Charles Dickens' Great Expectations is narrated by its young hero, orphan Philip Pirrip, known as Pip, living with his older sister and her husband, blacksmith Joe Gargery, in the Kent marshes. Young Pip lived a life similar to other orphans yet confronted a vast range of improbable incidents, such as helping a fugitive convict. Pip's background, opportunities offered to him, and familial life make his experience uncharacteristic compared to others in a similar position. From …showed first 75 words of 2006 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2006 total…education and giving him the opportunity to play at Ms Havisham's. It is through Ms Havisham that Pip meets Estella, and his desire for her provides him with a sense of ambition, minors would rarely have. His high aspirations lift him from the low and flat life of the working class and give him opportunities to escape and"be brought up as a gentleman - in a word, as a young fellow with great expectations."