Photo Post

I chose the following photo because of the strong elements of darkness and light that prevail throughout Great Expectations. Charles Dicken's use of polarized color, from a dark London to the warm and light workshop of Joe, are highly effective at influencing the reader's perception of the events of the book. Because the novel is so predominantly black, whenever there is any light at all it completely catches the reader's attention. Similarly, Mrs. Havisham's house is completely dark inside, and Pip is only able to find his way when guided by Estella's candle. When Magwitch comes to reveal himself as Pip's benefactor, Pip only sees the twinkling lights of the street lamps being shaken by the violent storm. This seems to foreshadow the coming realization that will crush Pip's view of the upper class. Oddly enough, Estella too is described as being a radiant light. This seems contradictory to the consistent abuse that she seems unable to withhold. Her name, meaning star, guides Pip to make some of his worst decisions, and so indicates an ironic twist to the plot, as light is often viewed as something hopeful.