Existential Quest for Identity in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations

Abstract

Great Expectations, the best read novel by Charles Dickens follows existential identity quest. This study tries to analyze Pip (the protagonist)'s quest for identity on the theoretical basis of existentialism particularly advocated by Soren Kierkegaard. Pip, the main character of the novel while following identity quest, faces innumerable hardships and adversities on the route of his inner journey. However, he ultimately succeeds to reform himself and become a true gentleman which reflects the idea of Soren Kierkegaard and Jean Paul Sartre's existentialism.