Great Expectations Introduction Summary

          The novel began at a scene of a graveyard, in which an orphan named Pip is visiting his parents’ grave sites. An escaped convict approaches Pip, demanding food and a file to be brought to him the following day, or else a lunatic man will find Pip in his home and eat his liver and heart. Pip managed to steal some food from his sister, Mrs. Joe, and a file from her husband, Joe, who is a blacksmith. Upon receiving the stolen goods, the convict began sawing at the chain on his leg. Pip left home, obviously unaware that the convict was merely trying to intimidate him into bringing him what he wanted. Pip felt extremely guilty afterwards, afraid of what his stern sister would do if she discovered his act of theft.