Cultural historian Dr. David Parker and Thelma Grove of the International Dickens Fellowship analyze the characters and plot of Dickens’ popular and enduring novel. Using dramatized key scenes from the work, Parker and Grove discuss the behavior of the characters and speculate on Dickens’ intentions when he placed them in the various predicaments depicted. Several of these situations are associated with actual people and events in Dickens’ hometown of Rochester, England. Parker and Grove offer different views on Pip’s unique relationship with each of the characters, including Mrs. Havisham, Estella, Abel, Joe Gargery, and Magwitch. Themes discussed include penal reform, chains of events leading to catastrophic and unforeseen circumstances, unrequited love, and the human tendency of Dickens’ characters to learn things the hard way. (32 minutes)