Great Expectations: plot and overview

Start with the story

For an overview, begin with the note that follows Pip from childhood into adulthood. It describes his apprenticeship, the money he receives from an unknown benefactor, and his move to London. Use it to establish a broad sequence before turning to the chapter resources.

The mind map titled Great Expectations starts with Pip visiting his family’s tombstones. It describes his encounter with a convict in the graveyard. Use this opening alongside the overview to place an early event in the wider story.

Follow events through the chapters

Great Expectations Key Chapter summary begins by explaining how Philip Pirrip came to be called Pip. After looking at that opening, move to Chapters 17 - 19 summary. It covers Biddy helping to nurse Mrs. Joe, Pip’s visit to Satis House and his walk with Biddy.

Compare the events in each map with the broad account in the note. You can write a short sequence in your own words, then return to the maps to check the details. This makes it easier to see where a chapter fits without treating every detail as part of the overview.

Practice with flashcards and the quiz

The Stage One review flashcards ask about Pip’s relationship to Mrs. Joe and the clocks at Miss Havisham’s. Try answering before looking at the cards. The Part 3 flashcards include questions about Magwitch and Pip, offering another point in the story to explore.

After studying a map, take the listed quiz and check which events or characters its questions bring up. Return to the maps and flashcards to look over any points you want to practice again.

Use this topic within the unit

This page is the plot and overview section of the Charles Dickens unit in Literature. Its note, maps and flashcards offer different ways to follow the same story: a broad account, chapter summaries and questions about details. Choose a map to begin, then use a set of flashcards for recall practice.