Maddie James
In Charles Dickens' novel' 'Great Expectations', candles are used as a source of light in many scenes, often to create a sense of darkness or half-light. The use of candles and other forms of fire in the novel is believed to be a symbol of introspection and reflection for the characters. For example, when Pip first visits Satis House, the ineffective fire in the grate prevents him from reflecting on his emotions and physical processes. The lighting of candles in scenes can also indicate narrative irony, as seen when the soldiers extinguish their torches after recapturing Magwitch, foreshadowing his dismissal from the book. The presence or absence of light in Great Expectations may also carry religious connotations, with light associated with God's presence and darkness symbolising sin and God's absence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Candles, along with other forms of fire, are used as symbols to represent emotions or desires, or to point out certain characteristics. |
| Lighting | Candles are used to light scenes in the novel, with many important scenes taking place in the dark or half-light. |
| Artificial lighting | The use of candles and other artificial lighting sources is emphasized, with very few scenes occurring in full daylight or sunshine. |
| Introspection | The presence of fire, including candles, provides reflective moments for characters, while the lack of fire prevents introspection. |
| Censorship | Fire is used by the government to burn books and censor information. |
| Social status | Miss Havisham's wealth and social status are derived from the rent collected on properties she inherited from her father, a brewer. |
| Gothic and magical aspects | The use of candles contributes to the Gothic and magical atmosphere of the novel. |
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What You'll Learn
Candles as a source of light in dark/half-light scenes
In Great Expectations, candles, along with other forms of fire, are a recurring motif. They are used to light scenes that take place in the dark or half-light, which is often the case in this "dark" novel, where very few scenes occur in full daylight.
The use of candles in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens serves to illuminate spaces that would otherwise be shrouded in darkness. In Chapter VIII, for example, a candle is used to light the way through passages and up a staircase, providing guidance and a sense of direction. In Chapter XI, a candle is placed in a dark passage, offering a glimmer of hope or a guiding light in moments of uncertainty.
The presence or absence of fire, including candles, is also used metaphorically to represent emotions, desires, and characteristics of the characters. For instance, in Chapter XVIII, wintry branches of candles faintly light a chamber, suggesting that the darkness is only slightly troubled or that the light is struggling to overcome the darkness. This could be interpreted as a visual representation of a character's inner turmoil or their struggle to overcome a challenging situation.
The novel also uses candles to create a sense of atmosphere and to convey deeper messages about the characters and their emotions. In one instance, Estella, referring to Drummle, says, "Moths and all sorts of ugly creatures hover above a lighted candle but can the candle help it?" Here, the candle may symbolize beauty, purity, or vulnerability, while the moths and ugly creatures represent those who are drawn to corrupt or take advantage of that which is pure and beautiful.
Furthermore, candles, as a source of light, can be interpreted in relation to the presence or absence of God. In the Bible, light is associated with God, while darkness symbolizes sin and the absence of God. Thus, the use of candles in Great Expectations may also explore themes of morality, spirituality, and the characters' relationships with the divine.
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The candle as a symbol of censorship
In Great Expectations, Charles Dickens uses the image of fire to symbolise emotions, desires, and characteristics. Fire appears in the form of candles, forges, and hearths, and it is used to reveal the feelings of characters and display moments of introspection.
The candle's flame, with its ability to provide light in darkness, can be seen as a metaphor for knowledge and understanding. In this context, the act of extinguishing a candle or allowing it to burn out, as described in Chapter 6, can symbolise the suppression of knowledge and the maintenance of power through censorship. The quote from Estella about "moths and all sorts of ugly creatures hover [ing] above a lighted candle" further reinforces the idea of censorship, suggesting that those in power, represented by the candle, are unaffected by the "ugly creatures" seeking to get close, much like how the ruling class remains untainted by the working class.
Additionally, the use of artificial lighting in many important scenes set in the dark or half-light contributes to the novel's dark tone and its emphasis on censorship and hidden truths. The lighting, or lack thereof, creates a sense of mystery and obscurity, reflecting the characters' limited understanding and the secrets they keep. This use of lighting can be interpreted as a metaphor for the characters' introspection and their struggle to see things clearly, with the candle's flame representing their fleeting moments of insight.
Overall, the candle in Great Expectations serves as a powerful symbol of censorship, reflecting the themes of social and economic inequality, the abuse of power, and the pursuit of knowledge and truth.
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Candles as a metaphor for introspection
In Great Expectations, Charles Dickens employs a variety of symbols to represent emotions, desires, and characteristics. One of the most prominent symbols is fire, which takes the form of candles, forges, and hearths throughout the novel. While some may interpret the presence of fire as a symbol of home and family, Dickens uses it to reveal the inner emotions and feelings of the characters, providing moments of introspection.
The image of fire is often associated with moments of reflection and contemplation. For instance, in the Satis House, Pip observes a fire that is "more disposed to go out than to burn up" (84). This ineffective fire parallels Pip's state of mind during his visit. Delusional and obsessed with the idea of upper-class life, he is unable to engage in true introspection and self-analysis. The lack of a strong, glowing fire in this scene emphasizes the absence of clarity and emotional understanding for Pip.
In contrast, when fire is engaged by a character, it often signifies a moment of introspection and self-discovery. For example, when the strange gentleman in Chapter XVIII draws the candle to him and examines his pocketbook, the candlelight illuminates not only the chamber but also the gentleman's thoughts and reflections. The candle becomes a tool for revealing the inner workings of the character's mind.
The use of candles and fire as a source of light is particularly significant in a novel where many important scenes take place in the dark or half-light. The restricted circle of light around a candle can symbolize partial understanding or the gradual revelation of truth, as seen in the climactic moment when Pip learns the truth about his expectations. Additionally, the act of lighting or extinguishing a candle can hold symbolic value, as seen when Wemmick snuffs out the candles in Chapter XXXVI, creating a sense of closure or finality.
Throughout Great Expectations, candles serve as a metaphor for introspection by illuminating the inner thoughts, emotions, and reflections of the characters. They provide moments of clarity and self-discovery, revealing the deeper messages and themes that Dickens weaves into the narrative.
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The candle as a symbol of God
In Great Expectations, Charles Dickens uses candles and fire as recurring symbols to represent emotions, desires, and characteristics. While candles and fire can represent a sense of home and family, in Great Expectations, they are used to reveal the feelings and emotions of characters.
The use of candles and fire in Great Expectations can be interpreted as a representation of God's presence or absence in different scenes. For example, when Pip visits Miss Havisham's Satis House, he describes a fire that is "more disposed to go out than to burn up, and the reluctant smoke...seemed colder than the clearer air." This ineffective fire reflects Pip's delusional state and inability to introspect during his visit. The lack of a strong, glowing fire in this scene could symbolise the absence of God or a sense of spiritual darkness.
In contrast, candles and fire can also provide moments of reflection and introspection for characters. For instance, fire is used to symbolise censorship in the book burning scene, where the government burns books to censor information. This scene could be interpreted as a metaphor for the absence of God's light and the presence of darkness when knowledge and truth are obscured.
Throughout the novel, candles and fire create a sense of atmosphere and reveal the emotional states of the characters. The lighting, or lack thereof, can be interpreted as a representation of God's presence or absence in different scenes, adding depth and symbolism to the novel.
Overall, the candle as a symbol of God in Great Expectations reflects the biblical association of light with God's presence. The use of candles and fire adds to the novel's "dark" theme and highlights the emotional journeys of the characters, often serving as a catalyst for introspection and reflection.
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The candle as a symbol of wealth
In Charles Dickens' novel "Great Expectations", candles are used as a symbol of wealth. The lighting of scenes is an important part of the novel's effect, with many significant moments taking place in the dark or half-light, and few scenes occurring in full daylight. This creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, and the use of artificial lighting, such as candles, adds to the atmosphere and symbolism of the novel.
Candles are often associated with wealth and luxury, and in "Great Expectations", they can be seen as a symbol of the upper class. For example, in the Satis House, the home of the wealthy Miss Havisham, candles are present, creating a contrast between the darkness and decay of the house and the light and luxury of the candlelit scenes. The lighting of candles in this setting may also represent a sense of home and family, as well as revealing the emotions and characteristics of the characters.
The use of candles can also be linked to the theme of social and economic progress in the novel. For example, Magwitch, a criminal, is kept behind bars and associated with the darkness of the night and banishment, while the upper-class characters, such as Miss Havisham, are associated with the light and wealth of candlelit scenes. The contrast between the two settings highlights the social and economic differences between the characters.
In addition, candles can represent power and control in the novel. For instance, Estella, who is kept locked away emotionally by Miss Havisham, can be seen as a gatekeeper of sorts, holding the keys to the Satis House and letting Pip in and out. The lighting and extinguishing of candles can be interpreted as a form of control and a display of power dynamics within the novel.
Furthermore, the presence or absence of fire and light in the novel can be symbolic of knowledge and understanding. For example, when Pip is included in the lamplight with Magwitch, it signifies their connection and Pip's partial understanding of the situation. The use of candles can therefore represent the revelation of knowledge and the power that comes with it.
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Frequently asked questions
In Great Expectations, candles are used as a source of light in dark or dimly lit scenes, which is significant as these scenes are often pivotal moments in the novel. The lighting in the scenes is an important part of the novel's overall effect. The presence or absence of fire can also represent a character's ability to introspect.
In the Bible, light is associated with the presence of God, while darkness symbolises the absence of God and sin.
Great Expectations uses a variety of symbols, including Miss Havisham's wedding dress, which represents death and the pain of her past, and the clocks in her house, which symbolise her attempts to freeze time. Money is also a key theme in the novel, with wealth being seen as acceptable by the ruling class only when it comes from the labour of others.
