Great Expectations - Bedside English Learning Reader II (Pure English Version)

Author: Li Zhengshuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The impoverished orphan Pip was raised by his sister from childhood. His sister was vulgar and fiery-tempered, often scolding the entire family. Pip's brother-in-law, Joe Gargery, was a kind and gentle blacksmith, the only one in the family who truly cared for Pip. He initially arranged a hard but fulfilling life path for Pip. Pip also regarded being Joe's apprentice as his highest ideal and found satisfaction in it. However, two events later caused a fundamental shift in Pip's life pursuit and destiny. In the marshes, Pip unexpectedly encountered an escaped convict. Reluctantly, he stole food and a file from home to save the criminal from danger. This incident marked a turning point in his attitude toward material life. The local noblewoman Miss Havisham brought great shock to Pip's spiritual world. Although the spacious and desolate atmosphere of the Havisham estate impressed him, what truly touched his heart was Miss Havisham's adopted daughter, Estella. Estella's cruelty, unreasonable behavior, and merciless ridicule deeply wounded Pip's self-esteem, making him no longer wish to be a blacksmith or content with a simple, honest life. He resolved to join the ranks of educated gentlemen and marry Miss Havisham.
With a new life ideal, Pip worked hard to educate himself, hoping to find a "great expectations" filled with happiness and wealth. Finally, one day, a lawyer informed him that a benefactor would fund his studies in London to train him as a gentleman. The benefactor did not reveal their true identity, but Pip believed it was Miss Havisham who was intentionally nurturing him to fulfill his marriage to Estella.
Upon arriving in London, he grew idle, extravagant, and began to become frivolous, vain, and selfish. Soon, the mystery in his heart was finally solved, and his "great expectations" were severely damaged. It turned out that his benefactor was not Miss Havisham but a convict named Magwitch, and the beloved Estella he adored was the daughter of this criminal and a female murderer. The "protector" he had in mind, Miss Havisham, was instead a ruthless avenger. She invited him to her home only to train Estella in the art of breaking men's hearts, to fulfill her long-held grievances.
At this point, with his benefactor arrested and Estella marrying someone else, his hopes for "great expectations" were completely shattered. Gradually, he came to his senses, repented his past mistakes, and reclaimed his former virtuous character, beginning a new life.
At the end of the novel, the lonely and aging Miss Havisham regretted her actions and died from severe burns in a fire. Magwitch was sentenced to hanging and died of illness in prison. Compeyson, who had cheated Miss Havisham out of money, drowned in a struggle with Magwitch. After Pip's sister died, Joe married Pip's friend Biddy, living a happy life. Finally, Estella, who had suffered greatly in her marriage, gained some understanding of love and reunited with Pip.