A terrifying encounter with an escaped convict in a graveyard on the wild Kent marshes; a summons to meet the bitter decaying Miss Havisham & her beautiful cold-hearted ward Estella; & the sudden generosity of a mysterious benefactor
- these form a series of events that change the orphaned Pip's life forever & he eagerly abandons his humble origins to begin a new life as a gentleman. Dickens' haunting late novel depicts Pip's education & development through adversity as he discovers the true nature of his 'great expectations'.