Understanding Victorian Context in Great Expectations
English
Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
This worksheet explores the Victorian era's influence on Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, focusing on the historical setting and societal norms of the period. Students will analyze excerpts and discuss how the context shapes the characters and themes.
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Understanding Victorian Context in Great Expectations
Subject: EnglishGrade: Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Grade 8
A
Scene Summary and Context Guide
Great Expectations, set in 19th-century England during the Victorian era, vividly depicts the social hierarchy, class distinctions, and moral values of the period. Dickens portrays London and rural settings as reflective of the rapid industrialization and societal changes sweeping through the country. Characters such as Pip, Miss Havisham, and Jaggers exemplify the diverse social classes and the rigid expectations placed upon individuals based on birth and wealth. The novel explores themes of social mobility, justice, and morality, often highlighting the disparities between the upper and lower classes. Dickens uses language and imagery that evoke the Victorian concern with morality and social order. As a period marked by industrial progress and strict social codes, Victorian England's influence is deeply embedded in the characters’ motivations and conflicts. For instance, Pip’s expectations of gentility and his desire for self-improvement mirror societal aspirations during this time. Dickens also critiques the era’s hypocrisies and social injustices, emphasizing the importance of integrity and humility. The period's emphasis on morality and social status shapes the narrative, offering insight into Victorian values and the complexities of societal change.
B
Questions
Answer the following questions based on the scene summary and context guide.
1.
In your own words, describe how Dickens uses setting to reflect Victorian society in Great Expectations.
[2 marks]2.
Identify one literary technique Dickens employs to emphasize Victorian morals in the novel.
[2 marks]3.
What does Pip’s desire for self-improvement reveal about Victorian societal ideals?
[2 marks]4.
Which societal aspect is most vividly depicted through the character of Miss Havisham?
Aa) Industrial progress
Bb) Class rigidity
Cc) Morality and hypocrisy
Dd) Legal justice
5.
Analyze how Dickens’ portrayal of social class reflects Victorian concerns.
[5 marks]6.
Identify and explain one example of imagery used to depict Victorian societal norms.
[2 marks]7.
Discuss the significance of social mobility in Victorian England as reflected in Pip's character development.
[5 marks]8.
Create a brief speech (about 25 lines) from the perspective of a Victorian citizen commenting on social class and morality.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet