The More Effective Ending of Great Expectations

The arousal of emotions through the use of pathos is usually what allows for a writer to give significance to his or her novel. An event or situation that captivates the reader is usually presented or displayed within the final chapter or ending of any novel. Charles Dickens' Great Expectations has two contradicting endings, one of which is more conventional and the other more realistic. The more conventional and up-to-date ending that Dickens was forced to write in order to please the novelist Edward Lytton, who criticised his original ending, provides Pip with a happy ending and leaves the readers with the idea and hope that Pip and Estella might eventually build a loving relationship.

The original ending, on the other hand, shows to be more sympathetic towards Pip as his hope of winning Estella's heart is destroyed after learning that she has married a country doctor in Shropshire. While the second ending might sound more pleasing to read, the original ending is what gives the true value and meaning of Dickens' Great Expectations.

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In support of the hypothesis, the ending Dickens originally wrote is more true to the tone of the novel as it is Dickens' first thoughts of how his piece of work ought to end. Throughout the majority of the novel, Dickens exhibits a serious tone, and this is the reason each and every event that took place was vital and helped emphasize the numerous aspects of Pip's life. Similarly, the original ending highlights the same tone, and this, in turn, provides consistency in the mood Dickens wanted to draw the readers' attention to.

Both the beginning and middle of the novel displayed an upsetting mood. Therefore, the fact that the second ending displayed a pleasant mood caused the readers to consider it an outrage on the entirety of the novel.

Providing Pip with a "happy ending" caused confusion in the social and moral meanings of as well as the aspect of reality within the novel; this, in turn, is due to the idea that Pip receives more than he deserves during the second ending. Furthermore, Estella's conversion from a heartless woman seeking Miss Havisham's revenge to an entirely understanding and affectionate individual is completely unconvincing. This exceedingly shocking change in personality not only contradicts the logic of the novel but also excuses the way Miss Havisham raised Estella. Even though Estella is softened or affected by her disdain, the original ending continues to exhibit the superior characteristic she displays throughout the novel as well as the idea that she is slightly condescending to Pip.

In conclusion, the original ending has shown to emphasize Great Expectation's true meaning and value and has shown to be more realistic than the second, conventional ending. Dickens mainly focused on remaining consistent throughout the novel by exhibiting the same tone, mood, and characteristics of each character, particularly Estella. He pointed out the disdain Pip was going through and managed to cause readers to feel sympathy towards his state or situation. This, in turn, highlighted the novel's significance and capability of impacting those who read it; this is due to the idea that was stated earlier and that claims that the final chapter or ending of a novel is of great importance to the novel as its content is what positively affects the entirety of the novel.