Abstract: Great Expectations is the masterpiece of the great realistic British writer Dickens. The novel covers a variety of excellent techniques. And above all, the binary opposition makes the social background more realistic, makes the plot more vivid and makes the character fuller. By using this technique, Dickens not only wonderfully describes the hero's ups and downs of his life, but also provokes a deep thinking about the society and shows compliment about those poor people who lives a hard life with good character. By using the technique of Binary opposition, Dickens successfully creates many unforgettable artistic images. This paper focuses on analyzing the embodiment and function of binary opposition in Great Expectations. 

Key words: Dickens; Great Expectations; Binary Oppositions; Class

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1.-Introduction and Previous Studies-1

1.1 Introduction of Charles Dickens and His Novels-1

1.2 Introduction of Great Expectations-2

1.3 Previous Studies of Great Expectations and Binary Oppositions-2

2.-The Opposition in Social Setting and Surroundings-4

2.1 Warmth and Dismal in Surroundings-4

2.2-Life of the Upper Class VS Life of the Lower Class-6

2.3 Being Evil and Being Good-8

3.-The Binary Opposition of Characters-10

3.1 Double Identity in Pip-10

3.2 Being Cold and Caring in Jaggers-11

3.3 Wemmick’s Different Life Styles-13

3.4 Pip as both the Narrator and the Protagonist-14

4.-Conclusion-17

References-19