Great Expectations - Study Guide

Through Charles Dicken's classic novel of wealth and status, Great Expectations, students will learn:

Historical Background: Industrial revolution.

Author Biography: Learn about Charles Dickens.

Before-You-Read Activities: Penal colonies, blacksmithing, Newgate prison, caricatures.

Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.

Literary Techniques: In context, rhythm, pacing, mood, comic relief, irony, point of view, foreshadow, foil, antonym, synonym, anthropomorphism, exposition, repetition, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, compare/contrast, anaphora, pathetic fallacy, dictionary, epiphany, dramatic structure, coming-of-age, dynamic/static, theme, aesthetic distance.

Moral Lessons and Character Values: Caring for widows and orphans, responsible for our actions, self-image, social rank, wealth, encouragement, allusion, juxtaposition, contentment, pride, empathy, money/debt, vanity, God is our security, work, female roles, cognitive dissonance.

Activities and Writing Assignments: Expectations, knighthood, ancestry, funerals, lotteries, financial planning, depression, art, eulogy, multiple writing/essay choices, drama.

Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!

Features and Benefits of the study guide

Printed Workbook Format

• Large 8.5x11 format is convenient to read and easy on the eyes
• Every question has plenty of whitespace for student’s answers
• Encourages neat and clean handwriting practice
• Easily transports without the need for a laptop or other expensive equipment
• Provides a permanent record of the student’s work
• Convenient, removable answer key included for the teacher!