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Read the following extract from Chapter 1 of Great Expectations and then answer the question that follows - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 3
Read the following extract from Chapter 1 of Great Expectations and then answer the question that follows. In this extract, Pip meets Magwitch for the first time. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the following extract from Chapter 1 of Great Expectations and then answer the question that follows - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
How Dickens presents Magwitch in this extract
Answer
In this extract, Dickens presents Magwitch as a menacing figure through vivid imagery and descriptive language. The opening dialogue, 'Hold your noise!' immediately establishes his aggressive demeanor. The descriptions that follow—'a fearful man', 'a great iron on his leg', and 'broken shoes'—construct a vivid image of a character who is physically imposing and in a state of disarray, emphasizing his rough exterior and desperate circumstances.
Moreover, the repeated imperatives like 'Tell us your name!' and 'Pint out the place!' illustrate his authority and influence in this interaction, conveying a sense of danger. Pip's terrified response, pleading for his throat not to be cut, reinforces Magwitch's threatening presence. Through these elements, Dickens effectively portrays Magwitch as a dangerous character, heightening the tension of the moment.
Step 2
How far Dickens presents Magwitch as a dangerous character in the novel as a whole
Answer
Throughout 'Great Expectations', Magwitch is consistently depicted as a dangerous character, but this portrayal evolves as the story unfolds. Initially, he appears as a violent convict, creating fear in Pip. His aggressive tactics, combined with his connections to crime, mark him as a figure to be wary of. However, as the narrative progresses, layers of his character are revealed, including his motivations and the complexities of his relationship with Pip.
For instance, while he embodies danger in the beginning, he also becomes a benefactor, showcasing his desire for Pip to rise above his origins. This duality complicates the perception of danger—he is not merely a villain, but a figure torn between his past and his aspirations for Pip. Dickens thus presents Magwitch not just as a dangerous character, but also as one shaped by circumstance and redemption, inviting readers to reconsider what it means to be truly dangerous.