Plot Construction of the novel Great expectations

 

It is generally believed that Dickens pays least attention towards the plot construction in his novels. Thus, his most of novels have weak, loose and inorganic plots. There is no unity of action. They are full of various episodes and irrelevant characters. But his Great Expectations differs from this tradition. As G. B. Shaw remarks about the plot of this novel, 

"Its beginning is unhappy; its middle is unhappy;

and the conventional happy ending is an outrage on it."

The plot construction in Great Expectations is superb. It establishes Dickens as the master of narrative style, dialogue and depiction power. The post is dramatic, full of adventures and humorous situations as well. The plot begins with suspense and a thrill when Pip is threatened by the run away convict who years later is to be the arbiter of the boy's destinies. 

There is a wonderful inter-relation of each stage and each incidents. Pip's development of love, his feelings for the Joe, the sudden change in life of Pip with Estella's entry, Pip's attraction towards Biddy, Pip's meeting with Magwitch and the exposition before Pip about the real identity of Estella and Magwitch etc. All these incidents carry the element of suspense. The web of the events of the novel is so compact that the reader never tries to escape from the pages of the novel.

It is also noted that the structure of the novel emphasizes the development of Pip's expectations. The first phase is Pip's gradual development from acceptance to renunciation of self; the second phase focuses on the fanciful world of Pip to total disillusionment; the final phase recounts his increasing perception of reality and reacceptance of self. Here Pip's expectations are either with or without his knowledge, in conflict with the expectations of another character. 

It can also be said that the structure of the novel prepares the readers for Pip's happy union with Estella at the end. At last the novelist shows, how Pip realizes his expectations through failures, disappointment, struggles and hopelessness.

 Apart from this, Dickens has applied a first person narrative technique where everything is seen, heard and experienced through the senses of the narrator can take the readers into his confidence and he convinces his strengths and weaknesses with incredible honesty and understanding. The way Pip functions as a narrator gives a sound effect to the structure of the novel.

 It is quite interesting to discuss that the structure of the whole novel is ironical because it hinges on the fact that things and people are not always what they seem. For e.g.  just before Pip sets out for London he recalls the convict and comforts himself with the thought that he will not see him again. The irony is that his expectations have been provided by the convict's money and he will see him again. 

Dickens moves us to laughter, even tears, with the humour that he has picked into his narrative. Farce, Parody, wit, satire and humour are all included in abundance and they provide a novel touch to the development of plot. For instance, Pip’s first visit of Satis House, Mr. Wopsle’s description of the great Aunt’s school, the description of Mrs. Pocket’s snobbery etc. are full of humours. Dickens has created pathos also. For e.g. Pip’s last meeting with Magwitch is extremely pathetic, because we know that Pip has lost both his great expectations and Estella. Biddy’s marriage with Joe is another pathetic plight for Pip.

Moreover, Dickens has chosen well-fitting characters for his plot. For e.g. Pip is portrayed as a real man with his fears, his hopes, his human weakness and meanness, his love, his bearing up against misfortune. Estella is given the status of heroine by portraying her qualities. The role of the Joe family in the journey of Pip's life and the entry of Magwitch, Harbert, Mr. Jaggers, all play a vital role as and when they are put into action of the plot. 

In short, it can be said that Great Expectations is Dickens triumph over art, over plot-construction. The story of the benevolent convict, young Estella and the eccentric Miss Havisham is well told. There is too little exaggeration and impossibility to make the novel unreal. All elements like humour, pathos, horror, suspense, reality have been blended here marvellously.