1. The opening line:
> "My father's family name being Pirrip, and my Christian name Philip, my infant tongue could make of both names nothing shorter than Pip."
This simple yet powerful opening sets the tone for the entire story, introducing the protagonist and hinting at his humble origins.
2. Pip's encounter with the escaped convict:
> "I saw a man's head lying on the ground... I saw the man himself lying on his back, with his knees drawn up, and his staring eyes wide open."
This encounter is pivotal in shaping Pip's future. It introduces the theme of guilt and redemption, and sets the stage for the complex relationship between Pip and the convict, Magwitch.
3. Pip's first visit to Miss Havisham's house:
> "She was dressed in rich materials – satins, and lace, and silks – all of white. Her shoes were white. And she had a long white veil dependent from her hair, and her hair was white."
This vivid description introduces the enigmatic Miss Havisham and her tragic story. This encounter ignites Pip's desire for a life of wealth and refinement, setting him on a path of social climbing.
4. Pip's revelation about his benefactor:
> "He put his hand upon my arm, and looked at me, and said in a low voice, 'My dear boy, I am your second father.'"
This shocking revelation turns Pip's world upside down. It forces him to confront the true nature of his benefactor and his own prejudice against the lower classes.
5. Pip's confrontation with Estella:
> "She looked at me for a moment with an angry, searching glance, and then her face softened... 'I have nothing to give you,' she said, and the tears stood in her eyes."
This final encounter between Pip and Estella is heartbreaking and bittersweet. It highlights the destructive nature of social barriers and the enduring power of love and regret.
6. Pip's final encounter with Magwitch:
> "He looked at me... and, with his hand in mine, he said, 'Dear boy, I am a poor, wretched, hunted creature, and I am all alone in the world.'"
This scene encapsulates the themes of compassion and forgiveness. It allows Pip to finally understand and empathize with Magwitch, even in the face of his own fears and prejudices.
7. The final lines of the novel:
> "I am not afraid to confess that I was so frightened that my heart beat like a drum, and I felt cold all over."
These final words leave the reader with a sense of closure and ambiguity. They suggest that Pip has finally come to terms with his past and is ready to embrace the unknown future, but they also imply that the fear and uncertainty of life will always remain.
These are just a few examples of the powerful and impactful passages in *Great Expectations*. Each reader may find different passages resonate with them most, depending on their own experiences and perspectives. The novel's enduring popularity lies in its timeless themes of social mobility, personal growth, and the complexities of human relationships.