How does Charles Dickens create atmosphere in his novel 'Great Expectations' - page 1
Keywords: How does Charles Dickens create atmosphere using writing techniques and the idea of social divides in his novel 'Great Expectations'?
By crazy legs on 18/11/2006 17:55:06
Level: GCSE Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Page Number: 1 of 4 pages: 1 2 3 4
How does Charles Dickens create atmosphere using writing techniques and the idea of social divides in his novel 'Great Expectations'?
In Charles Dickens 'Great Expectations', atmosphere is created by the style of language that is used during the novel and the story's characters and the place in which the characters appear. Every time a certain event happens the place in which it happens is exactly right. For instance when Pip is told that he may kiss Estella if he wishes, the two children are in a dark room which adds to the excitement. Although this event could have happened anywhere but Estella choose to make it happen there, the language that Dickens uses shows the two characters characteristics off exactly right. Estella says “Come here! You may kiss me, if you like.” This request is one of command but also one of passion. She keeps her status of being in charge but is also soft and kind afterwards to show affection and feeling.
Dickens uses Pip's surroundings to create an atmosphere of uneasiness. Dickens describes the marshes as 'that dark flat wilderness beyond the churchyard, intersected with dykes and mounds and gates, with the scattered cattle feeding on it, was the marshes'. Dickens describes them as dark and foggy and says that the prison ships are sitting in the marshes so that you can't see but you know they are there. The weather is mostly cold and damp. Pip lives pretty far from other people, this reinforces an idea of isolation. Also, the characteristics of the escaped convict leaves a sense of uneasiness, not just the fact that he is a convict but the way he talks, and especially the way he moves.
The way Pip is presented in the novel adds atmosphere to certain aspects of the book. For instance when Pip goes to Miss Havisham's, he is dressed to look as smart as he can be, but is dressed in farmers clothes. This then fits in with the story when he calls knaves, 'Jacks'. Which both Estella and Miss Havisham blame on him being a lower class boy instead of being as posh a them. This creates atmosphere as you feel sorry for Pip and you sympathize with him. It also makes you feel atmosphere as it adds to tension between the two social divides.
Also in chapter one we are given a
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