'Great Expectations' is, for many, one of the best books that Charles Dickens wrote. As well as giving us some of the most memorable of characters, the novel had been adapted many times for television and cinema. But how far do the events in 'Great Expectations' reflect the reality of life in Charles Dickens' time? How well do the descriptions of people and locations match with the realities of the world at the time? With reference to historical facts and to documentary evidence, I want to look at the reality of life in the United Kingdom at the time that Dickens was writing. Together, we can piece together how much of the book is based on reality and how much is fiction.
Course aim
To investigate how far the world in which Charles Dickens lived affected his writing, with special reference to 'Great Expecations'.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Understand how far the world in which Charles Dickens lived affected his writing in the book 'Great Expectations'.
What else do I need to know?
As this is an online course, you will need access to a computer that has the capability to connect via Zoom. You will also need a camera and microphone that is compatible.
View full course information sheet
Charles Dickens: The Historical Landscape - Great Expectation
