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Describe the context of Great Expectations (1820s - 1850s).
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Describe the context of Great Expectations (1820s - 1850s) 19th century England, at the time of the setting of "Great Expectations", was characterised by widespread inequality; between genders, social classes and between city and country life. These inequalities became more pronounced as a result of the rapid industrialisation of that period. Class distinction was a major feature of the era. With increasing industrialisation, the middle class slowly disintegrated, increasing the disparity between the upper and lower classes. The composition of the upper classes deviated from inherited wealth and title as many people became self made wealthy by profiting from the industrialisation, thus the gentry increased in number, as most of these people were formerly of the middle classes. The upper classes did not have to work and lived magnificently, maintaining residences in the city and vast estates in the countryside. Their lives revolved around the social scene, attending balls in the...
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