5 Reasons to Read "Great Expectations"

Charles Dickens, who is born on February 7, is one of the leading figures of Victorian literature. His works depicted London during the nineteenth century. The Industrial Revolution turned the United Kingdom into the most powerful nation in the world, but everything wasn't rosy as it seemed. Dickens, who hailed from Landport, Hampshire, was writing about families struggling to make ends meet. These children could only wished for a White Christmas. Dickens would relate to it, as he came from that background. He earned lots of fans, as his novels were brimming with hope.

"Great Expectations", serialized between December 1, 1860 and August 3, 1861, was seen as his most personal work. Some would be misled to believe that this was an autobiography, but they were mistaken. This was a work of fiction, inspired by what Dickens saw in the streets of London. The novel had similarities to "David Copperfield", but it would only be a few. (Dickens read and reread "David Copperfield" to make sure that "Great Expectations" would be different.)

Some don't consider "Great Expectations" as the author's masterpiece, but there are many reasons why it deserves a second reading (and a third and so on). Here are five:

Pip. Dickens's description of Pip would inspire readers. He was an orphan. He didn't experience what it was like to be loved. But he didn't turn into a hard, cynical man. Those who knew Dickens's other works would expect it, but there was something else. Pip remained good throughout his life. It was hard to put down the likes of him.

Miss Havisham. Fans of the novel would call Miss Havisham the most sinister villain, but she was sad and bitter. She was supposed to walk down the aisle, but her would-be husband ran away on their wedding day. She didn't discard her matrimonial dress, even if it was tattered. She refused to remove the wedding cake from the dining table, which had molds all over. She wanted revenge, and Pip happened to be her unexpected victim.

Estella. Miss Havisham's adopted daughter was everything that Pip dreamed of. She embodied the wealth and culture that he didn't have, but she had no idea about her past. Estella's story - and Pip's - have many twists, resulting to a bittersweet ending. But it wasn't bad at all.

Joe Gargery. He was Pip's brother-in-law, who was always kind to him. It wasn't surprising, then, that the young boy was open and honest to him. This blacksmith showed the importance of human kindness. It would take a commitment, even blind faith, to do it often. But it was a tough time back then.

Abel Magwitch. He had many aliases. He was a convict, whom Pip had the unfortunate chance of meeting early on. But the lad had no idea that he would turn out to be a blessing to him. In Dickens's world, this meant that good people would never be left behind.