Journey with 'Great Expectations'

When I first started reading "Great Expectations", I was in standard eleventh. It was part of our curriculum. The syllabus expected us to complete the whole book in two years. I couldn't manage this pace. I finished my reading in less than three days straight.

I wasn't a bibliophile then, and neither I am now. At the most, I read fifty-sixty books in a year now. I was better off in the past. I crammed almost two thousand books in nine years. It came to an end five years ago.

I am trying to explore why his works continue to captivate readers to this day. Come with me on a journey through the literary masterpiece of Charles Dickens. Allow me to share my unforgettable experience.

About the Novel

The title 'Great Expectations' is fascinating. It is relatable to most of us who want to do 'great' in their life. This vague and undefined 'great' is the glue which binds us all together. Expectations are omnipresent in humans, irrespective of their time, space and situation.

Saints are said to have no expectations. Here is a confession from my end. I haven't met or digitally seen any saint. I have encountered numerous individuals who professed to be saints, but regrettably, every single one of them had multiple expectations.

The heart of "Great Expectations" lies in Pip's relentless pursuit of social ascent. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is granted an unexpected fortune from an anonymous benefactor, sparking his aspirations to become a gentleman. His ambition, born from a desire to rise above his humble beginnings, catalyzes his journey.

The madness that ensues from this ambition is palpable throughout the novel. In Pip's quest for greatness, he seeks to belong in the upper echelons of society. However, the more he tries to fit into this new world, the further he drifts from the simplicity and love he once cherished.

Pip becomes obsessed with societal notions of class and gentility, discarding the very essence of who he is. He becomes a "snob of the first water," as Wemmick describes him, obsessing over external appearances at the expense of his inner peace. Eventually, Pip lost the friendship of John Wemmick as well.

In this, I saw echoes of my life, moments where the pursuit of external validation surpassed my true identity. There were times in my life when my physical appearance took precedence over my inner contentment.

The characters of Estella and Miss Havisham serve as symbols of unattainable desires, casting a shadow over Pip's sense of belonging.

Estella, raised to be heartless, becomes the object of Pip's affection and his ideal of social status. Yet, she remains emotionally distant, incapable of reciprocating his love.

Miss Havisham is a prisoner of her past. Holding onto unfulfillable expectations leads to disappointment and frustration. But don't just take my word for it - consider her story. Miss Havisham's plot is a powerful reminder that sometimes, letting go is the best way forward.

Both these characters, in their way, are catalysts for Pip's inner turmoil and his relentless ambition.

As I see it

"I am always stuck at the places where I don't belong." These words have resonated with me throughout my life. I have reiterated this statement countless times in my heart. Great Expectations struck a chord with me as I delved into the story. It resonated with my journey to find a place where I truly belonged.

However, I have not met anyone like Estella or Miss Havisham. None of my relatives is like Mr and Mrs Joe. Neither have I become a successful politician, nor did I want to. There isn't any 'hidden benefactor' this far in my story, for sure. Most fortunately, I am not an orphan.

The journey of Pip was understandably arduous due to the mere fact of him being an orphan at a young age.

I was born in Patna. My time is different. The space I live in is unrelated to the story. My language, upbringing, friends and foes are poles apart. My teachers and influencers are distinct. () Here is the most contrasting difference. After reading this Victorian-era story, I am supposed to be wiser in hindsight.

Despite these stark distinctions, like most of us, I identify with the story of Pip (Philip Pirrip). "Great Expectations" is a great classic, a must-read for everyone wanting to be great.

In "Great Expectations," Charles Dickens takes us on a journey through Pip's relentless pursuit of ambition and social ascent, as well as his desire to belong. Dickens masterfully portrays the madness that ensues when we sacrifice our true selves for external validation. In Pip's evolution, I found reflections of my own experiences, moments where ambition overshadowed authenticity.

As I close this exploration, I am overloaded with a profound realization—that the "madness for greatness" is not exclusive to the realm of literature. It is a timeless reflection of the human condition, the enduring struggle to find our place in a world that often measures us by our material success and social standing.

What's next

Pip's journey is a reminder that true peace doesn't exist in the sole pursuit of external expectations. But, it lies in embracing our authentic selves, virtues, flaws, and everything else.

"Great Expectations" transcends the confines of a mere novel and becomes a mirror through which we confront our hidden and expressed desires, ambitions, and the quest for belonging. In understanding Pip's journey, we may find a path to genuine and lasting peace.

Reading and pondering over the "Great Expectations" is a journey down the road where we can break free from the pressure to conform and espouse the beauty of being true to ourselves. Are you ready to rediscover the value of authenticity together?

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