Paradoxical Truths in Great Expectations with

Biblical Support Worksheet

"Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens is known for its exploration of complex human
emotions and moral dilemmas, which often result in paradoxical truths. Here's a list of
some paradoxical truths found in the novel. For each paradox, record an example from
the novel that demonstrates it. Then, see if you can match a Bible verse (or verses) that
speaks to the paradox. Finally, see if you can come up with a modern day example that
demonstrates the paradox.

1. Wealth and Poverty: The pursuit of wealth and social status can lead to both success
and moral decay.

Wealth and Poverty: Example from the novel:

​ Wealth and Poverty: Example from the Bible:

 ​ Wealth and Poverty: Example from modern day real life:

2. Love and Pain: Love can inspire both great joy and deep pain.

Love and Pain: Example from the novel:

​ Love and Pain: Example from the Bible:

 ​ Love and Pain: Example from modern day real life:

3. Ambition and Identity: The desire for self-improvement can lead to both personal
growth and the erosion of humanity.

Ambition and Identity: Example from the novel:

Ambition and Identity: Example from the Bible:

 ​ Ambition and Identity: Example from modern day real life:

4. Expectations and Reality: Having great expectations for the future can lead to both
disappointment and self-fulfilling prophecy.

Expectations and Reality: Example from the novel:

Expectations and Reality: Example from the Bible:

​ Expectations and Reality: Example from modern day real life:

5. Discovery and Deception: The search for true identity can involve both self-discovery
and self-deception.

Discovery and Deception: Example from the novel:

​ Discovery and Deception: Example from the Bible:

​ Discovery and Deception: Example from modern day real life:

 6. Revenge and Redemption: The pursuit of revenge feels good in the moment but can
lead to both destruction rather than redemption.

Revenge and Redemption: Example from the novel:

​ Revenge and Redemption: Example from the Bible:

​ Revenge and Redemption: Example from modern day real life:

 7. Appearances and Reality: The distinction between appearances and reality can lead
to both superficial judgments and profound understanding.

Appearances and Reality: Example from the novel:

​ Appearances and Reality: Example from the Bible:

​ Appearances and Reality: Example from modern day real life:

 8. Innocence and Experience: The loss of innocence can result in both wisdom and a
sense of loss.

Innocence and Experience: Example from the novel:

​ Innocence and Experience: Example from the Bible:

​ Innocence and Experience: Example from modern day real life:

9. Social Class and Character: Social class can inversely reflect a person's true character.

Social Class and Character: Example from the novel:

​ Social Class and Character: Example from the Bible:

​ Social Class and Character: Example from modern day real life:
10. Forgiveness and Bitterness: The act of forgiveness can lead to heart healing but the
perpetuation of bitterness harms the victim.

Forgiveness and Bitterness: Example from the novel:

​ Forgiveness and Bitterness: Example from the Bible:

​ Forgiveness and Bitterness: Example from modern day real life:

Note: You may discover other paradoxes. Feel free to not limit yourself to the provided
list. If you choose to work on a paradox that is not part of this list, however, be
sure to check in with your teacher first.