Abstract：Charles Dickens, the greatest representative of English critical realism was born in 1812 at Portsmouth, as one of the vast host of Victorian novelists. Dickens pays particular attention to describing the life and suffering of the "small potato" living in the bottom of British society, profoundly revealing the complex social reality of Britain. He has made outstanding contributions to British criticism exploration and development of literary realism. His works are still prevalent, having a profound impact on the development of British Literature. His novels, such as Pickwick Papers, David Copperfield, Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol, have delighted generations of readers with their warmth and gentle humor, and his own colorful and hectic life helps to shape some of his most vibrant scenes and famous characters. Great Expectations (1860-1861) is told in the first person by Pip, a young man who learns through adversity to discard his own superficial snobbishness. Because of the unity of interest, centered on the chief character, and the credible quality of its romantic story, many critics have called it the best of his novels. By using the literary theory, the paper analyzes the main characters of the novel: Pip, Estella and Miss Havisham, showing the journey of their hearts of the three main characters and the change of the reality in order to explain and experience the opinion from the author about the great conflicts between ideal and reality.

Key Words: Idea ; Reality ; Self-improvement ; Social class

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

Introduction-1

1. Ideal and Reality as a Significant Theme by Dickens-3

    1.1 Colorful life experiences-4

    1.2 The conflicts between ideal and reality -6

2. Pip's Dream-8

    2.1 Pip's dream and realityBefore going to Satis House, -8

    2.2 The change of Pip's dreamAfter going to Satis House, -9

    2.3 Pipˊs dream and the reality after going to London, -10

3. Estella's Personality-11

    3.1 Estella's characters of personality-11

    3.2 The inward world of Estella and the reality-12

4. Miss Havisham's Revenge-14

    4.1 Miss Havisham's Life Experiences-14

    4.2 The conflicts between Miss Havisham's ideal and reality-15

Conclusion-16

References-19

Acknowledgment-20