- Miss Havisham tells Estella to break Pip's heart as payment for her broken heart by her lover, foreshadowing the pain and emotional turmoil Pip will face in the future.
2. Symbolism:
- Miss Havisham's wedding dress symbolizes her arrested emotions and her refusal to move on with life, hinting at the significance of past events in shaping people's lives.
3. Gothic Elements:
- Satis House carries strong gothic elements, with its decaying atmosphere, eerie decorations, and the presence of Miss Havisham, creating an air of mystery and foreboding.
4. Irony:
- Estella, whose name suggests hope or promise, is being groomed by Miss Havisham to cause emotional harm, presenting an ironic contrast.
5. Character Juxtaposition:
- Pip's innocence and earnest longing for a better life are contrasted with Estella's coldness and indifference instilled by Miss Havisham, highlighting the clash between human desires and societal influences.
6. Imagery and Language:
- Dickens' use of vivid imagery, particularly the description of the Satis House, adds to the haunting and atmospheric nature of the chapter.
7. Dialogue:
- The dialogue between Miss Havisham and Estella conveys the power dynamic and the manipulative intentions behind Estella's upbringing, revealing Miss Havisham's bitterness and the complex emotions at play.
By employing these literary devices, Charles Dickens creates a memorable and emotionally resonant chapter that sets the stage for the future twists and turns in Pip's journey in Great Expectations.