What are the key differences between the original and revised endings of Great Expectations?

I heard that Charles Dickens wrote two different endings for Great Expectations. What are the main differences between them, and how do they change the implication of the story?

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Indeed, Charles Dickens wrote two distinct endings for his novel "Great Expectations." The main differences between the original ending and the revised ending concern the tone and the implications for the future of the novel's main characters, Pip and Estella. **Original Ending:** In the original ending, penned by Dickens, Pip visits the ruins of Satis House after several years abroad. There, he encounters Estella, who has suffered through an abusive marriage, which has now ended following her husband's death. The original ending is much more ambiguous and does not explicitly suggest that Pip and Estella will renew their relationship. It is rather poignant and has a somber tone, reflecting Dickens's often realistic portrayal of life and its complexities. The dialogue between them is limited, and they simply part ways without any clear indication of a future together. **Revised Ending:** The revised ending, which is the one published in most editions of the book and believed to have been encouraged by Dickens's friend, fellow novelist Wilkie Collins, offers a more hopeful and romantic conclusion. In this version, after the same period apart, Pip returns to Satis House and meets Estella in the garden. Instead of parting, Dickens hints that they may remain together. The language suggests a reconciliation and a potential future for the pair: "‘I took her hand in mine, and we went out of the ruined place; and, as the morning mists had risen long ago when I first left the forge, so the evening mists were rising now, and in all the broad expanse of tranquil light they showed to me, I saw no shadow of another parting from her.’" This revised ending is more optimistic and suggests a more conventional romantic outcome for Pip and Estella than Dickens originally intended. **Implications for the Story:** The two endings greatly alter the reader's interpretation of the novel's conclusion and the fate of its characters. The original ending leaves Pip and Estella's future unresolved, indicating that life is complex and doesn't always allow for tidy resolutions. It's more consistent with the novel's themes of disillusionment and the subversion of expectations. The revised ending, on the other hand, implies a resolution and a second chance for the characters. It suggests that despite their past difficulties and personal growth, Pip and Estella may find happiness together. This presents a more affirmative outlook, reaffirming the possibility of redemption and the mending of past wrongs. The ending of "Great Expectations" remains a subject of much literary discussion. The choice between the two conclusions can affect one's interpretation of the novel's message and the ultimate character development of Pip and Estella, with each version providing a unique lens through which the reader can understand the story’s themes and outcomes.
Answered on August 28, 2024.
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