Dickens' Love life
As Charles grew into a young man, he began to become interested in some women. One woman who he was very fond of was, Maria Beadnell, a wealthy lady of a higher class than Charles. Although Maria was higher class, Dickens wanted to be with her very badly. Maria's parents didn't approve of Charles but Maria meanly provoked his affection. When Charles was turning twenty one, he threw a coming-of-age party and Maria was invited. They talked privately and Dickens expressed his feelings for Maria, but she rejected him by calling him a boy, not a man. Charles was heartbroken. Later in his life, Charles married Catherine Hogarth, the daughter of George Hogarth, a journalist Charles had worked with. Charles was unhappy with his marriage and always wanted something better. Charles' heartbreak could have contributed to the thoughts and feelings of characters in Great Expectations. His heartbreak could have made Charles against love as well. Miss Havisham is an example of a character that is against love. She was left at the alter on her wedding day. Miss Havisham being stood up, could have been a way that Dickens expressed his rejection by Maria Beadnell. Also, in Great Expectations, you might notice that there isn't really a stable, relationship or marriage. For example, Matthew Pocket is married, but his wife has no control over the children and the house is hectic. This could be a way of Dickens saying that marriage never works out.