This web site was designed as a final project for an introductory English class of British literature at the University of Washington.  Included are two selected chapters from Charles Dickens’, Great Expectations, which adequately demonstrate the ongoing theme of madness within the novel.  The two chapters are 49 and 53, which focus on the madness of Miss Havisham and Orlick, also include critical commentary available within the actual text.  In addition to the chapters, supplementary information has been provided.  This includes a brief historical introduction on the asylum and treatment of the mentally ill during the 19th century as well as commentary on how this information connects to the novel.  Furthermore, a discussion of different film adaptations and representations of Miss Havisham and Orlick is also provided.

     I have decided to include these materials because I find them important to the theme of madness within Great Expectations.  It is important when reading this novel to consider the actual treatment of the mentally ill within this time period and how it compares to the treatment of both Miss Havisham and Orlick within the story.  Also, the way in which filmmakers decide to depict these characters in movies changes the emphasis of the story from the original intent of the novel in interesting ways.  My own commentary provided within the actual text of the chapters is there to share my own discoveries of the significance of the chapter in relating to the theme of madness.  This project is a culmination of my information from the past quarter and can be used as a tool to further my own knowledge of Great Expectations as well as the knowledge of anyone who is interested in the novel.
 
 
 

                      www.students.washington.edu/cgiacomi/courses/english200

                                                                                                For more information about this project please visit the course web site.

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