This wasn’t my first read-through of Charles Dicken’s Great Expectations. It was one of those classics that found
itself in the line-up of required reading in high school. That’s where I was first introduced to
Pip, Miss Havisham and Abel Magwitch.
But to be honest, I really didn’t appreciate the book at the time. I’ve begun to wonder if I truly enjoyed
any of the classics during those four
years. Perhaps it was because I
“had” to read them, not because I chose
to. Or maybe it was because I
hadn’t yet lived long enough to be able to connect with the deep and intricate
themes of life that make classics what they are. Either way, I’ve now begun to revisit the old works – this
time at middle age and this time, because I want to. But now the goal isn’t to blast through them as quickly as I
can to complete an assignment, but for the same reason that I keep coming back
to in every aspect of life – to seek out God and His wisdom. To wade through stories of life looking
for His themes, His ways, His lessons and what I can learn from them. And Great
Expectations fits the bill.
The tale is about pride and revenge and regret and
sacrifice. It’s the story of a
young man with great expectations who discovers that all he really wanted was
what he once had. Of a convict
whose heart is softened by sacrifice and love. Of an old woman who comes to the heart-wrenching conclusion
that bitterness and hatred will destroy you. Of a man who’s lacking in the ways of the world but overflowing
with the ways of heaven.
I’ve heard it said that Dickens’ books are so long and
descriptive because he was paid by the word. Reading Great
Expectations, I can believe it.
I found myself at times thinking, “OK, get on with it!” But all the sudden, about 2/3 of the
way through the book, the pace changes and you best hold onto your seat as all
the different pieces of story lines begin converging and connecting to complete
the puzzle. Dickens’ wit and way
with words, his rich characters developed layer by layer, and his intricate
plot make Great Expectations a grand
lesson for life.
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