Great Expectations was written in 1861, right after Dickens had divorced Kate, his first wife. Dickens basically invoked his own emotions in the story. It was where his heart lay. Also, anyone who has read more of Dickens' work can clearly see his determination to avoid repeating himself in this impressive gothic novel dealing with the fortunes and misfortunes that befall the main character Pip. At first, Dickens had started it as a little humorous short story. Quoting Dickens himself from a accompanying note to the first installment: 'I have made the opening, I hope, in its general effect exceedingly droll. I have put a child and a good-natured foolish man, in relations that seem to