ALL TIME GREAT CLASSICS GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Pip, the hero of Great Expectations, is an orphan boy aged seven. On Christmas Eve of 1812, he encounters an escaped convict in the village churchyard while visiting his parents' graves. The name of the convict is Abel Magwitch who scares Pop into stealing food for him and a file to grind away his shackles. Pip lives with his sister and her husband, Joe Gargery. He steals food, drink and a file, and sneaks out to the graveyard. The convict never forgets the kindness, although forced, that Pip shows to him. Mr. Pumblechoock, Uncle of Joe, comes to Joe's house one day to take Pip to Miss Havisham, a wealthy spinster. There, Pip meets Estella, the adopted daughter of Miss Havisham, and falls in love with her. But he fails to impress Estella who calls him a common labouring boy. She wants Pip to become a gentleman. So, he goes to London and meets Abel Magwitch whom he helps in the churchyard. Pip tries his level best to save Magwitch from being caught but all in vain. At last, Magwitch breathes his last and his property is confiscated by the Crown, thus extinguishing the great expectations of Pip who wants to become a gentleman in order to win the hand of Estella