This one of the two endings for Great Expectations. The first paragraph, concerning the fate of Bentley Drummle, appears in both versions. It was against the realist in Dickens that this ending should be changed, but England's readers were still romantics at heart and longed to see Pip and Estella together. Here they are apart, but this ending is not necessarily sad. It is pleasing to see Estella's heart freed of its shackles and the mature woman, morally improved by suffering, married to a small hero. Pip has found relief, according to this ending, because he knows that Estella can finally relate to his old feelings. We see that Pip has continued a strong relationship with Joe and Biddy because he is with little Pip, who is now old enough to walk. Therefore, the reader knows that Pip must himself be happy and contented in life. The realistic ending is almost more romantic than the other because of its plausability.
Other responses by students in English 3412, Lakehead University, Ontario
- Suffering and Anti-aristocratic Feeling in the Original Ending
- Coming to Consciousness
- The Validity of the Original Ending
- Generic Expectations and the Original Ending
- Closure in the Original Ending
Last modified 26 April 2004
Last modified 8 June 2007