Designed to make the study of Dickens'"Great Expectations" an appealing and worthwhile experience, this paper presents a unit of study intended to help students gain (1) an appreciation of Dickens' skill at creating realistic human characters; (2) an insight into the problems of a young man confused by false values and unreal ambitions and ways to apply this insight to their own worlds; (3) an understanding of the social and historical background of 19th century England and its relation to the novel; and (4) an enjoyment of a well-constructed plot and the mystery and surprise it involves. The unit includes objectives, lecture material, handouts, discussion questions, tests, long term project ideas, and a bibliography of readings. (FL)