Fatalism In Great Expectations

Great Expectations, as one of the most important works in the late phase of Dickens's creation, differs much from his early novels. It's a tragicomedy, involving many tragic elements in the comedy. In this essay, after thorough analysis and study of this novel and former critics'research, the author brings forward the view that what Dickens tries to convey in this novel is the idea of fatalism with Dickens'unique features. In essence, the blood of fatalism flows in it, however, the spirit of optimism shines through it, empowering the fatalism with humanitarian and positive traits.This essay, firstly, begins its introduction by comparing featured fatalism in this novel with stereotyped fatalism, then analyzes the inevitability of fatalism under such influence as historical background, literary trend and Dickens's life experience in that period, and finally sums up the shared point of Dickens's critics and other famous writers in the same period, thus shifts naturally to the view that fatalism in this work is tainted with spirit of optimism. The body part, subsequently, is divided into four parts: on the aspect of fatalism in plot, fatalism in characterization, fatalism in structure, and fatalism in literary techniques, to demonstrate the theme of this essay. Specifically, fatalism in plot mainly refers to the characters'life development; fatalism in characterization points at the deliberate creation of character parallels; fatalism in structure consists of two parts: the choice of narrative techniques and narrator, and the selection of language; last chapter explores the utilization of symbolism, humor, coincidence as well as the establishment of keynote. Therefore, these four parts push forward the theme step by step, reinforcing one upon the other. Lastly, as conclusion, the essay discusses the significance of Dickens's featured fatalism and claims that such genius is exclusive to Charles Dickens and no match can be found.