not read the book before?)
3) What do you think of the character of Miss Havisham and the description of her household? Why is Pip brought into the house, and what impact do you think it has upon him? What do you think of Estella?

4) What do you think of the character of Joe, and of his relationship with Pip? Of his relationship with his wife? What did you think of the attack on Joe’s wife, and what does it reveal about Joe’s character? About Pips? Who do you think was responsible?

5) The section ends with Pip finding out he has come into money. What do you think about his goodbyes to the village in which he grew up? What do you think about the stipulations of his newfound money? Do you think that Pip will thrive or not with his money? What do you think his "great expectations" are?

6) Any final thoughts, questions, big things I left out?