Miss Havisham and Estella and the strange house and the strange life appeared to have something to do with everything that was picturesque.
– Charles Dickens
Great Expectations, Chapter 15. Pip plans to visit Satis House after being absent for some time and has a very idealized view of the mansion and the Havishams. His description of them representing everything that is picturesque, or visually attractive and charming, is deeply ironic. In his last visit to the house the place was filled with decay and darkness. Miss Havisham presented a grotesque and ghostly figure in a withered and yellowed wedding dress. And Estella proved rude, mean-spirited and insulting to Pip. Picturesque is hardly what should come to mind.