Journalist and editor, William Atkins, and novelist, Lissa Evans, discuss Charles Dickens's Great Expectations on Backlisted. They also chat about Max Porter's Lanny and Ali Smith's Spring, highlighting their brilliant plots and themes. The guests delve into the power of capturing the moment in Spring and analyze the impact of Great Expectations. They also explore the challenges of adapting the novel for television and discuss the curious detail of swimmers in the book.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens explores themes of childhood, love, ambition, and class, vividly portraying the complexities of human nature and the power of transformation.
The masterful plotting and richly developed characters in Great Expectations contribute to a compelling narrative that addresses themes of ambition, love, and the influence of one’s upbringing on identity, creating a complex web of relationships and motivations that drive the story forward.
Deep dives
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is a novel that delves into the themes of childhood, love, ambition, and class. The protagonist, Pip, navigates through the marshes of England, his transition to the bustling city of London, and his relationships with various characters, particularly the enigmatic Miss Havisham and the captivating Estella. The novel explores the complexities of human nature, the influence of social status, and the power of transformation. With its vivid settings, richly drawn characters, and intricate plot, Great Expectations continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and enduring appeal.
The Intricacies of Plot and Characterization
Great Expectations is renowned for its masterful plotting and richly developed characters. The novel presents a journey of self-discovery for Pip, as he navigates his transformation from a naive young boy to a man shaped by experiences and choices. Dickens skillfully weaves together various storylines, creating a compelling narrative that addresses themes of ambition, love, and the influence of one's upbringing on identity. The characters, from the mysterious Miss Havisham to the convict Magwitch, are vivid and unforgettable, each contributing to the complex web of relationships and motivations that drive the story forward.
Dickens's Exploration of Social Issues
Great Expectations offers a critique of Victorian society, exploring themes of social class, wealth, and social mobility. Through Pip's journey from a humble background to the higher social strata, Dickens examines the impact of money and social status on individual lives. The stark contrast between the marshes and the opulence of Satis House serves as a visual representation of class divisions. Dickens's satirical tone and keen social commentary shed light on the disparities and conventions of his time, inviting readers to reflect on societal norms and the effects of wealth and privilege.
Themes of Love, Misfortune, and Redemption
Love, misfortune, and redemption are central themes in Great Expectations. The unrequited love Pip feels for Estella, as well as the complicated relationships between Pip, Joe, and Miss Havisham, explore the complexities of romantic and familial love. The novel also delves into the consequences of misfortune and the potential for redemption. Dickens depicts the harsh realities of life, the consequences of one's actions, and the capacity for personal growth and change. Through the character arcs and emotional journeys of the protagonists, Great Expectations highlights the transformative power of forgiveness, self-reflection, and second chances.
Charles Dickens's late masterpiece Great Expectations is the subject of this episode of Backlisted. Joining John and Andy to discuss the book (and its celebrated author) are journalist and editor William Atkins and returning guest, novelist Lissa Evans. Also in this episode, Andy has been reading Spring by Ali Smith while John has been enjoying Max Porter's new novel Lanny.Timings: (may differ due to variable advert length)3'43 - Lanny by Max Porter07'23 - Spring by Ali Smith13'25 - Great Expectations by Charles Dickens* To purchase any of the books mentioned in this episode please visit our bookshop at uk.bookshop.org/shop/backlisted where all profits help to sustain this podcast and UK independent bookshops.* For information about everything mentioned in this episode visit www.backlisted.fm*If you'd like to support the show, listen without adverts, receive the show early and with extra bonus fortnightly episodes, become a Patreon at www.patreon.com/backlisted