1. Admiration and Recognition of Dickens's Mastery:
* Social Commentary: Many critics praised Dickens's ability to portray the social injustices and inequalities of Victorian England. They lauded his vivid depiction of poverty, class differences, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
* Character Development: Critics were impressed by Dickens's masterful character development, particularly the complex and flawed protagonist, Pip. They acknowledged his portrayal of the nuances of human nature and the transformative power of love, loss, and experience.
* Literary Style: Dickens's unique blend of humor, pathos, and social commentary was widely appreciated. His use of vivid language, memorable dialogue, and suspenseful plotlines captivated readers.
2. Criticism and Disagreement with Dickens's Views:
* Moral Ambiguity: Some critics found fault with the novel's moral ambiguity. While the story presented a clear critique of social injustices, the character of Pip himself struggled with his own self-interest and moral dilemmas. This complexity, while appreciated by some, was viewed by others as confusing or even hypocritical.
* Sentimentality: The novel's strong emotional content and reliance on sentimental themes were sometimes criticized as excessive or melodramatic.
* Escapism: Certain critics argued that Dickens's works, while entertaining, were too escapist and offered simplistic solutions to complex social problems. They felt that Dickens's reliance on melodrama and sentimentality distracted from the true nature of social issues.
Overall:
While *Great Expectations* was generally well-received by critics, there were definitely points of disagreement.
It's important to remember that Victorian era critics were often influenced by their own social and political biases. They could be divided along lines of class, religious beliefs, and political ideologies. Some critics saw Dickens as a powerful voice for social change, while others saw him as a sentimentalist who offered unrealistic solutions to complex problems.
Ultimately, *Great Expectations* became a landmark work of Victorian literature, solidifying Dickens's reputation as a master storyteller and social commentator. While the novel sparked debate and disagreement, it also provoked important conversations about the complexities of human nature and the social injustices of Victorian England.