Introduction - Level 4 Make Up in Motion

I hadn't read the text Great Expectations before I was given this project. I have read all chapters through spark notes where it goes in great detail of the story and characters. I used study notes and understand that the central theme. The main was for me was self improvement. Pip longs to be a wealthy gentlemen, something he believes Mrs Haversham will help with. It always comes with the title, Great Expectation, which is believing in the possibility of advancing his future.
Another theme is social class. Throughout this story we discover a wide range of class in Victorian England from the poor peasants ( Pip & Joe) and the very rich (Miss Haversham). The novel treats social class as what was believed to be the way society was during the Victorian England.
Crime and guilt seem to be another theme. From the very beginning we are met with a an escaped convict with his legs in chains. Pip begins to provide food and water for this man which he subsequently feels guilty for doing and hiding this from everyone. We also have police officers show up at his house when they want help for finding the two escaped convicts.

The symbolism in this story comes from a number of things such as Satis house. This a very gothic setting and it sets the mood.
There is also the character Bently Drummle. He doesn't play a major role in the novel but his character provides a strong contrast to Pip. Pip has a strong belief in what his morals are and what education can bring him. On the other hand Bently is a cold and cruel person who is upper class and proof that social advancement has nothing to do with intelligence or moral worth.
I first saw the television version and then the film version. I found the text version to be more in detail of what the characters are really like. I don't think the television version shows this very well. My favourite characters were Pip because I think it stays very true to the text where Pip came across as passionate with his feelings towards Estella and someone who deeply wants to improve themselves. I also liked Biddy as she came across kindhearted who related to Pip with social class as morals.
I was a bit surprised at Gillian Andersons characterisation of Miss Haversham because in the series she comes across as very emotionless. From reading the text I expected her to come across as more cold and bitter.