The Social Class Struggle In The Novel Great Expectations Using Marxist Theory

Abstract

This research analyzes the social class struggle in the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens through the perspective of Marxist theory. The novel Great Expectations describes the life journey of Pip, an orphan from a poor family who dreams to become a gentleman. Although many researches have discussed this novel, but there is a gap of literature which has not deeply examined the application of Marxist theory in the analysis of classic literature, especially the novel Great Expectations. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to fill the gap by analyzing the social class struggle in the novel Great Expectations. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, by collecting data from the novel and secondary sources such as books, journals, articles, and online sources. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis method to identify the main patterns relevant to Marxist theory. The results of the research show that social class struggle is apparent in the structures of occupation, authority, and property that illustrate social inequality. The impact of social class struggle is also apparent in the personal relationship and moral of each individual, which creates deep internal conflicts. Great Expectations criticizes social class inequalities which are still relevant today, and despite changes in social status, the inequality between the proletariat class and the bourgeois class still exists and continues.