Great Expectations: Use of Irony Many professors, analysts, and lay readers believe that Great Expectations was perhaps Charles Dickens' best work. Perhaps it was because of the different themes exposed by Dickens, which modulate as the story progresses. A clear example of the measures taken by the author to create diversity is the application of irony. Dickens uses Rony to create suspense and conflict in the plot events related to Estella, Miss Havisham, the convict, Joe, and Mrs. Joe. The relationship between Pip and Estella is very complex and ironic. It entertains the reader, with the humor of sophisticated children. A great situational irony occurs when Estella kisses Pip after insulting and humiliating him. The reader becomes confused with Estella's actions and feels sympathy for Pip. Confusion causes conflict, which keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. On page 104 Estella says, "Come here! You can kiss me if you want." This is something unexpected, which enlivens the story. Dickens portrays Miss Havisham in a very unique way. There is dramatic irony between Miss Havisham and Pip. It's ironic how she wanted to see him become unhappy, just because he's male, and ironically she liked it. He also paid some of Pip's expenses for the partnership. But what is most ironic is that Miss Havisham does not praise herself for the good deed. At the beginning of the novel, Miss Havisham showed a harsh and cold attitude towards Pip. This is shown in his deceitful act on page 69, where he says, "Well, can you break his heart?" At the end of the novel Miss Havisham's attitude changes completely. He realizes the pain he has caused Pip and apologizes to him. Because of her positive change, she becomes more likable to the audience. A third person who has a strange effect on Pip is the convict. One of the greatest examples of irony comes out in the sudden clash between Pip and the condemned man. On page 12, the condemned man speaks to Pip: "Get me a file." Pip listens to the condemned man and brings him some food and a file. It's ironic how a simple task like this changed Pip's life forever. Pip obeyed the man and later in life the man repaid him. It is ironic how the condemned man takes from Pip, and then gives him back.