Arguments for a Satisfactory Ending:
* Pip's Transformation: The novel follows Pip's journey from a naive, ambitious boy to a mature and compassionate man. He learns valuable lessons about social status, humility, and the importance of genuine connections. The ending shows Pip's growth, as he realizes that true happiness comes from within and not from external factors.
* Resolution of Pip's Expectations: Pip's initial expectations of wealth and social status were ultimately misguided. The ending highlights the importance of focusing on personal growth and fulfilling relationships rather than chasing empty desires.
* Satisfying Justice: While Pip's initial benefactor, Miss Havisham, dies tragically, the novel avoids a simplistic "good versus evil" narrative. Estella's fate, while ambiguous, suggests she may find happiness despite her difficult past.
* Open-Endedness: The ending, while offering closure on some aspects of Pip's story, leaves room for interpretation. This allows readers to imagine Pip's future and the potential for further growth.
Arguments for an Unsatisfactory Ending:
* Estella's Fate: The fate of Estella, Pip's love interest, is left ambiguous and possibly tragic. Some readers find this lack of closure unsatisfying and even cruel.
* Lack of Resolution: Despite Pip's personal growth, the novel ends with him still grappling with the complexities of his relationship with Estella. Some argue that the ending feels unresolved and incomplete.
* Whimsical Nature: Dickens's use of coincidences and dramatic turns of events can feel contrived to some readers. The ending may seem overly sentimental and unrealistic, particularly in its depiction of Pip's sudden reconciliation with Estella.
Overall:
The ending of "Great Expectations" is a complex and multifaceted one. While it offers a sense of closure for Pip's journey, it also raises questions about the nature of love, social mobility, and the search for happiness. Ultimately, whether the ending is satisfactory depends on the individual reader's interpretation and personal values.
It's worth noting that many literary critics consider "Great Expectations" to be one of Dickens's finest works, even with its controversial ending. The novel's themes and characters continue to resonate with readers centuries later.