An Analysis of Fatalism in Great Expectations

Abstract

Charles Dickens is a famous English realism novelist in the twentieth century. As one of the most influential masterpiece of Dickens, Great Expectations is featured with tragicomedy, which is different from Dickens’ earlier works. Based on the novel, the thesis makes a comparison between Dickens’ fatalism with the traditional fatalism by analyzing the historical background of the novel and Dickens’ life experience. Naturally, it comes to a conclusion that the fatalism of Dickens is the fatalism on its essence, while there is optimism and humanitarian in it.

This thesis is divided into four parts. The first part discusses the fatalism in the plot of the novel from the arrangement of characters’ life experience. In the second part, the fatalism in characterization is discussed through analyzing the depiction and portray of the characters. The third part explores the fatalism of Dickens in structure from two aspects: three-part division and first-person narrative. The fourth part further expounds the fatalism from the aspect of writing technique: symbolism, irony and coincidence. Through the detailed discussion of these four parts, it is known that the fatalism of Dickens in Great Expectations is positive, which is characterized by Dickens himself. Furthermore, the spirit of humanitarian displayed in Dickens’ fatalism has a positive influence both on the society and readers.

Key words :  Fatalism；Charles Dickens；Characterization ；Writing technique