From Aristotelian to Foucauldian Analysis: A Study of the Pattern of “Reversal” in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations

Abstract

This paper intends to analyse reversal, which is an essential pattern, in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. It starts by treating reversal as a purely poetic device that dates from Aristotle's Poetics. Then, the meaning of reversal is deepened in its effect on displaying Dickens' dealing with larger social issues, such as gender, power and imperialism. In this sense, Great Expectations is not only a work rooted in poetic tradition, but also a highly "modern" one that possesses significant social meaning in the Victorian period.