Thomas Olson-Blog Post 5 Topic G

                                                                   The Symbol of the Satis House          

                                                                                            -Blog Post 5-

                                                                                                  Topic G

                                                                                        by Thomas Olson

In Charles Dickens' Great Expectations,The Satis House is the home of Mrs. Havisham and Estella;however, the house is a symbol of Mrs. Havisham’s life.  The house itself is a beautiful Gothic manor that gives Pip the idea of how the wealthy are in life, which is a romanticized vision of the wealthy, and this plays into Pip’s idea of becoming a gentleman.  Also attached to the house is a brewery which represents the fact that Mrs. Havisham’s wealth did not come from an old fortune, but rather from the Industrial Revolution. The exterior and interior of the house represents how Mrs. Havisham’s being scammed has affected her life because on the interior of the house it is a time capsule with Mrs. Havisham at the center; the exterior of the house is new, but is not maintained well and it gives an impression that this place is frozen in time with ivy that “ much of it trailed low in the dust and was withered away already” (430). When Mrs. Havisham dies the Satis House is auctioned off all of its materials inside and outside the house. This represents the death of Mrs. Havisham and the fact that her time capsule of a house has fallen with all of her woes being carried out of it. When Pip returns and the house is completely gone with the exception of the wall of the garden, and this shows that Mrs. Havisham’s spirit has gone away from the house because her house made into a prison has fallen ;also, the wall represents Estella who has had a difficult life after she left the house, and the garden is where Pip fought Herbert which one of Estella's favorite memories of the Satis House.

Blog Post #5: Great Expectations Tend to be Crushed

Ethan Seidenberg

Blog Post #5

Topic B

Great Expectations Tend to be Crushed

With Pip harboring such great expectations, it is natural that they would be crushed to some extent, as even the best-laid plans may yet fall through. In one case, Pip's love and desire for Estella is utterly crushed, as she wishes to marry Drummle, who Pip despises as "such a mean brute, such a stupid brute" (402). Mainly, his anger and even sorrow comes from the fact that despite the fact that he loved Estella, and Drummle "has not loved you as long, as I [Pip]" (401). As a result, Pip's self-esteem plummets. With time, Pip also begins to see that this luxurious world that he knows begins to fall apart in a sense, as Pip himself even states that "my worldly affairs began to wear a gloomy appearance" (422). Additionally, Pip even admits, "It was an unhappy life that I lived" in regards to the deplorable quality of his life. His life is plagued by" anxiety, towering over all its other anxieties like a high mountain above a range of mountains, never disappeared from my view" (422). Due to Pip's world figuratively falling apart, he is unsure of what to do, as he was often supported by his wealth, social class, or even his previously unknown benefactor: the convict Magwitch (the convict that Pip helped escape in his youth). However, because essentially everything in his life is falling apart, even factors that would formerly support him are being eliminated. This causes Pip to spiral into an emotional maelstrom, due to his great expectations finally being crushed.

Marie Kapelevich~ Topic A ~ A quote from Pip Pirrip

“Dear Magwitch, I must tell you, now at last. You understand what I say?”
A gentle pressure on my hand.
“You had a child once, whom you loved and lost.”
A stronger pressure on my hand.
“She lived and found powerful friends. She is living now. She is a lady and very beautiful. And I love her!” (883).


From the Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Magwitch, Pip's benefactor, is going to die due to the abundant crimes he commits in the past, and this quote, that is said by Pip, portrays his realization of what the meaning of his life is all about. All his life he believes that becoming a gentleman is what really matters to him, and it all began with the girl he meets in Miss Havisham's home. Estella would constantly tease him for being a commoner, and Pip wants to prove her wrong by changing his social class. He once finds it truly displeasing to be in his minuscule home, which he used to like "once, but once was not now" (651). The irony here is that he no longer is he enjoying his accomplishment of becoming a wealthier man. As he speaks to Magwitch for a final time, he tells him about his daughter Estella, and realizes that becoming a gentleman is not what he desires after all. Pip discerns that love and friendship is most important to him. He needs his friend Magwitch to know that it is because of him that he is able to finally understand his purpose of life. All in all, this quote indicates a major turning point to Pip's character as the Great Expectations' story climbs to the conclusion.

Kaitlin Shibovich~ Blog post #5~ Topic B

Pip’s Change

~Blog post #5~

Topic B

May 13, 2015

By: Kaitlin Shibovich

            In Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Pip looks back on his past, reflecting on the change that overcomes him as a gentleman.  As a young boy, Pip looks up to Joe and sees his trade as a “glowing road to manhood and independence” (112). The dream to work with Joe is short lived as Pip sees how wealthy Miss Havisham lives. He begins creating high expectations for himself to become a gentleman and when hearing of his travel to London, he doesn’t think twice. Pip, later in the novel, reflects on his quick change of heart and mind, “I had grown accustomed to my expectations, I had insensibly begun to notice their effect upon myself and those around me” (289). He begins to realize the “influence on [his] own character” knowing “very well that it was not all good” (289). Pip is internally challenged when he is overcome by doubt. He looks back on the idea of being “partners with Joe in the honest old forge” thinking, “I should have been happier and better” (289). Pip changes from being a child looking up to his elder, to following and accomplishing his large dream of becoming a gentleman only to be found reflecting back on his past in doubt. He expresses dramatic changes in personality and thought throughout the novel. Pip discovers one of his many changes while reflecting on the past as a well brought up gentleman in Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens.

Thomas Olson-Blog Post 4 Topic B

                                                                Estella's is Her Own Person Now
                                                                      -Blog Post #4-
                                                                        Topic B
                                                                       By Thomas Olson
Thomas Olson
Mrs .Molyneaux
English H, B
8 May 2015
                                   
    In Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, Estella, who Pip loves and wants to marry, undergoes a major change to her character. Her major change is that she now goes against the wishes of her adopted mother, Mrs. Havisham, and starts to become her own person. Before her change, Estella followed Mrs. Havisham and did whatever she wanted, which usually was just stay by her and entertain her. It also seems that Estella loves Pip to some degree though not as much as he loves her; however, this is not the case. For instance, when Pip professes his love to her, she knows what he means, but this stirs up no emotion for her because she doesn’t “care for what you say at all” (329). Mrs. Havisham allows Pip to think that Estella loves him because she wants Estella to love Pip. Instead Estella says that she will marry Drummle, which is her own decision and not what Mrs. Havisham desires. Another example is when Pip visits the Satis House in chapter thirty-eight. Estella and Mrs. Havisham are talking and when Pip arrives, Estella leaves Mrs. Havisham and talks back to her. Mrs. Havisham cries and feels separation anxiety when Estella leaves.
    In short, Estella becomes her own, new person that is entirely different from Mrs Havisham’s expectations of how Estella should be. This change is exemplified in her actions, which are entirely different from her normal actions. All of this steps show her maturing into her own person.
    

Marie Kapelevich~ Topic B

In Charles Dickens' the Great Expectations, Miss Havisham, who is always lost in grief and betrayal, finally begins to recognize that she has allowed another being to perceive her pain as well. She discerns herself in Pip the "looking-glass" in front of her, and reveals that Pip is "what [she] once felt [herself]" (843). Pip's current emotions about Estella reflect upon her past event of her abandoned wedding day. Previously, Miss Havisham would only pity herself alone, and she tries to protect Estella from the agony she feels, but her mood set an example for the girl, which ultimately transforms her into her disloyal fiancé, Compeyson. In other words, Estella hurts Pip the way Compeyson has hurt Miss Havisham. To Pip's amazement, Miss Havisham "dropped on her knees" at his feet in a manner  of guilt and solicitude for him (842).  In addition, Miss Havisham constantly repeats, "what have I done!" to show the sorrow of her lack of suspicion she had all this time of what she was doing and saying (842). She is now alone, for Estella has left her for marriage, and Pip will now go in a similar cycle as hers. Currently, Miss Havisham feels as if she is punished for her vanity and self concern for what someone has done to her awhile ago, and it affects the people she cares for the most. In essence, Miss Havisham finally decides to make amends in herself, due to the wrong she discovers within her soul.

Blog Post #4: A Game of Cat and Mouse: Pip and Estella

Blog Post #4
Topic C

A Game of Cat and Mouse: Pip and Estella

The relationship between Pip and Estella is quite an interesting one. As Pip seemingly begins to advance his relationship with Estella, it always seems as if he is pushed away. This happens in several events, such as when Estella does not wish to interact with Pip at a party, and instead wishes to converse with other suitors. However, Pip and Estella's relationship truly becomes strained when Estella decides to marry Drummle. Upon hearing of this, Pip exclaims, "You cannot love him, Estella" (400). Additionally, Pip proclaims his evident love for Estella, as he declares that "he [Drummle] has not love you as long, as I" (401). When this tactic does not work, he then begins to insult Drummle, calling him a "mean brute, such a stupid brute"(402). Unfortunately, Estella remains decisive in her decision to marry Drummle, despite Pip's objections. As a result, Pip spirals into an emotional maelstrom, seemingly betrayed by the love of his life, who he always kept on his mind. With his relationship severely weakened, if not essentially broken, Pip feels absolutely dreadful, due to the pain inflicted upon by betrayal, caused by the facade of love that he seemingly had with Estella.

Kaitlin Shibovich~ blog post #4~ Topic J

True Meaning of Great Expectations

~Blog Post #4~

Topic J

May 6, 2015

By Kaitlin Shibovich

            Every individual has their own expectations and goals in life. For Pip, it was to become a gentleman in a large city. However, moving through Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Pip’s dreams and expectations quickly crumble lowering his confidence dramatically making the title of the book itself, a joke on Pip. As Pip took off to London, he became notoriously confident in his expectations of becoming a gentleman in this large city. Upon arriving with Mr. Wemmick, Pip sees London up close for the first time and is found disheveled, “so imperfect was this realization of the first of my great expectations that I looked in dismay” (181). He has his perfect vision of how his new life is going to be and look like, but when he arrived, Pip is left disappointed “looking out, saying to [himself] that London was decidedly overrated” (182). Charles Dickens uses the title as a joke on Pip’s disappointment when seeing the real London. As the story progresses, Pip begins to grow less confident as his goals and expectations are slowly being destroyed, “for me, who have now no expectations-and I have been bred to no calling, and I am fit for nothing” (362). He admits that he is giving up hope on his future. At first, the novel follows along with the title by building up all of Pip’s dreams, but in the end, leaving him crushed emotionally. The title, Great Expectations, humiliates Pip and is used as a joke when his future goals and self-esteem come crashing down in Charles Dickens’ novel.  

Thomas Olson-Blog post 3- Topic C

                                                                   Relationships Change
                                                                         -Blog Post #3-
                                                                             Topic C
                                                                       By Thomas Olson
Thomas Olson
Mrs. Molyneaux
Soph English, B
1 May 2015
                    Topic C
In Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, Pip wants to become a gentleman and starts to not want to be around Joe, the only person who Pip respects back at his home. Moreover, Pip hides this from Joe because Pip does not like the fact that he hates his home and he thinks he is being ungrateful. Pip does not hide this well enough and Joe sees through this and he changes how he acts to try to impress Pip. This causes a conflict between Pip and Joe when Joe visits Pip in London. Joe tries to behave like he thinks Pip would want him to, which is like a gentleman; however, Joe misses some important social queues and also mispronounces several words. Not only is Joe with Pip but also Herbert Pocket, one of Pip’s respected friends, who serves them dinner. Pip feels more embarrassed and felt “heartily glad” when Herbert left (201). Pip “neither had the good sense nor the good feeling to know” if he caused Joe’s forced failed change to a fake gentleman and this weighs on Pip’s conscience. When Joe leaves Pip, who is very embarrassed, Joe knowing of his failed gentlemanly appearance decides to leave because of the conflict he caused. Pip tried to find Joe but “he was gone” (203).
    In short, Joe creates a conflict between him, Herbert, and Pip accidentally, which ends their relationship of respect and friendship all because of Pip’s need to become a gentleman.

Blog Post #3 The Heart of Estella (or perhaps lack of...)

Blog Post #3
Topic D

The Heart of Estella (or perhaps lack of...)

The heart of Estella is an interesting object within the world of "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens. With Estella having been raised by the intriguing Ms. Havisham, she has taken on some of her characteristics, and has a result, Estella "lacks" a heart of her own, and possesses one more similar to the nature of Ms. Havisham. Pip remarks on Estella's similarities to Ms. Havisham as he sees "in some of her looks and gestures there was that tinge of resemblance to Ms. Havisham" (263). She even admits her lack of a heart in a conversation she has with Pip in Ms. Havisham's garden when she states that "I have no heart- if that has anything to do with my memory" (263). However, this is purely metaphorical, as Estella elaborates, "Oh! I have a hear to be stabbed in or shot in, I have no doubt... But you know what I mean. I have no softness there, no- sympathy- sentiment- nonsense" (263). However, Pip remains incredulous at such a claim, yet Estella continues to declare her lack of emotions to Pip, and even says "no" to the love he has shown her. This due to the fact that Estella has not "bestowed her tenderness anywhere. I have never had such thing" (264). Ms. Havisham realizes this about Estella's nature, and wishes for Estella to know love, as Ms. Havisham claims to have adopted Estella "to be loved. I bred her and educated her to be loved and even commands Pip to "love her, love her, love her" (265). Even though Estella has begun to adopt some of Ms. Havisham's characteristics as a result of being her foster child, Ms. Havisham wishes for Estella to know love. She allows Pip to continue his advances towards Estella, so as to prevent Estella from not only lacking a heart emotionally, but perhaps physically as well given time.

Marie Kapelevich~Topic C

It's a small world after all. In Charles Dickens' book, the Great Expectations, Pip's convict searches for him; in order to repay his dept for Pip's good deed for him. Pip reunites with the convict, who he previously saves as a child, and they form a bond with one another. Many years has gone by, and Pip is now an adult who is trying to succeed as a gentleman. After searching for the boy so long, the convict finally stumbles upon Pip. He addresses himself as Magwitch, and he claims that Pip "is the gentleman what [he] made"(798). In other words, Magwitch is the "benefactor so long unknown to [Pip]," and Miss Havisham is not the person who he has supposed was his supporter all these years (800). From the very beginning, Magwitch has been wanting to return the favor for him, and Pip gladly obliges his request, but still worries if Magwitch is to be caught by the police, for he is a criminal. Being so uneasy for his newly current benefactor, Pip gives him a new name, "Uncle Provis," to keep Magwitches identity safe, even though the citizens of London are not able to identify  him as an inmate. Overall, it seems to be that both Pip and Magwitch desire to help one another, and have kept a bond with each other for many years, even though Pip never really realizes until now.

Blog Post #3~ Kaitlin Shibovich~ Topic D

Estella’s Heart

-Blog Post #3-

Topic D

April 30, 2015

By: Kaitlin Shibovich

            In the novel, Great Expectations, Charles Dickens uses a motif to foreshadow events through hints, relating to Estella, of broken hearts and lack of feelings. When Pip meets Estella, he knows she is not an ordinary girl. She always has a stark attitude, pushing him around any chance she gets. The author uses this to set the stage for Estella’s secret. She cannot feel. Miss Havisham leads on that Pip should take warning, for Estella might “break his heart” (61).  Regardless, Pip falls in love with her. Estella quickly realizes this and reminds him, “You must know… that I have no heart” (251). When Pip’s ability to fathom fails, she explains further, “I have no softness there, no-sympathy-sentiment-nonsense” (251). The motif of hints from Miss Havisham and Estella foreshadow the possibility of Pip’s heart being broken and secrets being unleashed. Estella seems as though she doesn’t want Pip to be hurt, but she is merely trained that way. On page 253, Miss Havisham confesses, “I bred her and educated her to be loved. I developed her into what she is, that she might be loved. Love her!” After reminiscing, Pip concludes that her words “could not have sounded from her lips more like a curse” (253). From the recognition, the secrets begin to unfold: Miss Havisham created Estella out of hate, and as a result, she will never be able to love Pip. The motif of hints relating to Estella’s inability to show emotion, foreshadow secrets unleashing and an agonizing heart break in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

Discussion #3 Notes => Marie Kapelevich

1. What is Pip's reaction to Biddy's letter?

Kaitlin: He was glad that Joe was coming, but he was also worried about that as well since London was out of Joe's comfort zone.
Ethan: Pip also doesn't really want to see Mr. Wopsle, and Joe tries to adjust his accent to fit to London.

2. What is so interesting about Joe's mannerism?

Kaitlin: How he talks shows how he is not as educated as other people.
Thomas: He also doesn't get what to do in a higher class society.

3. What has changed about Pip when he visits Miss Havisham anew?

Marie: He feels more higher class and level-headed with Miss Havisham
Thomas: He was nervous, because he did not know how much of a gentleman he needed to pull off as for Estella.
Ethan: Estella also asks Miss Havisham if Pip had changed, and she replied with, "yes, he is less common."

4. What is the symbolism of hearts during Pip's and Estella's interaction in the garden?

Kaitlin: Estella seems to be hinting to Pip that she can't show any affection for him.
Ethan: I think it's interesting that Estella is becoming more like Miss Havisham.
Thomas: I think Miss Havisham wants Estella to fall in love with Pip
Kaitlin:Estella repeats that she can't or is unable to show any affection.

5. What does Miss Havisham mean by, "I bred her and educate her to be loved"?

Kaitlin: It's almost as if Miss Havisham is putting as curse upon Estella and Pip.
Marie: Maybe she wants them to feel her pain of being abandoned by her spouse, or the complete opposite...

6. There was one scene in the garden, and Pip could not see Estella's shadow. What is the symbol?

Marie: It might symbolize the fact that Estella has no heart or loving feelings.

7. What is Pip's reaction to Estella coming to London?

Marie: He is kinda excited because he is able to show off his new gentleman style.
Ethan: Unlike with Estella, Pip was worried about Joe coming over because he acts more common like.

8. Why did Mr. Wemmick take Pip to prison to show him around?

Thomas: Weirdly, Mr. Wemmick probably feels more at home when in prison.
Ethan: Maybe he's Pip's convict!

Blog Post 2-Topic B- Thomas Olson

                                                         Pip’s Change
                                                       -Blog Post 2-
                                                            Topic B
                                                        April 24, 2015
                                                     by Thomas Olson
In Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations, Pip undergoes a major change that is the complete reverse of the change he just went through in the last part of the book. His previous change is the result of his talks with Estella: he realizes that he is common and he wants to become uncommon to impress Estella. He once wanted to be a blacksmith, “but once was not now” (94). Pip’s dislike of his being a common person extends to his dislike of his home; however, Pip does not like the fact that he dislikes his home. Pip  realizes that even though he does have some great expectations for his life, he doesn’t mind being common. He comes to this realization because of his talk with Biddy--especially when Biddy says, “Don’t you think you are happier as you are?” (144). Pip realizes his common connection with Biddy and trusts her completely. Pip wants to fall in love with her, but he loves Estella even though she constantly belittles him. From this talk, Pip realizes that even though he needs to be a gentleman not only for Estella but also for himself. He also realizes that he is no longer ashamed of Joe and his life. When he begins his goal later on, he does miss everybody and longs to go home with this new knowledge and wealth. This shows that he does take Biddy’s advice and Pip does not let his becoming a gentleman change who he is on the inside.                                                                                In short, because of this change, Pip understands the importance of being himself and accepting who he is and allowing nothing to change this fact.

Great Expectations... In More Ways Than One

Ethan Seidenberg
Ms. Molyneaux
April 24, 2015
English 123
Period B

Blog Post #2

Great Expectations... In More Ways Than One

Topic J

Considering how the title of this book is known as "Great Expectations," it should not be unexpected that great expectations are place upon the character Pip. Following Pip's unexpected gift by an unknown benefactor, Pip has great expectations thrust upon him, as he is not only to manage his new-found wealth, but must also move to the city of London, and learn the skills of a gentleman. Unfortunately, these expectations placed upon Pip do have adverse effects. Pip struggles within himself. In a conversation with Biddy where Pip binds her to secrecy after telling her about his calling his calling as a gentleman, Pip proclaims "I have particular reasons for wanting to be a gentleman... I am not at all happy as I am. I am disgusted with my calling and my life (141). However, when Biddy asks Pip if he truly wishes to be a gentleman, Pip moodily answers "I don't know" (142). Later in their conversation, Pip informs Biddy that he shall "tell her everything" (143). Biddy replies, "Till you're a gentleman," yet Pip ironically replies "You know I shall never be" (143). Pip's calling to be a gentleman impacts him deeply, as Pip dearly wishes to abandon the poor life he lives, as he has no desire to live as he does. However, Pip also wishes to not leave those that he cares about behind. This causes a great deal of internal conflict within his character that is essential to the plot. On one instance, Pip has the opportunity to become a high-class gentleman with the opportunity to interact with high-class individuals such as Estella, the love of his life, and will finally be able to impress her. However, it is at the cost of leaving behind the life and people that he holds dear. In the event Pip were to refuse his calling, Pip would remain living a life he deems miserable, despite being with people such as Joe and Biddy who he has formed relationships with. Although he would not be able to obtain the love of Estella, nor would he be able to experience that high-life experience that he desires. Pip is at a crossroads in his life, and while he sits idly for the moment, great expectation eagerly await him.

Blog Post #2 Pip Changes~ Marie Kapelevich

Pip has lived as a common boy for a great amount of time. He is used to the fact that he lives in a more minuscule home, rather than living like Miss Havisham, who lives in a manor. His expectations of life style dramatically changes after he gets an invitation to the "Enough House," to play (618). Miss Havisham's manor is unlike any home he has been able to lay his eyes upon. Pip describes it as "strange, and so fine,-and melancholy" (620). The manor is much more obscure compared to what he is used to, and it affects his opinion on his own home, which he "had liked it once, but once was not now" (651). Estella also decreased Pip's self-esteem, and gives him negative thoughts about living as a commoner. He begins to despise himself after Estella makes  fun of his "coarse hands" and "thick boots;" also, the facts that he "calls the knaves Jacks" (620). After spending quite some time at Miss Havisham's home, and agreeing to work as an apprentice of Joe's from now on, he receives an abundance of money, twenty- five pounds, which is a lot to Pip's family. However, Pip is in love with Estella, and wants to prove that he can become a gentle man, and win her heart. He will use the money to get a better education; in order to become wealthier in the future. He does not want to unimpress Estella even more with his commoner life style. Every time he thinks about her, he feels more "ashamed" of his home than ever before (652).

Discussion #2 Notes~ by Kaitlin Shibovich

Why is Pip happy of his earnings of twenty-six pence?

·      Pip respects Miss Havisham immensely, so when she gave him the money he was grateful of it. ~Kaitlin

Why does Pip no longer like Joe’s trade and what facilitated the change?

·      The change was different for Pip. He prefers the upper class life style that Miss Havisham had. ~Ethan

·      Estella makes fun of Pip giving him the extra boost to want to show her up and be successful. However, he realizes he wont be able to get there working for Joe. ~Thomas

Why doesn’t Pip run away when he realizes he doesn’t like his life?

·      Pip has too much respect for Joe to run away unexpectedly. ~Marie

What were pip’s expectations?

·      He is promised a future and better education. The conditions are that the benefactor is to remain a secret until they want to be known. ~Thomas

·      He is being sent off to London where his guardian works and try to make a living there, earning money from his anonymous benefactor. ~Kaitlin

Why is Pip upset to leave even when he is getting the education and opportunity he wants?

·      Biddy and Pip had just built a strong friendship and he doesn’t want to lose that. He will also miss Joe and he knows it’s a bad time to leave because of Mrs. Joe being bedridden. ~Ethan

Why have Mr. Pumblebrook and Mr. Trapp changed their attitude towards Pip?

·      The might be trying to get on Pip’s good side because of the money he is earning. ~Marie

What is the theme when meeting Orlick?

·      His enemies tend to always catch up to him. ~Ethan

·      When you meet someone once, you are bound to see them again. Life goes on in a circle. ~Thomas

Blog Post #2- Topic F~ Kaitlin Shibovich

“The Enough Mansion” and its significance

~Blog post #2~

Topic F

April 23, 2015

By Kaitlin Shibovich

                In the novel Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, Miss Havisham and her dressing-room are presented through detailed descriptions and imagery. Both the setting and the woman herself emphasize the theme of time. Upon seeing Miss Havisham for the first time, Pip describes her dress as having “been white long ago” fading to yellow (59). He then goes on to the woman’s features, “I saw that the bride within the bridal dress had withered like the dress, and like the flowers, and had no brightness left but the brightness of her sunken eyes” (59). Miss Havisham and her dress show that time has passed; however, Pip's description of the room takes a very different path.  The more time Pip spent in the room, the more he “began to understand that everything in the room had stopped, like the watch and the clock, a long time ago” (61). Later in the novel, Pip returns to see Miss Havisham and notes that still “everything was unchanged” (123). The author emphasizes the time being stuck alongside the aging of the house, “So unchanging was the dull old house, the yellow light in the darkened room, the faded spectre in the chair by the dressing-table glass, that I felt as if the stopping of the clocks had stopped time in that mysterious place, and, while I and everything else outside it grew older, it stood still” (132). The immense amount of imagery used to describe the mansion and Miss Havisham is significant to the theme of time in the novel Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens.

Student-Led Discussion Notes #1

Student-Led Discussion Notes #1

- In what ways do the main character's experiences relate to the author's?

Kaitlin:

- Dickens' family was in debt

- Family was beginning to become imprisoned due to this debt.

- Dickens left school in order to pursue a job.

- However, his whole family was mainly imprisoned, so Dickens had to resort to living on the streets

Thomas:

- Dickens's father was imprisoned

Ethan:

- Pip's relationship with Joe provides solace from the abuse of Mrs. Joe.

- What is the symbolism of the mist?

Marie:

- Mist represents danger and uncertainty.

- Pip is almost killed in the mists when he is lost

Kaitlin:

- Pip seems to like being in the uncertain and chaotic environment of the mists.

Home Life with Joe and Mrs. Joe-

Thomas:

- Mrs. Joe's weapon for abuse is known as "The Tickler"

- Pip feels guilty about a great deal of actions that he doesn't tell Joe.

Kaitlin:

- Finds it ironic that he doesn't tell Joe about stealing the food for the convict.

Marie:

- Joe and Pip are close friends

Ethan:

- Joe provides solace for Pip against the abuse of Mrs. Joe.

-Arrival at the Ms. Havisham's mansion; Why is the mansion called the "Enough House":

Thomas:

- The house is "enough" for Ms. Havisham

Kaitlin:

- Finds it strange that while they have "enough." Both Estella and Ms. Havisham are low-spirited people.

- Confused about the "pale boy"

- Thinks that the "pale boy" represents the old Pip, and Pip attacks the boy to prove that he is manly enough to impress Estella.

Thomas:

- Summarizes the Pale Boy Encounter

- Pale Boy keeps getting knocked down and willingly beaten

- Thinks it is a symbol.

Why is Estella full of light, will she reappear again?

Ethan:

- I think she will appear in the book when Pip is an adult and as a gentleman.

Thomas Olson-Blog post 1-Period B Lc3 Great Expectations

                                                                  Pip in the Graveyard
                                                                 ~Blog Post 1~
                                                                    Topic E
                                                                    April 17, 2015
                                                                   by Thomas Olson
Thomas Olson
Mrs. Molyneaux
English H, B
17 April 2015
               
In Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations, Pip, the main character, is in the graveyard in the first chapter. Not only is this significant because it is the first time that the character is introduced but also the sad back story of Pip is told, which is how the character is explained. In this scene, Pip imagines how is mother and father look based on the inscriptions on their tombstones. This shows how he “drew a childish conclusion” about his parents, which is the basis for his anxiety about life(1). Pip says he “is indebted for a belief” that he “religiously entertains” the idea, which is how he lives his life(1) After he moves away from his parents’ tombstones, he encounters an escaped convict, who terrorizes him for food and a file. Instead of going to the police, Pip steals from his abusive sister for the man because he feels sorry for him. Even though Pip steals, he is extremely worried that he is going to be arrested and he assumes that there would be a constable there waiting for him; however, there was no constable there. In short, Pip’s moral reasoning is exemplified the best at the graveyard and Pip’s moral code is an inherent part of him, which affects him throughout the novel. The example with the convict at the graveyard is the quintessential example of Pip’s morals for the entire book.This moral code is because of his imagined interactions with his parents and how he imagined what they looked like and how they behaved in life. Without this scene, Pip’s guiding light would never have been shown to the reader.

Kaitlin Shibovich~ Blog Post #1, Prompt C

Kaitlin Shibovich

English H

Mrs. Molyneaux

17 April, 2015

            In Charles Dickens’s novel, Great Expectations, Pip is forced to live with his cruel sister and her husband because of his parents’ death. In the beginning Joe is Pip’s only friend. They look out for each other when dealing with Mrs. Joe and her anger issues, “this was so much her normal state that Joe and I would often, for weeks, be, as to our fingers, like monumental Crusaders as to their legs” (21). She often abuses both Pip and Joe, because of that; they have formed a close, secretive bond. While sitting at the dinner table with guests, Mrs. Joe hurled harsh remarks at Pip. Joe responded “by giving [him] gravy” (25). Even though the act was limited, Joe “always aided and comforted [him] when he could, in some way of his own” (25). Knowing that he is the only fatherly figure Pip has, he gives himself to be Pip’s only voice when it comes to Mrs. Joe. Though this is all in secret they both have a connection through trust and understanding of one another. Their relationship is unique because it grows stronger through conflict. Even though it was never spoken, Joe and Pip have each other’s backs by secretly aiding one another.

Symbolism of the Mist

When Pip goes into the marshes as a child, he stumbles upon an escaped convict. The marshes consist of a mist in the area, and it creates an unsettling scenario. The misty marshes near Pip’s childhood home in Kent, one of the most evocative of the book’s settings, are used several times to symbolize danger and uncertainty. Earlier in the novel, the convict threatens Pip in the marshes to bring him food and a file. As Pip runs through the heavy mist with the nourishment and the filing tool for the escaped convict, there was "confusion" in finding his way around the marshes. He locates another convict, who was "dressed in coarse gray" and with "great iron on his leg," but he did not have "the same face" of the man he was looking for (592). In this scene, Dickens portrays Pip being in panic and lost, because he cannot comprehend to where he is going, and what might happen to him. When he finally finds the convict he was previously searching for, Pip gives him the food and departs. As he is leaving, he stops "to listen, and the file was still going" further away (595). The scene gives a "sigh of relief" tone to the end of chapter three, which concludes the dangerous energy that was about in the marshes. At this moment, Pip is not able to scout the man over the mist, but listening to him filing the iron on his leg from a distance conveys that he is farther away from danger that the marshes hold, but he is still puzzled about what may happen next.

Kaitlin Shibovich~ Article Reflection

Kaitlin Shibovich

Engish H

Mrs.Molyneaux

16 April, 2015

I never knew that there were specific names and steps when using different types of reading styles. I found it very interesting when I related to some of the conceptions of literacy. While reading, I use analytical literacy, critical literacy, and performative literacy. Often, I try to find foreshadowing or recognize figures of speech along with making my own interpretations of them; however, I find it difficult to share my ideas afterwards. I most enjoy listening to other people’s opinions keeping my mind fully open and compare their interpretation to mine.

                In the article, it talks about different steps of performative literacy in action. I found that I re-read certain texts that made me question something or blanked on after reading it the first time. While reading, I follow along in the study guide looking for the answers and re-read it for more confidence. I don’t change how I read or take notes depending if it is a book, poem, article, ect. I have this rhythm of what I do when taking in new pieces of information that works best for my memory. I believe that this is what makes me a strong reader because it’s a habit and I don’t need to think twice about how I take information from a text. The biggest thing that makes me a weak reader is that I don’t express my ideas or try to change anyone else’s on how they interpreted things. I am taking this for future reference to push myself to express my thoughts to others around me and improve myself as a reader.

                From this document I’m taking away what I know are my stronger abilities and using them to build upon my weaker abilities. It’s always good to know where your strong suits are, but it’s even better to know your weaknesses to work on them for the future.

Thomas Olson
Mrs. Molyneaux
English H, B
16 April 2017
                        Performative Literacy
    In “ Performative Literacy; The Habits of Mind of Highly Literate Readers” by Sheridan Blau, she discusses the different types of readers and how they read. Even though I am not the intended audience, I think that it is teachers because the document talks about different things that teachers could do to increase performative literacy. I do some of the things mentioned on the back of the document; however, not all the time. One of the major things that I do most of the time is I annotate my book. I do not tend to change my strategy for different books unless the book is like Shakespeare, which is harder to understand the meaning of the words. One strategy I can take away from the document is the willingness to take risks (Number 3) and tolerance for ambiguity (Number 5) because for me I can’t take risks even in reading and I can’t tolerate the unknown. If I started in a small place then, maybe I would get used to these things. Back to reading, I found that annotating and taking notes this year was different because I actually used them whereas before I just did them because I was supposed to do my annotations. I did not face any struggles; however, I did not enjoy it because I found that I don’t like doing annotations. It made my reading experiences a little less enjoyable and from now on when I read books I will take mental annotations of important information.

Marie Kapelevich
Ms. Molyneaux
English Honors
Period B
April 16, 2015
Performative Literacy Reflection

Everyone has their own way of gathering the information which they read. Sheridan Blau's article states that in order to become a disciplined reader, one must take notes, and focus on every single detail. Taking notes would mean that I would have to stop constantly and write things down. Personally, I find this difficult, because I enjoy reading without having to pause, and then analyze the text carefully. When the reading is at a higher level, or it is a classical literacy, then by all means, I spend more time looking the words over to make sense of it. Rarely do I ever get a dictionary out to look words up, for it distracts my enjoyment of reading. Usually, I just read the whole sentence, and try to comprehend what the words mean; although this is both a positive, and a negative habit to have. Predicting the definition of a difficult word is a step higher in a reader's performance, but sometimes it is better to make sure the definition is accurate. On the bright side, I do make predictions and create questions during my reading, which is an essential skill to have- according to the article. In the future, I will try to use the techniques that this educational journal offers to students. These methods given in this article have been proven to progress the reading level of a student, and I plan to improve by applying these tactics that I still lack.