Novelist's Biography: Charles Dickens was a renowned British novelist, born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England. He was the second of eight children and his family struggled financially, leading him to work in a factory as a child. At the age of 15, Dickens became a law clerk and later a journalist, publishing his first story in 1833. His works, such as "Oliver Twist," "David Copperfield," and "Great Expectations," gained popularity for their social commentary and vivid characters. In addition to writing, Dickens was a philanthropist, supporting various social causes such as education and prison reform. He also gave public readings of his works, which were highly popular. Charles Dickens passed away on June 9, 1870, leaving behind a literary legacy that has influenced generations of readers and writers. Synopsis: ​​​​​​​"Great Expectations" is a novel by Charles Dickens published in 1861. It follows the story of a young orphan boy named Pip who lives with his abusive sister and her kind-hearted husband in rural England. One day, Pip encounters an escaped convict in the marshes, and he helps him by stealing food and a file from his sister's home. Later, Pip is invited to the wealthy Miss Havisham's mansion to play with her adopted daughter, Estella. He falls in love with her but is heartbroken when he realizes that she does not return his feelings. Pip is later informed that he has been granted a large sum of money from an unknown benefactor, allowing him to move to London and pursue his dream of becoming a gentleman. There, he becomes friends with Herbert Pocket and is introduced to a variety of characters, including the eccentric Miss Havisham's lawyer, Mr. Jaggers, and the mysterious and dangerous convict, Abel Magwitch. As Pip's expectations rise, he realizes the true identity of his benefactor and must confront the consequences of his actions. Ultimately, he learns valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and the importance of social class.