Abstract:As “the poet of the poor”, Charles Dickens presents real life as well as reveals social problems of British Victorian era in the process of writing. Great Expectation describes a story that an innocent man is keen on great expectation and finally has to accept the disillusioned ending. Pip’s life can be classified into three stages. When in the countryside, Pip is a poor but innocent and kind young man influenced by honest Joe. Dissatisfied with his life, he goes to have a gentleman training after Estella’s insult. When in London, affected by the environment and surrounding people, Pip despises his friends and is keen on his “great expectation”. Later, Pip starts a brand new life after he goes bankrupt because of his extravagance and his “great expectation” comes to an end. This thesis aims to discuss the lost and return of Pip’s human nature in Great Expectation according to the changes of his attitude to his friends and relatives in different stages of life.

Key words: Charles Dickens; Great Expectation; human nature

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

1.1 A Brief Introduction to Dickens and His Works

1.2 Literature Review

2. The Lost of Pip’s Human Nature.5

2.1 Process of the Lost of Pip’s Human Nature

2.2 Causes of the Lost of Pip’s Human Nature

3. The Return of Pip’s Human Nature8

3.1 Process of the Return of Pip’s Human Nature

3.2 Causes of the Return of Pip’s Human Nature

4. Conclusion10

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements12