Re: "Great Expectations"
Charles Dickens (cdickens@RMPLC.CO.UK)
Tue, 19 May 1998 11:04:42 -0100
My dear Miss Fisher,
To suppose that the names I gave my characters in "Great Expectations"
describe them is to suppose too much, but I like to think that many are
suggestive. Some merely suggest social class. Gargery sounds like the name
of a working man, do you not think? And Hubble. Drummle sounds exalted.
Pip of course is a seed which will grow. Herbert and his family are much
concerned with their pockets, how to fill them, how to disburse from them.
Mr Jaggers has a jagged aggressive edge. Mr Pumblechook is as wordy as his
polysyllabic name. Mr Wopsle buzzes like a wasp, and likes to think he can
sting, but is no great threat to anyone. Dolge Orlick's name is as
outlandish as the man.
The irony relating to Pip's anonymous assistance for Herbert is this,
surely: all his selfish actions yielded nothing in the end; his future was
provided for by his one selfless act.
Faithfully yours,
Charles Dickens
________________________________________________________________________________
>Dear Mr Dickens,
> I am in highschool and soon will attempt my
>HSC exams. I have a few questions that I would like to ask you about the
>novel "Great Expectations". I find that the names of the characters very
>interesting. In what ways do they describe the characters? I can see the
>relation with Pumblechook but not some of the others. Also, are the
>minor characters of the book mere caricatures? What purpose do they
>serve?
> Also, it has been said that Pip's attempt to help Herbet anonymously is
>ironic. How is this so? Thankyou very much for your help, could you
>please send the information back to my email address.
>Yours Faithfully,
>Carolyn Fisher
>
>______________________________________________________
>Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>
>
======================
Charles Dickens
charles_dickens@rmplc.co.uk
Author