Great Expectations Theme of Love

In Dickens's Great Expectations, love is closely tied to destruction, and it is the protagonist’s guiding light and reason for living. Love is defined and portrayed in many different ways: as romance, narcissistic love, filial love, infatuation, obsession, and unconditional love. Love both blinds the protagonist and sets him free. Love is closely tied to appearances, and, therefore, to deception.

1. Does Pip’s sister love him? Does she love her husband?
2. Does Miss Havisham’s heartbreak justify her outlook on life? Does she love Estella?
3. What are some examples of the purest expressions of love in the novel?
4. What is the relationship between love and gratitude in the novel?

Love is not blind in Great Expectations, but it blinds.

Love involves destruction and loss in the world of Great Expectations.