Before you read

The characters from Great Expectations are going to introduce themselves.

Please, greet them with a warm welcome.

Pip

My parents died when I was very young, so I went to live with my older sister and her husband, Joe. Joe is kind and I love him as a father. One day, Someone took an interest in me and is paying for my education to be a proper British gentleman. I wonder who this person is.

proper (adj): đúng cách, đúng nghĩa

wonder (v): tự hỏi

Estella

I was raised by Miss Havisham who took me in when I was very little. I am very beautiful and many men want to be with me. However, Miss Havisham taught me how to be cruel to men.

cruel (adj): tàn nhẫn

Miss Havisham

I’m an old lady. I have hated all men and can’t stand to see couples who love each other.

stand (v): chịu đựng

Joe

I am a blacksmith for this village. Pip is my brother-in-law, but he is so young that my wife and I care for him like he was our son.

blacksmith (n): thợ rèn

brother-in-law (n): em vợ

carre for: chăm sóc, nuôi nấng

Magwitch

I was a prisoner but I managed to escape twice. The first time, I met Pip. The second time I escaped, I went to Australia to become a sheep farmer. I became very wealthy.

prisoner (n): tù nhân

manage to: lên kế hoạch, xoay xở

Biddy

I am a part-time teacher in the village. When Joe’s wife became sick, I moved into their house to take care of her.