《书评》夷则十六

9、Great Expectations

　　The background and theme
　　Great Expectations is a novel written by Charles Dickens and published in 1861. The novel is set in early Victorian England and explores themes of social class, identity, and ambition. Pip\'s journey towards self-discovery was both heartbreaking and inspiring, and the novel\'s themes of identity and the dangers of obsessive desire are still relevant today.
　　Plot
　　Orphaned Pip, brought up by his sister, was employed by aristocrat Havisham, and fell in love with her adopted daughter Estella and wanted to be a \"gentleman\". A fugitive whom he had kindly rescued when he was a child had become rich abroad. In return for saving his life, he arranged him to receive a superior education in London and enter the upper society. However, fate does not match Pip\'s hopes: Estella marries another man, the fugitive is captured and the inheritance is confiscated, and Pip\'s \"great expectations\" suddenly come to nothing.
　　Characteristics
　　The novel features memorable characters such as the eccentric Miss Havisham, the criminal Magwitch, and the haughty Estella. Pip\'s journey from a poor orphan to a wealthy gentleman allows Dickens to explore themes of ambition, social mobility, and the corrupting nature of wealth and status.
　　Of course, the most impressive and my favorite character is Pip\'s brother-in-law, Joe. We can feel the goodness and brilliance of humanity in Joe. When he married Pip\'s sister, Joe had said that he would be Pip\'s best friend for life. And he did it. He did not blame Pip, though when Pip had been sponsored by his benefactor to receive a noble education in London, had treated him with great pride, even with contempt. He cared for Pip as much as ever. When Pip\'s hopes of inheriting the estate were all dashed, and he fell seriously ill, it was Joe who not only gave Pip great support in spirit, but also quietly helped him to pay off his debts. This kind of love in imperceptible led Pip in the constant inner struggle of right and wrong gradually return to conscience.
　　My reflection
　　First of all, what impresses me most is Dickens\' language. Dickens\'s language has always had a harmonious beauty and introverted power. \"Great Expectations\" is his later work, and the sophistication of his writing has reached even more impressive heights. Everything in the world, human nature, all included, such a comprehensive and profound. There are desperate emotional debts and nuanced conflicts of interest. There is the coincidence of the fate of the day, there is the weakness of human nature and helplessness. The seemingly plain ending of Great Expectations has shocked me deeply. I think this is the charm of Dickens\'s unique language. I don\'t know if it\'s appropriate, but when I read this book, I always think of Yu Hua\'s \"To Live\". Although there are no similarities in the setting and content of the two books, I have experienced in both books the charm of telling a powerful story in plain language, which is unique to the author.
　　Besides, I deeply realize that the power of love is so powerful. Fate is fickle. But Pip\'s love for Estella was pure and consistent. He is constantly trying to enter the high class, also in order to be eligible to be with Estella. Although Estella married another man, they were reunited many years later when Estella\'s husband died. At the same time, Pip\'s brother-in-law, Joe, has always cared for Pip. When Pip struggled in confusion, when Pip was failed, it was because of Joe\'s care that Pip was able to walk out of sadness and have the courage to face life again. Whether it is love or affection, they can bring people courage and strength.
　　Furthermore, always stick to your original intention. I can see a little bit of myself in Pip. Pip\'s adolescent agitation, his youthful ambitions, were very much like mine. Everyone has some ideals in his youth which are unreal. There\'s nothing wrong with chasing your dreams, but it\'s a long road. We should persevere and never lose ourselves in the pursuit of our ideals. When I saw Pip\'s haughty attitude towards his family during his high-class life in London, I actually had some sympathy. It seems that young people are always like this. They easily lose their original heart. That\'s why it was so valuable that he was able to come out and face life again under Joe\'s care. Similarly, in real life, we should stick to our original intentions when pursuing our dreams. Even if we fail, don\'t lose heart and have the courage to start again.

作者有话说

　　看过电影，觉得有点子无聊，书也没看下去，凑活写吧，反正写完了就是胜利。