Description
Great Expectations Literature Study Guide
Select the Printed Workbook or CD to see format-specific information, features, and included materials.
This classic book is the sometimes complicated, always fanciful and entertaining story of Pip from small boy to adult. Living with his sister, Mrs. Joe, and her husband the blacksmith, Joe Gargery, Pip is looking forward to the day when he can be apprenticed to Joe. But a chance encounter with an escaped convict in a church graveyard and a demand from the strange spinster, Miss Havisham, for a young boy to come play at her estate, changes Pip's life forever.
Pip has his world turned upside down when Estella, Miss Havisham's protégé, sneers at Pip's commoner habits and appearance, and Pip becomes ashamed of who and what he is. Then an anonymous benefactor contacts Pip through the services of the lawyer, Mr. Jaggers, and promises to make a gentleman out of him and pay his way through life.
Years later, the grown man, Pip, has developed "Great Expectations" about Estella, Miss Havisham, wealth, and his future life. However, everyone has their own expectations and nothing is as it appears. Charles Dickens fills this classic with memorable characters and sharp insights into the human soul.
What Progeny Press' Great Expectations Literature Curriculum Study Guide provides your High School student:
ELA Built for Ages 15–18 • Grades 9–12
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
English/Language Arts credit: Earn one-quarter credit with this comprehensive High School literature curriculum.
Historical Background: Uncover the influence of the Industrial Revolution.
Author Biography: Dive into the captivating life of Charles Dickens.
Before-You-Read Activities: Provide context to the novel by learning about penal colonies, blacksmithing, Newgate prison, and caricatures.
Vocabulary: Enhance your language skills through diverse activities that promote retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: Explore literary devices such as context, rhythm, pacing, mood, comic relief, irony, point of view, foreshadow, foil, antonym, synonym, anthropomorphism, exposition, repetition, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, compare/contrast, anaphora, pathetic fallacy, dictionary, epiphany, dramatic structure, coming-of-age, dynamic/static, theme, and aesthetic distance.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Discover themes and lessons about caring for widows and orphans, responsible for our actions, self-image, social rank, wealth, encouragement, allusion, juxtaposition, contentment, pride, empathy, money/debt, vanity, God is our security, work, female roles, cognitive dissonance.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Engage in assignments and activities covering expectations, knighthood, ancestry, funerals, lotteries, financial planning, depression, art, eulogy, multiple writing/essay choices, drama.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
Great Expectations Literature Study Guide - Workbook
Formatted with your High School student in mind, Progeny Press literature study guides provide in-depth lessons and writing assignments that strengthen reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and develop advanced literary analysis and essay writing skills. Each guide challenges students to think critically and engage meaningfully with the text, without unnecessary busywork that diminishes the joy of reading.
For over 30 years, homeschool families, co-ops, and Christian schools worldwide have trusted Progeny Press to provide rigorous, faith-based English and Language Arts curriculum that inspires thoughtful readers and confident writers.
What Progeny Press' Great Expectations Literature Curriculum Study Guide provides your High School student:
ELA Built for Ages 15–18 • Grades 9–12
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
English/Language Arts credit: Earn one-quarter credit with this comprehensive High School literature curriculum.
Historical Background: Uncover the influence of the Industrial Revolution.
Author Biography: Dive into the captivating life of Charles Dickens.
Before-You-Read Activities: Provide context to the novel by learning about penal colonies, blacksmithing, Newgate prison, and caricatures.
Vocabulary: Enhance your language skills through diverse activities that promote retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: Explore literary devices such as context, rhythm, pacing, mood, comic relief, irony, point of view, foreshadow, foil, antonym, synonym, anthropomorphism, exposition, repetition, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, compare/contrast, anaphora, pathetic fallacy, dictionary, epiphany, dramatic structure, coming-of-age, dynamic/static, theme, and aesthetic distance.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Discover themes and lessons about caring for widows and orphans, responsible for our actions, self-image, social rank, wealth, encouragement, allusion, juxtaposition, contentment, pride, empathy, money/debt, vanity, God is our security, work, female roles, cognitive dissonance.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Engage in assignments and activities covering expectations, knighthood, ancestry, funerals, lotteries, financial planning, depression, art, eulogy, multiple writing/essay choices, drama.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of the Great Expectations novel
- A copy of the Great Expectations study guide workbook
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (student-friendly or online)
Created for upper-level learners, this guide strengthens critical thinking and encourages polished writing while helping students master essential ELA concepts.
Designed for YOU
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for top quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and writing program.
Features and Benefits FAQ – Progeny Press Physical Literature Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Printed Workbook Literature Study Guides:
- Premium Print Format: Perfect bound 8.5x11 study guide with durable heavy gloss cover and quality interior paper designed for long-term classroom and homeschool use.
- Answer Key Made Simple: Full detailed answer key included on perforated pages for quick removal before student use, making instruction easier for teachers and parents.
- Student-Friendly Design: Built-in space for written answers supports active learning, critical analysis, and organized responses directly inside the book.
- Reproducible for Classroom Use: Approved for classroom copying, making this an ideal choice for Christian schools, co-ops, and group instruction.
- Faith-Based Curriculum: Each literature guide integrates Christian worldview connections with literature study, encouraging both academic growth and character development.
- Open-and-Go Teaching: Clear lesson structure and teacher guidance allow parents and instructors to begin immediately without extra preparation. No extra devices needed. Just the book, a pencil, and a positive attitude!
- Comprehensive ELA Coverage: Strengthens reading comprehension, writing skills, vocabulary development, and literary analysis within one complete language arts program.
- Trusted for Over 30 Years: Chosen by homeschool families, Christian schools, and educators seeking reliable, high-quality literature study resources.
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
