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Pip goes from rags to riches. There it is: The plot of Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens. Think Dickens deserves a bit more credit? Then consider Great Expectations to be the story of one poor young lad, Pip, who stumbles onto wealth, only to find out that virtue doesn’t come with a price tag. And if you want more about Pip & Co., you’ll have to give us 60 seconds.

Video Transcription:

OK, so this book is long, but Dickens made it easy for you. The plot is divided into three sections, based on Pip’s expectations. Let’s take a look.

Stage 1 of Pip’s expectations, according to Pip:

If only I weren’t so common! If only I could be a gentleman! If only Estella would love me. Oh, how unhappy I am.

Stage 2 of Pip’s expectations:

Money! Money! How lovely money is! If only I didn’t have such common relations. If only I knew what to do with my money. If only I could be a real gentleman. If only Estella would love me. Oh, how unhappy I am.

Stage 3 of Pip’s expectations:

My money is tainted. My money is lost. Estella is lost. I am no longer a gentleman. I must make my own way in the world. I must be a real man. Oh, finally, how very happy I am!

(And I even got the girl in the end, too!)