In a word, I was too cowardly to do what I knew to be right, as I had been too cowardly to avoid doing what I knew to be wrong." "I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape." ― Charles Dickens, Great Expectations Great Expectations (1861) by Charles Dickens recounts the story of Pip, the narrator, from his childhood until he becomes a young man. Pip, orphaned at a young age, lives with his elder sister and her husband. At the age of 8, he starts visiting Miss Havisham, a wealthy but antisocial spinster. At Miss Havisham's, he falls in love with Estella, her adopted daughter, who remains aloof and hostile to him. Soon Pip's life takes a turn as an anonymous benefactor providing a lavish allowance to him comes into the picture. As a result, Pip moves to London and thereafter, his life sees many twists and turns and numerous worries and challenges find their way to him.