The Question of Class in Dickens’s Great Expectations: A Marxist Approach

Abstract

Abstract

reat Expectations? is heavily indebted to Marxist theory. In Marxist ideology ?class? is broadly divided into different categories such as proletariat, bourgeoisie and middle class. Dickens has excellently delineated the divided society with its many aspects. He also presents class consciousness among the chief characters. Class mobility which was a staple in Victorian society is very much apparent in this novel. It demonstrates the corrupting influence of money in modern capitalistic society. Therefore, dehumanisation of men, women, and children by the upper strata of society is a common feature. The author has superbly exposed the evils, injustice and greediness of the upper class. Money manufactures the mentality of the persons concerned. A person from the marginalised position is considered as the ?other?. So, common man dreams to be gentleman even at the cost of his dear and near ones. On the other hand, people from the higher section take the authoritative role. They try to play ducks and drakes with the common people’s dream. It is the basic economic practice in the Victorian era which determined the fate and destiny of the characters concerned.