We studied Dickens' parody of the Victorian theatre, an institution that he felt was in decline. I explained the satire inherent in Wopsle's ridiculous performance of Hamlet noting not only the poor performance but the crude and rude audience reactions. I addressed how this chapter ,however, is not totally out of character for the novel as Wopsle's, performance subtly mimics Pip's poor performance now as a member of the upper class due to happenstance. I further provided instruction on the elements of the bildungsroman emphasizing the genre as a vehicle of self -discovery which the novel well depicts as Pip the narrator ,now a much older man, still feels regret and can judge and point out to the reader his youthful arrogance.