In Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, the story is set in Victorian England, a period marked by strict social hierarchies and rapid industrialization. The novel introduces Pip, an orphan who comes into money and social status, which forces him to confront the expectations of his class and society. Dickens vividly depicts the stark contrasts between the wealthy and the impoverished, illustrating the values and morals of the era. The character of Miss Havisham, living in her decaying mansion, exemplifies Victorian obsession with status and the effects of past grievances. Dickens uses rich descriptions and dialogue to immerse readers in the period’s social norms and constraints. Phrases like 'gentleman of the highest class' and 'poverty-stricken tradesman' encapsulate the rigid class distinctions of the time. Dickens also employs symbolism, such as the dilapidated Satis House representing decay and lost innocence. The Victorian era's emphasis on morality, duty, and social order significantly influences the characters' motivations and the plot development. Dickens’ portrayal offers a critique of Victorian society while also evoking sympathy for its characters.