On page 155, what does the author mean by "impaired vision," referring to Piggy and Ralph?
Then, on page 156, I like the line, "The green light and the glossy patterns of sunshine played over their befouled bodies." I like the contrast between the beauty and innocence of the sunshine and the "befouled bodies" because of what they did the previous night.
Thinking about the previous events, and how the boys acted, would it be the same if they were left on the islands as adults? Would they still create two groups and end up killing one of their own, even if they were matured and should know how to act?
Jack seems crazy now, in a mentally unstable psychotic way. Now you can't just blame it on the power, that it just went to his head, because now he's doing things that make him seem completely insane- like beating Wilfred for no reason and convincing the boys that Simon was the beast- especially when you compare him to Ralph. Ralph doesn't seem completely normal either (with the clutching of the conch and laughing hysterically), however he's not acting as crazy as Jack. I think the best way to describe Jack would be to call him a savage tyrant because of the insane way he's acting and the way he is abusing his power.
I'm surprised that Ralph was able to keep his head around the littluns after Jack's attack, when he told them to simply go to sleep. He seems to be maturing, rather than going insane, as Jack has done.
I thought it was funny when Piggy said "I thought they wanted the conch" referring to Jack's tribe because he still thinks the conch is very important.
What is the "moving streak of phosphorence" on page 168?
Why is it cold on the island? Because I assumed that they were on a tropical island, since they had a jungle, and I didn't know that it got cold on tropical islands with jungles.
Why were the fruit trees devasted on page 172?
I thought this was an interesting line on page 180, "Below him, Ralph was a shock of hair and Piggy a bag of fat."
I like how the author compred Pggy to a pig when he died (omg that sounds so mean).
I think the conch symbolized civility and order, so when it broke when the rock hit Piggy, it signified the complete end of any civility.
Where are the littuns of Ralph's group/tribe?
At first I was mad at the twins for acting so rude to Ralph, telling him to "push off" and leave and it made it seem like they just didn't want to leave because they really had joined Jack's group, but then I realized when they gave the meat to Ralph that they joined because they were afraid of Jack coming after them, and what he could do to them because he held so much power of a tribe of boys.
What is the "slow spilt milk" on page 190?
I like on page 196, "Most, he was beginning to dread the curtain that might waver in his brain, blacking out the sense of danger, making a simpleton of him."
On page 199, when the author uses the term "A savage peered..." I began to picture Jack and his tribe as the natives from King Kong because of the paint on their faces and the way the act with their battles cries and such.
I thought that the naval officer would have had more of a grand entrance or introduction. Or maybe the author did that purposely because he wanted to symoblize the fact that the boys had forgotten their main goal, which was being rescued.
I'm not sure that I understand exactly why the officer is there. Well I do, because he said he was there for the fire, but how did he know it wasn't a fire of the enemy, as there is a war going on, and it seems that he came alone, so I don't exactly trust him.
On page 202, the author writes, "And in the middle of them, with filthy body, matted hair, and inwiped nose, Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy." I like the line, because I think it is well written, however, with the way Ralph is feeling as a child and in his situation, I don't think it really fit because it was just too smooth and "stable minded," which I doubt is what Ralph was really feeling, and I doubt that's how most people think when they cry like that.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Lord of the Flies (Ch 8-9)
On page 125, the fact that Jack "inexpertly" blows the shell and keeps on doing so until he feels he has everyone's attention made me think differently of Jack. It seems that he really wants the power (took the conch and blew it- only Ralph does it), but since he doesn't know how to use it as well, it made him seem like he would go possibly crazy with power.
With the boys splitting (Jack leaving Ralphs' "lot"), it made it seem like they forgot their priority on the island, which was getting rescued. Now it has become about who has more people in their group, or the better group, or what they can do.
And it's especially worse when the boys sneak away in the night.
Do you think the boys chose a sow, rather than a piglet, because it was bigger? Or because they couldn't bring themselves to kill a baby pig? (because with the sow gone, the piglets may not be able to survive) Do you think it adds that they haven't been living with parents for a while, so killing a sow, isn't that bad?
I think the killing of the sow scene was disgusting, and the boys seem to comfortable with what they did. But I guess that's how they have to be to survive, but the way they killed the pig seemed odd, in a disturbing way.
But then comparing them to hunters, such as Native Americans, who must also kill animals themselves to survive, but the way the Native Americans do it, they still respect the animal. With the boys coming from boarding schools and rich families, I doubt they respect the animal.
I'm confused about the "lord of the flies." I think it is the speared pig head, but I don't understand why it talks, and what it is talking about, and if Simon is only dreaming this.
And I don't understand the line on page 144, "Simon was inside the mouth."
However, I like the line on page 143, "Fancy thinking the beast was something you could hunt and kill."
Ralph is such a hypocrite- first the joining of the hunt, and admitting the adrenaline frenzy he had, and then joining the crazy dancing of Jack's group.
Now the mob mentality, really got to the boys, and they didn't realize to stop what they were doing. Robert was lucky when they stopped, because they hadn't gone that "crazy" yet, but unfortunately for Simon, the boys were going crazy with the beast, the pig, the weather, and the dancing, and they killed him.
With the boys splitting (Jack leaving Ralphs' "lot"), it made it seem like they forgot their priority on the island, which was getting rescued. Now it has become about who has more people in their group, or the better group, or what they can do.
And it's especially worse when the boys sneak away in the night.
Do you think the boys chose a sow, rather than a piglet, because it was bigger? Or because they couldn't bring themselves to kill a baby pig? (because with the sow gone, the piglets may not be able to survive) Do you think it adds that they haven't been living with parents for a while, so killing a sow, isn't that bad?
I think the killing of the sow scene was disgusting, and the boys seem to comfortable with what they did. But I guess that's how they have to be to survive, but the way they killed the pig seemed odd, in a disturbing way.
But then comparing them to hunters, such as Native Americans, who must also kill animals themselves to survive, but the way the Native Americans do it, they still respect the animal. With the boys coming from boarding schools and rich families, I doubt they respect the animal.
I'm confused about the "lord of the flies." I think it is the speared pig head, but I don't understand why it talks, and what it is talking about, and if Simon is only dreaming this.
And I don't understand the line on page 144, "Simon was inside the mouth."
However, I like the line on page 143, "Fancy thinking the beast was something you could hunt and kill."
Ralph is such a hypocrite- first the joining of the hunt, and admitting the adrenaline frenzy he had, and then joining the crazy dancing of Jack's group.
Now the mob mentality, really got to the boys, and they didn't realize to stop what they were doing. Robert was lucky when they stopped, because they hadn't gone that "crazy" yet, but unfortunately for Simon, the boys were going crazy with the beast, the pig, the weather, and the dancing, and they killed him.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Lord of the Flies (Ch 6-7)
On page 95, the first line, "There was no light left save that of the stars," my first thought was eery and dark, though, that line may not usually be interpreted that way. However, due to the circumstances and situation of the boys, I thought it was much darker, especially how the author used, "no light left."
I don't understand why they would leave Sam and Eric in charge of the fire. Even Jack couldn't "keep up" with the fire, and do they really think the twins could? The twins that make fun of/annoy the little ones and don't have the best of focus.
On page 100 when the twins are describing the "beast," they add a lot of new feautures to it, including teeth and claws and such, and relating it to the Fear Essay, it may seem that fear distorts things, as the essay claims, and what the twins did, but I think it was because that's what children do. They distort things for attention, though they know exactly what it looks like, but they want people to feel the same fear they do.
I like the phrase, "A knot of boys." It really seems like a knot, thinking about the boys as a mess that you can't undo.
I don't understand the line on page 108, "Mutinously, the boys fell silent or muttering." If the boys fell silent, doesn't that mean they gave in to Ralph, but since the author used the word mutinously, isn't that the opposite?
When Ralph thinks of how the boys have become undiscplined, I thought, why is it that Ralph has so little control over them, compared to the control held over them by adults?
I thought that possibly because Ralph is in the same position as them, and he can't fix the problem (of getting off the island) either, and that signifies child, because adults usually know how to "fix" things.
The incident wth Robert made me think of the scene in To Kill A Mockingbird where the mob of white men come to the jail for Tom Robinson, but when Scout talks to one of the men, he realizes what he is doing. Previous to his talk with Scout, he was in a mob mentality, where they weren't exactly aware of what they were doing, but they were going with the crowd. I thought it was similar to what happend with the boys and Robert, because the boys got so into their mob mentality and Robert acting as the pig, they forget their limits and that it was only a game.
I don't understand why they would leave Sam and Eric in charge of the fire. Even Jack couldn't "keep up" with the fire, and do they really think the twins could? The twins that make fun of/annoy the little ones and don't have the best of focus.
On page 100 when the twins are describing the "beast," they add a lot of new feautures to it, including teeth and claws and such, and relating it to the Fear Essay, it may seem that fear distorts things, as the essay claims, and what the twins did, but I think it was because that's what children do. They distort things for attention, though they know exactly what it looks like, but they want people to feel the same fear they do.
I like the phrase, "A knot of boys." It really seems like a knot, thinking about the boys as a mess that you can't undo.
I don't understand the line on page 108, "Mutinously, the boys fell silent or muttering." If the boys fell silent, doesn't that mean they gave in to Ralph, but since the author used the word mutinously, isn't that the opposite?
When Ralph thinks of how the boys have become undiscplined, I thought, why is it that Ralph has so little control over them, compared to the control held over them by adults?
I thought that possibly because Ralph is in the same position as them, and he can't fix the problem (of getting off the island) either, and that signifies child, because adults usually know how to "fix" things.
The incident wth Robert made me think of the scene in To Kill A Mockingbird where the mob of white men come to the jail for Tom Robinson, but when Scout talks to one of the men, he realizes what he is doing. Previous to his talk with Scout, he was in a mob mentality, where they weren't exactly aware of what they were doing, but they were going with the crowd. I thought it was similar to what happend with the boys and Robert, because the boys got so into their mob mentality and Robert acting as the pig, they forget their limits and that it was only a game.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Lord of the Flies (Ch 3-5)
On page 50, Ralph and Jack talk about how the "littluns" don't do any work, but rather swim or play on the beach. My first thought was that, Ralph and Jack should just make them do work, because if they want to survive, everyone must do their part, but then I realized these children were probably all rich kids who went to boarding schools, and they've probably never done anything for themselves.
I like the line on page 54, "The bottom part of their trickle, as though conscious of their gaze, thickened to a creamy blur which crept up the feeble column." It brings a feeling of a person to the jungle and its objects.
The nightmares that the small children are having make me think that the book is possibly sci-fi rather than just realistic fiction.
I wonder why the author chose to have Simon find the flower butterfly place (page 56). Possibly, there could be some kind of trick to it or Simon finds something odd there.
The author seems to be personifying the elements and the jungle, (page 58) "the sun gazed down like an angry eye." It makes the jungle even more creepy and disturbing.
On page 62 what does "a darker shadow crept beneath the swarthiness of his skin" mean?
The missing fire, that the hunters and jack should have tended to. Just another thing to fuel the enmity brewing between Jack and Ralph. (pun intended)
But since it's there's a war going on, couldn't the boat possibly be the boat of an enemy?
I like how Jack twitches when he proudly says he cut the pig's throat on page 69.
Why were they not sharing the pig with the little kids?
There seems to already be some sort of rankings on the island, as seen on page 78.
After watching the show Lost, I don't ever think I could sleep on an island in the boys' situation. I wouldn't know what could be in the forest or what might happen. I wouldn't trust myself or the jungle.
It's sad about Percival because he's in a traumatic situation and the boys' certainly don't know how to help him.
I like the line on page 54, "The bottom part of their trickle, as though conscious of their gaze, thickened to a creamy blur which crept up the feeble column." It brings a feeling of a person to the jungle and its objects.
The nightmares that the small children are having make me think that the book is possibly sci-fi rather than just realistic fiction.
I wonder why the author chose to have Simon find the flower butterfly place (page 56). Possibly, there could be some kind of trick to it or Simon finds something odd there.
The author seems to be personifying the elements and the jungle, (page 58) "the sun gazed down like an angry eye." It makes the jungle even more creepy and disturbing.
On page 62 what does "a darker shadow crept beneath the swarthiness of his skin" mean?
The missing fire, that the hunters and jack should have tended to. Just another thing to fuel the enmity brewing between Jack and Ralph. (pun intended)
But since it's there's a war going on, couldn't the boat possibly be the boat of an enemy?
I like how Jack twitches when he proudly says he cut the pig's throat on page 69.
Why were they not sharing the pig with the little kids?
There seems to already be some sort of rankings on the island, as seen on page 78.
After watching the show Lost, I don't ever think I could sleep on an island in the boys' situation. I wouldn't know what could be in the forest or what might happen. I wouldn't trust myself or the jungle.
It's sad about Percival because he's in a traumatic situation and the boys' certainly don't know how to help him.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Lord of the Flies (Ch 2)
The author uses the word "creepers" a lot, and I think he's referring to vines and plants of the jungle, but since he chose that word (unless that was the common uses word for plants) it brings an eery and disturbing feel to the jungle.
I keep thinking of the show Lost and the jungle and characters on that show, especially Jack, because one of the main characters in the book is named Jack.
On page 34, I like the line, "The breezes that on the lagoon had chased their tails like kittens were finding their way across the platform and into the forest."
With the snake thing, I thought of the movie Anaconda.
On page 39, I like the phrase, "Their black caps of maintenence" referring to the choir boys.
I don't understand why Ralph had to stand on his head, on page 39.
I'm confused as to why on page 46, the boys all start yelling "Snakes! Look!" Does it mean they see snakes or something? And what is the drumroll on the other side of the mountain on page 47?
I keep thinking of the show Lost and the jungle and characters on that show, especially Jack, because one of the main characters in the book is named Jack.
On page 34, I like the line, "The breezes that on the lagoon had chased their tails like kittens were finding their way across the platform and into the forest."
With the snake thing, I thought of the movie Anaconda.
On page 39, I like the phrase, "Their black caps of maintenence" referring to the choir boys.
I don't understand why Ralph had to stand on his head, on page 39.
I'm confused as to why on page 46, the boys all start yelling "Snakes! Look!" Does it mean they see snakes or something? And what is the drumroll on the other side of the mountain on page 47?
Lord of the Flies (Ch 1)
I don't understand the line on page 7, "All round him the long scar smashed into the jungle was a bath of heat."
I found it odd, on page 8, and almost ironic that the fat boy said, "Perhaps there aren't any grownups around." The use of the word grownup make him seem young and naive, yet he used the word perhaps, which made him seem more mature, and I wasn't sure of his age anymore.
I don't understand the fair boy's explanation regarding the pilot on page 8...
How can both of the boys just drop the subject of the boys that were in the part of the plane that was burning? (page 8-9)
I'm confused as to why Ralph saw it necessary to take off his clothes. (page 10)
On page 14, I like the phrase "wrestling with the brilliance of the lagoon." However, I don't understand the whole metaphor.
So I guess I can assume the boys are from Europe, more specifically Britain, or at least Piggy is because he said "pounds" referring to payment.
For some reason, in the descprition of the choir boys, the fact that they wore a cross stood out to me.
Why on page 24 does Ralph accept Simon to go exploring with them, even though Simon had just fainted and he had heard of Simon's fainting spells?
On page 31, though I thougth Jack was a fool for wasting the opportunity to kill the pig, I understood because where he lived, he probably had every meal served to him and never had to kill an animal himself.
I found it odd, on page 8, and almost ironic that the fat boy said, "Perhaps there aren't any grownups around." The use of the word grownup make him seem young and naive, yet he used the word perhaps, which made him seem more mature, and I wasn't sure of his age anymore.
I don't understand the fair boy's explanation regarding the pilot on page 8...
How can both of the boys just drop the subject of the boys that were in the part of the plane that was burning? (page 8-9)
I'm confused as to why Ralph saw it necessary to take off his clothes. (page 10)
On page 14, I like the phrase "wrestling with the brilliance of the lagoon." However, I don't understand the whole metaphor.
So I guess I can assume the boys are from Europe, more specifically Britain, or at least Piggy is because he said "pounds" referring to payment.
For some reason, in the descprition of the choir boys, the fact that they wore a cross stood out to me.
Why on page 24 does Ralph accept Simon to go exploring with them, even though Simon had just fainted and he had heard of Simon's fainting spells?
On page 31, though I thougth Jack was a fool for wasting the opportunity to kill the pig, I understood because where he lived, he probably had every meal served to him and never had to kill an animal himself.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Great Expectations (55-59)
All of a sudden, Pip feels something more than disgust towards the convict, and the convict had to first attack a man, get arrested, and end up in jail for Pip to finally realize that he wasn't the same man as he was before in the marshes years ago.
I thought the first paragraph of chapter 55 provided some foreshadowing- possibly dark, yet happy in a peaceful way.
It seems that everyone is getting married but Pip. It shows how alone Pip is. I think that he also made a mistake, as he had brushed off Biddy for Estella, who had seemed to be a lost cause.
Is Jaggers married?
I almost thought that Pip was going to pray for himself, after Magwitch dies, instead of praying for Magwitch.
When Joe came for Pip, I saw it as another comparison of Joe and Pip. Though Pip had treated Joe coldly and inferior, Joe still came for Pip and helped him back to health. Also, Joe's life was one Pip could have had. Pip would have been a lowly blacksmith, but he would have been happy and content with life, and not in debt. He also could have possibly married Biddy.
Isn't Biddy Pip's age? Which is about 20 years younger than Joe (Mrs. Joe was 20 years older than Pip), so wouldn't Joe be a little old for Biddy?
Biddy still seems very kind and thoughtful, yet I sense a new maturity in her. I think it's in the way she speaks to Pip, like she's wiser.
Pip still seems to be infatuated with Estella and still possesses his dreams of being her husband, even through all of the years and rejection, Pip is still able to wish they were together.
I thought the first paragraph of chapter 55 provided some foreshadowing- possibly dark, yet happy in a peaceful way.
It seems that everyone is getting married but Pip. It shows how alone Pip is. I think that he also made a mistake, as he had brushed off Biddy for Estella, who had seemed to be a lost cause.
Is Jaggers married?
I almost thought that Pip was going to pray for himself, after Magwitch dies, instead of praying for Magwitch.
When Joe came for Pip, I saw it as another comparison of Joe and Pip. Though Pip had treated Joe coldly and inferior, Joe still came for Pip and helped him back to health. Also, Joe's life was one Pip could have had. Pip would have been a lowly blacksmith, but he would have been happy and content with life, and not in debt. He also could have possibly married Biddy.
Isn't Biddy Pip's age? Which is about 20 years younger than Joe (Mrs. Joe was 20 years older than Pip), so wouldn't Joe be a little old for Biddy?
Biddy still seems very kind and thoughtful, yet I sense a new maturity in her. I think it's in the way she speaks to Pip, like she's wiser.
Pip still seems to be infatuated with Estella and still possesses his dreams of being her husband, even through all of the years and rejection, Pip is still able to wish they were together.
Great Expectations (53-54)
On page 425, I like the line, "Beyond their dark line there was a ribbon of clear sky, hardly broad enough to hold the large red moon." Knowing that Pip was walking into the marshes due to a threat letter, thus the mood was dark and suspenseful, yet the use of "ribbon" foreshadows a little brightness.
How would Orlick be connected with Magwitch? Because I thought the man in the marshes would have been Compeyson.
Why does Orlick call Pip "wolf"?
On page 443, in the first paragraph, Pip mentions the word "mud" several times. Is that because he does not like mud? Or he feels stuck in the mud (both literally and figuratively)?
On page 443, one man says, "What was that ripple?" and it made me think of that scene in Jurassic Park where the kids and the lawyer are in the car and the water in the cup shakes every few moments because the T-Rex is taking steps.
On page 445, why did the dialogue make Pip and his men uneasy? And Pip even more uneasy? For Pip, I thought it was possibly because it reminded him of when he was common and those who he knew spoke that language (Joe, Orlick)?
Was it really worth it to Magwtich to attack Compeyson, though he would get caught?
How would Orlick be connected with Magwitch? Because I thought the man in the marshes would have been Compeyson.
Why does Orlick call Pip "wolf"?
On page 443, in the first paragraph, Pip mentions the word "mud" several times. Is that because he does not like mud? Or he feels stuck in the mud (both literally and figuratively)?
On page 443, one man says, "What was that ripple?" and it made me think of that scene in Jurassic Park where the kids and the lawyer are in the car and the water in the cup shakes every few moments because the T-Rex is taking steps.
On page 445, why did the dialogue make Pip and his men uneasy? And Pip even more uneasy? For Pip, I thought it was possibly because it reminded him of when he was common and those who he knew spoke that language (Joe, Orlick)?
Was it really worth it to Magwtich to attack Compeyson, though he would get caught?
Great Expectations (50-52)
The first paragraph of chapter 50 describes how and where Pip was burned by the fire at Miss Havisham's, and I found it slightly odd that he described only the physical aspects of the burns. He said nothing about how he felt- if he regretted saving Miss Havisham or if he thought the burns were completely worth it.
On page 408, while Herbert is thoughtfully wrapping Pip's burns with bandages, Herbert is constantly asking Pip if he is ok with the bandaging or if he is in pain, but Pip pays no attention to him because all he can think about is finding the truth. I found it comical how Herbert was trying to be kind, but Pip just brushed him off, instead telling Herbert to continue with the story.
I thought Jaggers would have known that Provis was Estella's father, as he had defended her mother in a case. Also, he had helped the man and I thought it was because of Molly/Estella. (page 409)
On page 416, Jaggers explains how Molly let Estella go. But I still don't understand why Molly had to let Estella go- yes, Estella is "saved" even if Molly is not, but didn't it lead to the court thinking that Molly had killed Estella?
On page 418, it really shows how snappish and uptight Wemmick is in the office when Mike walks in, and I found it funny, yet disturbing at the same time.
I don't understand the note on page 420.
On page 423, when Pip is asking about Pumblechook and Joe, I felt- from Pip's point of view- superior towards them, possibly towards their absence in the book and possibly the way Pip asked about them.
Does the landlord not recognize Pip? Because he speaks of him. (Page 423)
On page 408, while Herbert is thoughtfully wrapping Pip's burns with bandages, Herbert is constantly asking Pip if he is ok with the bandaging or if he is in pain, but Pip pays no attention to him because all he can think about is finding the truth. I found it comical how Herbert was trying to be kind, but Pip just brushed him off, instead telling Herbert to continue with the story.
I thought Jaggers would have known that Provis was Estella's father, as he had defended her mother in a case. Also, he had helped the man and I thought it was because of Molly/Estella. (page 409)
On page 416, Jaggers explains how Molly let Estella go. But I still don't understand why Molly had to let Estella go- yes, Estella is "saved" even if Molly is not, but didn't it lead to the court thinking that Molly had killed Estella?
On page 418, it really shows how snappish and uptight Wemmick is in the office when Mike walks in, and I found it funny, yet disturbing at the same time.
I don't understand the note on page 420.
On page 423, when Pip is asking about Pumblechook and Joe, I felt- from Pip's point of view- superior towards them, possibly towards their absence in the book and possibly the way Pip asked about them.
Does the landlord not recognize Pip? Because he speaks of him. (Page 423)
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Great Expectations (48-49)
On page 390, last paragraph, I really like the sentence "...and we went along Cheapside and slanted off to Little Britain, while the lights were springing up brilliantly in the shop-windows, and the street lamplighters, scarcely finding ground enough to plant their ladders on in the midst's of the afternoon's bustle, were skipping up and down and running in and out, opening more red eyes in the gathering fog than my rush-light tower at the Hummums had opened white eyes in the ghostly wall." I thought it was great scenery and imagery.
Why does Pip change his mind to join Jaggers only when Jaggers mentions that Wemmick will be there? (page 390)
I'm assuming Bentley Drummle is the "Spider"? (page 392)
No way! No way! I will not believe that Molly is Estella's mother (as claimed by Pip on page 393). Ok, yes i will believe it, but that is such a huge surprise! More "coincidental" connections in somehow all related to Pip.
Since Molly was almost convicted for killing her own daughter (who is most likely Estella), and assuming Molly was being convicted because they could not find her daughter, then why could they not find Molly's daughter? (page 396)
On page 400, Pip says, "There have been sore mistakes; and my life has been a blind and thankless one; and I want forgiveness and direction far too much to be bitter with you." It shows that Pip realizes his mistakes, yet is still ungrateful (possibly due to the convict), yet still feels a bit superior, as he says "to be bitter with you." Pip would not have said that unless he felt confident and superior, rather than him being a lowly blacksmith.
On page 403, Pip says "running at me" referring to Miss Havisham, and I don't think I could picture Miss Havisham running, due to her old age and the way she lived. I pictured her instead sitting and then yelling at Pip to help her (though she in on fire, she still keeps her superiority and dignity).
Why does Pip change his mind to join Jaggers only when Jaggers mentions that Wemmick will be there? (page 390)
I'm assuming Bentley Drummle is the "Spider"? (page 392)
No way! No way! I will not believe that Molly is Estella's mother (as claimed by Pip on page 393). Ok, yes i will believe it, but that is such a huge surprise! More "coincidental" connections in somehow all related to Pip.
Since Molly was almost convicted for killing her own daughter (who is most likely Estella), and assuming Molly was being convicted because they could not find her daughter, then why could they not find Molly's daughter? (page 396)
On page 400, Pip says, "There have been sore mistakes; and my life has been a blind and thankless one; and I want forgiveness and direction far too much to be bitter with you." It shows that Pip realizes his mistakes, yet is still ungrateful (possibly due to the convict), yet still feels a bit superior, as he says "to be bitter with you." Pip would not have said that unless he felt confident and superior, rather than him being a lowly blacksmith.
On page 403, Pip says "running at me" referring to Miss Havisham, and I don't think I could picture Miss Havisham running, due to her old age and the way she lived. I pictured her instead sitting and then yelling at Pip to help her (though she in on fire, she still keeps her superiority and dignity).
Monday, November 19, 2007
Great Expectations (45-47)
On page 368, I like the use of personification "the clock whispered, the fire-place sighed..." I was also able to relate to Pip, when I would be lying in bed, unable to sleep, the noises of my house would get louder and seem to be alive, including the clock ticking and the doors creaking.
During chapter 45, I felt the intensity and suspense building, as Compeyson was chasing after Magwitch and due to the note from Wemmick telling Pip to not go home. Now there is the problem of Compeyson, who could hurt Pip and his family and friends, just because of Magwitch. It almost seems like the fee for becoming a gentleman and receiving the money, Pip now has to deal with Compeyson.
I like how Pip compares Clara and her father as a "captive fairy" and "trucelent ogre."
I feel that Clara is in the same situation as Compeyson's wife. They are both stuck with terrible uncaring men who look upon their women as inferior and no more than a servant. Yet both women stick to their men and care for them diligently, for fear of lack of money or shelter or just fear, or the women feel it is their duty to stay with this person because in Clara's case, it's her father, and for Compeyson's wife, because it's her husband.
I can relate with Pip, on page 383, when he does not look into the information of if Estella and Drummle had married yet, though he knows it has already probably happens, but if he does not hear confirmation, he can ignore it and pretend as if it never happened. I've done the same, where I don't want to hear something, and I think that if I don't actually hear it, it's not real.
While Pip is describing the events of the play Mr. Wopsle is in, I think he definitely affects what I think of that play, though I have never seen or read it. By subtly adding opinionated adjectives and phrases, I already had a judgement of a play I had never seen. I found it to be comical- but not supposing to be- and a bit ridiculous- though I am sure the play was meant to be real and serious.
Also on page 387, Pip says, "And I observed with great surprise that he devoted it to staring in my direction as if he were lost in amazement," referring to Mr. Wopsle. It showed that Pip was no longer as conceited as before (due to the wake up call from Magwitch) as Pip says he was surprised, however he still has a feel of superiority by using the term "lost in amazement."
I find that Compeyson sitting behind Pip without even trying to scare Pip directly makes the situation even more frightful because the way Compeyson is choosing. Instead of directly attacking Pip, he is reaching him through his family, as Compeyson probably knew Mr. Wopsle had some relation to Pip. It makes Compeyson seem even more clever and smarter, thus a more frightening pursuer.
During chapter 45, I felt the intensity and suspense building, as Compeyson was chasing after Magwitch and due to the note from Wemmick telling Pip to not go home. Now there is the problem of Compeyson, who could hurt Pip and his family and friends, just because of Magwitch. It almost seems like the fee for becoming a gentleman and receiving the money, Pip now has to deal with Compeyson.
I like how Pip compares Clara and her father as a "captive fairy" and "trucelent ogre."
I feel that Clara is in the same situation as Compeyson's wife. They are both stuck with terrible uncaring men who look upon their women as inferior and no more than a servant. Yet both women stick to their men and care for them diligently, for fear of lack of money or shelter or just fear, or the women feel it is their duty to stay with this person because in Clara's case, it's her father, and for Compeyson's wife, because it's her husband.
I can relate with Pip, on page 383, when he does not look into the information of if Estella and Drummle had married yet, though he knows it has already probably happens, but if he does not hear confirmation, he can ignore it and pretend as if it never happened. I've done the same, where I don't want to hear something, and I think that if I don't actually hear it, it's not real.
While Pip is describing the events of the play Mr. Wopsle is in, I think he definitely affects what I think of that play, though I have never seen or read it. By subtly adding opinionated adjectives and phrases, I already had a judgement of a play I had never seen. I found it to be comical- but not supposing to be- and a bit ridiculous- though I am sure the play was meant to be real and serious.
Also on page 387, Pip says, "And I observed with great surprise that he devoted it to staring in my direction as if he were lost in amazement," referring to Mr. Wopsle. It showed that Pip was no longer as conceited as before (due to the wake up call from Magwitch) as Pip says he was surprised, however he still has a feel of superiority by using the term "lost in amazement."
I find that Compeyson sitting behind Pip without even trying to scare Pip directly makes the situation even more frightful because the way Compeyson is choosing. Instead of directly attacking Pip, he is reaching him through his family, as Compeyson probably knew Mr. Wopsle had some relation to Pip. It makes Compeyson seem even more clever and smarter, thus a more frightening pursuer.
Great Expectations (42-44)
What is "silver tea-kittle"? As mentioned by the convict "I've been locked up as much as silver tea-kittle" on page 345.
I really like Magwitch's analogy of his name to the names of birds on page 345, because I had never thought of having a name in that sense and the truth in it. It also added to how Magwitch was alone in life and how he only had himself to depend on.
Why would Compeyson's wife stay with him if he was such a terrible husband, as Magwitch claims on page 348, where he says Compeyson abuses her and also has dreams of her attacking him and he insults her?
PAGE 352- one of my favorite pages. First of all, that is absolutely crazy, the way that Magwitch is connected with Miss Havisham. And secondly, it was written simply (compared to the rest of the book) thus, with just one read of the two sentences, I was able to understand completely, which defintely added to the impact. However, I'm not sure if that was Dickens intentions- to make it simple and clear to add to the impact?
On page 354 in the fourth paragraph, I really liked the metaphor comparing the beginning of the day to a beggar because it already sets a mood for the upcoming events.
On page 354, Drummle and Pip pretend not to see each other, which I find to be childish and ridiculous. It reminds me of when you know a person, and you pass them, but both do nothing to acknowledge each other.
I don't understand why Pip feels so disgusted by his benefactor that he can longer even keep in contact with Estella. He should feel grateful to Magwitch, and I think part of this repulsion is due to what Estella may think of him.
On page 359, Pip says "as plainly as if she had told me with the dumb alphabet" referring to Estella pausing her knitting and flinching her fingers. Dickens's word choice of "dumb alphabet" shows that Pip is still blinded by Estella and feels her superior to the rest of the world and himself.
On page 363, when Estella is speaking of how she is to be married to Drummle, my first thought was, no, she should be marrying Pip because Drummle is a fool. But then I thought of how this is all from Pip's point of view and his pessimistic view on Drummle definitely influenced me as the reader, and I thought that possibly Drummle is very different with Estella and the reason for marrying him is because she really does like him.
I really like Magwitch's analogy of his name to the names of birds on page 345, because I had never thought of having a name in that sense and the truth in it. It also added to how Magwitch was alone in life and how he only had himself to depend on.
Why would Compeyson's wife stay with him if he was such a terrible husband, as Magwitch claims on page 348, where he says Compeyson abuses her and also has dreams of her attacking him and he insults her?
PAGE 352- one of my favorite pages. First of all, that is absolutely crazy, the way that Magwitch is connected with Miss Havisham. And secondly, it was written simply (compared to the rest of the book) thus, with just one read of the two sentences, I was able to understand completely, which defintely added to the impact. However, I'm not sure if that was Dickens intentions- to make it simple and clear to add to the impact?
On page 354 in the fourth paragraph, I really liked the metaphor comparing the beginning of the day to a beggar because it already sets a mood for the upcoming events.
On page 354, Drummle and Pip pretend not to see each other, which I find to be childish and ridiculous. It reminds me of when you know a person, and you pass them, but both do nothing to acknowledge each other.
I don't understand why Pip feels so disgusted by his benefactor that he can longer even keep in contact with Estella. He should feel grateful to Magwitch, and I think part of this repulsion is due to what Estella may think of him.
On page 359, Pip says "as plainly as if she had told me with the dumb alphabet" referring to Estella pausing her knitting and flinching her fingers. Dickens's word choice of "dumb alphabet" shows that Pip is still blinded by Estella and feels her superior to the rest of the world and himself.
On page 363, when Estella is speaking of how she is to be married to Drummle, my first thought was, no, she should be marrying Pip because Drummle is a fool. But then I thought of how this is all from Pip's point of view and his pessimistic view on Drummle definitely influenced me as the reader, and I thought that possibly Drummle is very different with Estella and the reason for marrying him is because she really does like him.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Great Expectations (37-39)
The first paragraph of chapter 37 I thought was so great in a comical sense because of the words used to describe it- especially, "I devoted the ensuing Sunday afternoon to a pilgrimage to the castle," said by Pip, referring to Wemmick's home. It made Wemmick's house seem like a whole different world.
Why does Pip judge Miss Skiffins as possessing portable property, as mentioned on page 295? Also, on page 296, when Pip first sees Miss Skiffins, he says that her "gown a little too decidedly orange, and her gloves a little too intensely green." The way Pip judges her, makes him seem that he feels superior to her, possibly because the money and "gentlemanly power" are going to his head, or possibly because she is just a woman, but overall, I thought that Pip's judgements were a bit harsh considering he had never even spoken to the woman before.
On page 297, when Pip asks Wemmick to help him in helping out his friend, Herbert, by providing him with installments, however, Herbert would not know it was Pip, I thought of how Pip had his own secret benefactor. Then, I thought of that commercial (I forget what company or brand) where a woman holds the door for someone out of pure kindness, then the person that had the door held for them did something for another person because they were inspired by the first woman, and the kind acts just went around different people that didn't know each other and eventually came back to the first woman.
Wemmick's "Aged Parent" reminds me of one of those crazy grandpas from movies and TV shows that are crazy, but in a happy/good way. And though they're crazy, you still love them because they're you're grandpa. The first one that comes to mind is the grandpa in the movie Meet the Robinsons.
On page 300, what does Pip mean by saying "my expectations had done good by somebody"? The first time I read it, I thought of "expectations" as a tangible object, due to the references of expectations in the book and how the book is based on Pip's expectations.
Also, I found it comical how Pip ventures to say "I must give one chapter to Estella."
On page 303, Pip gives about one sentence stating that he and Estella had left Richmond and arrived at Satis House, and the first time I read that, I hadn't even realized they had left yet. I had been expecting a little more elaborate description of the trip because Pip usually describes things or tells of things elaborately. I found it odd that he didn't this time. Perhaps, it was because he was so focused on Estella and his admiration for her.
On page 303, Pip describes Miss Havisham of having "wan bright eyes" and isn't that a bit of an oxi-moron, as wan means to be dull and gloomy, while bright means to be luminous and shining.
Total deja vu on page 304 when Pip is describing Miss Havisham and the cobwebs on the center piece and mice in the room. But then again, whenever someone visits Miss Havisham's house, don't they always experience deja vu?
On page 304, when Estella begins to show her tiring of Miss Havisham, I thought of that scene where the student turns on the teacher or the student exceeds the teacher's abilities and becomes better, which is what I thought Estella did to Miss Havisham.
I really like Estella's metaphors and way of putting things. For example, on page 311 she says, "Moths, and all sorts of ugly creatures hover about a lighted candle. How can the candle help it?" She was able to insult every man that fancied her while complimenting herself in such a conceited manner.
On page 312 to page 313, Pip is comparing the way he feels to a story about an Eastern sultan, but I don't understand why in the story, the sultan cuts the rope so the ceiling falls?
What is the Temple (Page 314)?
I had already guessed that the man who came in the middle of the night to Pip's room that it was the convict, and when I found out it was, I really noticed the (possible) references to the convict in his description on page 316. For example, "iron-gray hair" referring to the iron on the convict's leg and "strong on his legs" referring to how the iron was on the man's leg.
What is the New World (as mentioned by the convict on page 318)?
It seems that the convict chose to give money to Pip and make Pip a gentleman because he wanted to thank Pip for what he did for him when he was in the marshes, but I think it's also possible that the convict is also doing it as an attack to Pip so Pip will be in debt to him.
On page 321, Pip says "Again he[convict] took both my hands and put them to his lips, while my blood ran cold." Why does Pip feel that way? Is he disgusted by the convict or in shock?
Perhaps it brings back memories of his childhood and what he was before.
Why does Pip judge Miss Skiffins as possessing portable property, as mentioned on page 295? Also, on page 296, when Pip first sees Miss Skiffins, he says that her "gown a little too decidedly orange, and her gloves a little too intensely green." The way Pip judges her, makes him seem that he feels superior to her, possibly because the money and "gentlemanly power" are going to his head, or possibly because she is just a woman, but overall, I thought that Pip's judgements were a bit harsh considering he had never even spoken to the woman before.
On page 297, when Pip asks Wemmick to help him in helping out his friend, Herbert, by providing him with installments, however, Herbert would not know it was Pip, I thought of how Pip had his own secret benefactor. Then, I thought of that commercial (I forget what company or brand) where a woman holds the door for someone out of pure kindness, then the person that had the door held for them did something for another person because they were inspired by the first woman, and the kind acts just went around different people that didn't know each other and eventually came back to the first woman.
Wemmick's "Aged Parent" reminds me of one of those crazy grandpas from movies and TV shows that are crazy, but in a happy/good way. And though they're crazy, you still love them because they're you're grandpa. The first one that comes to mind is the grandpa in the movie Meet the Robinsons.
On page 300, what does Pip mean by saying "my expectations had done good by somebody"? The first time I read it, I thought of "expectations" as a tangible object, due to the references of expectations in the book and how the book is based on Pip's expectations.
Also, I found it comical how Pip ventures to say "I must give one chapter to Estella."
On page 303, Pip gives about one sentence stating that he and Estella had left Richmond and arrived at Satis House, and the first time I read that, I hadn't even realized they had left yet. I had been expecting a little more elaborate description of the trip because Pip usually describes things or tells of things elaborately. I found it odd that he didn't this time. Perhaps, it was because he was so focused on Estella and his admiration for her.
On page 303, Pip describes Miss Havisham of having "wan bright eyes" and isn't that a bit of an oxi-moron, as wan means to be dull and gloomy, while bright means to be luminous and shining.
Total deja vu on page 304 when Pip is describing Miss Havisham and the cobwebs on the center piece and mice in the room. But then again, whenever someone visits Miss Havisham's house, don't they always experience deja vu?
On page 304, when Estella begins to show her tiring of Miss Havisham, I thought of that scene where the student turns on the teacher or the student exceeds the teacher's abilities and becomes better, which is what I thought Estella did to Miss Havisham.
I really like Estella's metaphors and way of putting things. For example, on page 311 she says, "Moths, and all sorts of ugly creatures hover about a lighted candle. How can the candle help it?" She was able to insult every man that fancied her while complimenting herself in such a conceited manner.
On page 312 to page 313, Pip is comparing the way he feels to a story about an Eastern sultan, but I don't understand why in the story, the sultan cuts the rope so the ceiling falls?
What is the Temple (Page 314)?
I had already guessed that the man who came in the middle of the night to Pip's room that it was the convict, and when I found out it was, I really noticed the (possible) references to the convict in his description on page 316. For example, "iron-gray hair" referring to the iron on the convict's leg and "strong on his legs" referring to how the iron was on the man's leg.
What is the New World (as mentioned by the convict on page 318)?
It seems that the convict chose to give money to Pip and make Pip a gentleman because he wanted to thank Pip for what he did for him when he was in the marshes, but I think it's also possible that the convict is also doing it as an attack to Pip so Pip will be in debt to him.
On page 321, Pip says "Again he[convict] took both my hands and put them to his lips, while my blood ran cold." Why does Pip feel that way? Is he disgusted by the convict or in shock?
Perhaps it brings back memories of his childhood and what he was before.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Great Expectations (28-36)
Uh...I'm not exactly what Pip meant for the first paragraph of chapter 28. He talks about being an inconvenience to Joe, self-swindlers, cheating himself, and Miss Havisham, and notes and folding notes. I'm not exactly sure why he is saying it, or exactly what it means.
On page 226, Pip says, "But I had a reason that was an old reason now for constitutionally faltering when I heard the word convict." I just found that line comical because of the clever way it was written, and it also gives a new sense to Pip and a little foreshadowing.
What is pip referring to when he says "invisible gun" on page 227?
I like the term "wicked Noah's Arc" used to describe the Hulk ship on page 230 by Pip.
And I wondered if there was a reason for citing something from the Bible?
Who is "Telemachus" on page 230?
On page 233, when Pip asks Orlick "Are you here for good?" and Orlick responds with "I ain't here for harm, young master, I suppose," I thought it was quite a funny response, which makes me like the character of Orlick even more, in an obnoxious sort of way.
I find "burn me" a slightly odd expression in place for something like "yeah right," as used by Orlick on page 234.
What is Estella talking about with "I have no heart?" And she goes on to say that she has not softness or sympathy. WHY? It's quite sad, actually, but then it makes me think of Miss Havisham.
And I also liked when Estella said, "I have a heard to be stabbed in or shot it, I have no doubt," on page 238. She said it as if it were a very common thing to say, and treated the statement very lightly.
Is Miss Havisham crazy? That was my first thought on page 240 when she was telling Pip to love Estella and explained love and to still love Estella even though she was cruel to him, and it made her seem slightly crazy. Probably because she kept repeating "love her."
On page 244, why does Pip talk about Joe and how Joe made him cry and how his tears "soon dried," as he said twice?
On page 247, why is Trabb yelling at Pip? Is there a reason for it?
I never understood the staying "never look a gift-horse in the mouth" (I think that's what it is). I never understood what a gift-horse was, and the term was used by Herbert on page 249.
Herbert is nice. For example on pages 249 to 250, he's telling Pip about the reality of his love for Estella and about the money and Miss Havisham, but does it in a seemingly cheerful, kind way, that makes you happy even though its not great news.
What is Herbert talking about on page 250 when he says to Pip, "...I want to make myself seriously disagreeable toyou for the moment--positively repulsive"? I think it means that he is going to tell Pip something, but if I were to tell a friend something, I would not say that I was being "positively repulsive." I thought it was a bit of an exaggeration. But I still find the character of Herbert to be very sweet.
What is a "species of purser"? As mentioned by Herbert on page 257.
Did Pip really go to Denmark? Really? That's like another country...wouldn't he have to take a boat there, too? (chapter 31)
Who is Ophelia, as mentioned on page 255?
Oh, I think the beginning of chapter 31 was the play Wopsle was acting in. I think...thus Pip did not really travel to the actual country of Denmark. That might make sense.
I'm confused about the man and his employer on page 258, and why his employer is such a bad person. Why are they even talking about him?
On page 260, in Estella's letter, I like how she does not address Pip in her letter, and does not even ask him to pick her up, but is almost demanding it. It shows that she still feels Pip is inferior and the control she has over him.
I thougth it was odd how on page 262, Pip says "(whom I can see now, as I write)." Why does Pip say that? I think it means that he can picture the man as he is writing his story, but why does Dickens feel the need to put that in? I never thought that Dickens wanted the story to be a memoir of Pip, and that Pip knew about the story and it was being written.
I found on page 263, that Wemmick and the Colonel spoke very lightly of his imprisonment and execution, which I found slightly disturbing, and I think it especially added to the effect that the reader does not find out the Colonel is to be executed until after the conversation is help.
I did not feel that Newgate was really like a prison during the chapter until the last paragraph where Pip is talking about how if affected him so. This was probably due to Wemmick's oddly easy and light conversations with those in Newgate.
Still, at the beginning of chapter 32, Estella acts as though Pip is inferior, despite the fact he has grown and changed. Estella doesn't even greet Pip, but rather begins ordering him and demanding of him.
At first on page 278, when I had found out that Mrs. Joe had died, I wasn't all that sad for Pip because I had forgotten about her, but then I realized that she was the last of Pip's immediate family, and now she was gone.
I like the opening line for chapter 35 when Pip says, "It was the first time that a grave had opened in my road of life, and the gap in made in the smooth ground was wonderful." I thought it was a great metaphor, and I also like how he said it was "wonderful" because it was a sort of wake up call for Pip regarding the people that he cared about so much before- Joe and Biddy. I can also relate, because when my grandfather had died, it was like a wake up call for me since it was the first time a death had really affected me, and I realized how important certain people were that I had forgotten about.
On page 285, it really shows how smart and sensible and clever Biddy is when she gives Pip a wake up call on how she doesn't really believe that he will actually come visit and his loyalty towards her and Joe.
On page 288, I foudn it funny how Jaggers told Pip to ask him questions, and if Jaggers would not answer the questions, he said "ask another." It was almost like a game to Jaggers.
On page 226, Pip says, "But I had a reason that was an old reason now for constitutionally faltering when I heard the word convict." I just found that line comical because of the clever way it was written, and it also gives a new sense to Pip and a little foreshadowing.
What is pip referring to when he says "invisible gun" on page 227?
I like the term "wicked Noah's Arc" used to describe the Hulk ship on page 230 by Pip.
And I wondered if there was a reason for citing something from the Bible?
Who is "Telemachus" on page 230?
On page 233, when Pip asks Orlick "Are you here for good?" and Orlick responds with "I ain't here for harm, young master, I suppose," I thought it was quite a funny response, which makes me like the character of Orlick even more, in an obnoxious sort of way.
I find "burn me" a slightly odd expression in place for something like "yeah right," as used by Orlick on page 234.
What is Estella talking about with "I have no heart?" And she goes on to say that she has not softness or sympathy. WHY? It's quite sad, actually, but then it makes me think of Miss Havisham.
And I also liked when Estella said, "I have a heard to be stabbed in or shot it, I have no doubt," on page 238. She said it as if it were a very common thing to say, and treated the statement very lightly.
Is Miss Havisham crazy? That was my first thought on page 240 when she was telling Pip to love Estella and explained love and to still love Estella even though she was cruel to him, and it made her seem slightly crazy. Probably because she kept repeating "love her."
On page 244, why does Pip talk about Joe and how Joe made him cry and how his tears "soon dried," as he said twice?
On page 247, why is Trabb yelling at Pip? Is there a reason for it?
I never understood the staying "never look a gift-horse in the mouth" (I think that's what it is). I never understood what a gift-horse was, and the term was used by Herbert on page 249.
Herbert is nice. For example on pages 249 to 250, he's telling Pip about the reality of his love for Estella and about the money and Miss Havisham, but does it in a seemingly cheerful, kind way, that makes you happy even though its not great news.
What is Herbert talking about on page 250 when he says to Pip, "...I want to make myself seriously disagreeable toyou for the moment--positively repulsive"? I think it means that he is going to tell Pip something, but if I were to tell a friend something, I would not say that I was being "positively repulsive." I thought it was a bit of an exaggeration. But I still find the character of Herbert to be very sweet.
What is a "species of purser"? As mentioned by Herbert on page 257.
Did Pip really go to Denmark? Really? That's like another country...wouldn't he have to take a boat there, too? (chapter 31)
Who is Ophelia, as mentioned on page 255?
Oh, I think the beginning of chapter 31 was the play Wopsle was acting in. I think...thus Pip did not really travel to the actual country of Denmark. That might make sense.
I'm confused about the man and his employer on page 258, and why his employer is such a bad person. Why are they even talking about him?
On page 260, in Estella's letter, I like how she does not address Pip in her letter, and does not even ask him to pick her up, but is almost demanding it. It shows that she still feels Pip is inferior and the control she has over him.
I thougth it was odd how on page 262, Pip says "(whom I can see now, as I write)." Why does Pip say that? I think it means that he can picture the man as he is writing his story, but why does Dickens feel the need to put that in? I never thought that Dickens wanted the story to be a memoir of Pip, and that Pip knew about the story and it was being written.
I found on page 263, that Wemmick and the Colonel spoke very lightly of his imprisonment and execution, which I found slightly disturbing, and I think it especially added to the effect that the reader does not find out the Colonel is to be executed until after the conversation is help.
I did not feel that Newgate was really like a prison during the chapter until the last paragraph where Pip is talking about how if affected him so. This was probably due to Wemmick's oddly easy and light conversations with those in Newgate.
Still, at the beginning of chapter 32, Estella acts as though Pip is inferior, despite the fact he has grown and changed. Estella doesn't even greet Pip, but rather begins ordering him and demanding of him.
At first on page 278, when I had found out that Mrs. Joe had died, I wasn't all that sad for Pip because I had forgotten about her, but then I realized that she was the last of Pip's immediate family, and now she was gone.
I like the opening line for chapter 35 when Pip says, "It was the first time that a grave had opened in my road of life, and the gap in made in the smooth ground was wonderful." I thought it was a great metaphor, and I also like how he said it was "wonderful" because it was a sort of wake up call for Pip regarding the people that he cared about so much before- Joe and Biddy. I can also relate, because when my grandfather had died, it was like a wake up call for me since it was the first time a death had really affected me, and I realized how important certain people were that I had forgotten about.
On page 285, it really shows how smart and sensible and clever Biddy is when she gives Pip a wake up call on how she doesn't really believe that he will actually come visit and his loyalty towards her and Joe.
On page 288, I foudn it funny how Jaggers told Pip to ask him questions, and if Jaggers would not answer the questions, he said "ask another." It was almost like a game to Jaggers.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Great Expectations (25-27)
I heart the first paragraph about Bentley Drummle on page 203. I thought it was a great way to open the chapter- especially the last sentence, "Thus, Bentley Drummel had come to Mr. Pocket when he was a head taller than that gentleman, and half a dozen heads thicker than most gentlemen.
I find it slightly odd how Wemmick refers to his parents as the "Aged" or "aged parent" and even introduces them that way (page 206).
Throughout chapter 25, I saw an extreme difference in Wemmick's character from when he's home to when he's at the office. When in the office, Wemmick is up-tight and concise, but then at the home, he's talkative and you discover there's a whole other person in his character.
For some reason, I keep thinking there's going to be some sort of drama between Wemmick and Jaggers, possibly over Pip, possibly because Pip likes one of them more or something similar to that. I'm not sure why I think that, probably because of all the drama shows I watch.
On page 212, I don't understand what Pip means when he says, "Years afterwards, I made a dreadful likeness of that woman by causing a face that had no other natural resemblance to it than it derived from flowing hair to pass behind a bowl of flaming spirits in a dark room."
I think Dickens does not mention Jaggers name until page 213 from the beginning of chapter 26. He just refers to him as "he" or "him," until Jaggers begins talking about his maid.
On page 214, how do "deeply disfigured" wrists with multiple cuts signify strength in Molly? If anything, it would signify psychological issues with that person, going by today's standards. Did they even cut themselves during Dickens' time?
On page 217, in Biddy's letter to Pip, why does Biddy say that she didn't read to Joe the last sentence of the letter? And then why does she tell Pip that?
I'm confused about the "Avenging Phantom" on page 218.
And why does Joe say "How AIR you Pip?" on page 219?
I do not understand Joe's lingo- (page 219) "ekerval," "backerder," "forarder."
You can definitely see a difference in Joe's speech and Herbert's speech. I find it odd, that thought they are both speaking English, it sounds like two different languages.
The last paragraph on page 223 to page 224, said by Joe was what I thought to be a great mini-monologue. It was sad, provoking, and inspiring all at the same time. I especially like the uses of blacksmith, whitesmith, coppersmith, and goldsmith.
I find it slightly odd how Wemmick refers to his parents as the "Aged" or "aged parent" and even introduces them that way (page 206).
Throughout chapter 25, I saw an extreme difference in Wemmick's character from when he's home to when he's at the office. When in the office, Wemmick is up-tight and concise, but then at the home, he's talkative and you discover there's a whole other person in his character.
For some reason, I keep thinking there's going to be some sort of drama between Wemmick and Jaggers, possibly over Pip, possibly because Pip likes one of them more or something similar to that. I'm not sure why I think that, probably because of all the drama shows I watch.
On page 212, I don't understand what Pip means when he says, "Years afterwards, I made a dreadful likeness of that woman by causing a face that had no other natural resemblance to it than it derived from flowing hair to pass behind a bowl of flaming spirits in a dark room."
I think Dickens does not mention Jaggers name until page 213 from the beginning of chapter 26. He just refers to him as "he" or "him," until Jaggers begins talking about his maid.
On page 214, how do "deeply disfigured" wrists with multiple cuts signify strength in Molly? If anything, it would signify psychological issues with that person, going by today's standards. Did they even cut themselves during Dickens' time?
On page 217, in Biddy's letter to Pip, why does Biddy say that she didn't read to Joe the last sentence of the letter? And then why does she tell Pip that?
I'm confused about the "Avenging Phantom" on page 218.
And why does Joe say "How AIR you Pip?" on page 219?
I do not understand Joe's lingo- (page 219) "ekerval," "backerder," "forarder."
You can definitely see a difference in Joe's speech and Herbert's speech. I find it odd, that thought they are both speaking English, it sounds like two different languages.
The last paragraph on page 223 to page 224, said by Joe was what I thought to be a great mini-monologue. It was sad, provoking, and inspiring all at the same time. I especially like the uses of blacksmith, whitesmith, coppersmith, and goldsmith.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Great Expectations (23-24)
What is "the acquisition of plebian domestic knowledge?" (page 188, first paragraph)
I found the second paragraph on page 188 comical because of the way it was written. Mrs. Pocket's parent is only referred to as "the judicious parent" and it is told in an almost parody of the story.
I really like on page 188, last paragraph when Pip says, "Both Mr. and Mrs. pocket had such a noticeable air of being in someone else's hands..." I think it was just a very clever way of putting it, rather than saying something like, "Mr. and Mrs. Pocket did not own the home." Instead, it gives an image and new feeling to Mr. and Mrs. Pocket.
From page 191 to page 192, with the scene regarding Mrs. Pocket and her baby, it seems she really did not know her own baby, that she didn't even know how to hold him. It seemed that one of her young daughters knew more than she did about the baby. It was a pitiful scene that she didn't know how to care for her own child because she was so dependent on the nurses.
Through chapter 23, my indifference towards Mrs. Pocket became dislike. Mrs. Pocket cares to much about her family's title or what it what have been, that her pride blinds her. It makes her seem a bit stupid- from arguing with her husband about the cook to not being able to care for her own baby. It makes the reader fell bad for Mr. Pocket because he has to deal with her.
I do not understand the point of Dummle and Startop. Nor do I understand their names. I don't understand why they are staying with the Pockets. It makes the Pocket house seem like a boarding home.
I have a newfound respect for Jaggers, but respect fueled by intimidation. The way people act around him- even the judge was uncomfortable- he seems to be very powerful and intimidating in a ruthless way.
But then I compare Jaggers to Wemmick and it makes Wemmick seem very kind.
I found the second paragraph on page 188 comical because of the way it was written. Mrs. Pocket's parent is only referred to as "the judicious parent" and it is told in an almost parody of the story.
I really like on page 188, last paragraph when Pip says, "Both Mr. and Mrs. pocket had such a noticeable air of being in someone else's hands..." I think it was just a very clever way of putting it, rather than saying something like, "Mr. and Mrs. Pocket did not own the home." Instead, it gives an image and new feeling to Mr. and Mrs. Pocket.
From page 191 to page 192, with the scene regarding Mrs. Pocket and her baby, it seems she really did not know her own baby, that she didn't even know how to hold him. It seemed that one of her young daughters knew more than she did about the baby. It was a pitiful scene that she didn't know how to care for her own child because she was so dependent on the nurses.
Through chapter 23, my indifference towards Mrs. Pocket became dislike. Mrs. Pocket cares to much about her family's title or what it what have been, that her pride blinds her. It makes her seem a bit stupid- from arguing with her husband about the cook to not being able to care for her own baby. It makes the reader fell bad for Mr. Pocket because he has to deal with her.
I do not understand the point of Dummle and Startop. Nor do I understand their names. I don't understand why they are staying with the Pockets. It makes the Pocket house seem like a boarding home.
I have a newfound respect for Jaggers, but respect fueled by intimidation. The way people act around him- even the judge was uncomfortable- he seems to be very powerful and intimidating in a ruthless way.
But then I compare Jaggers to Wemmick and it makes Wemmick seem very kind.
Discussion Question
Do you think it is the people Pip encounters or his experiences that change his expectations?
Great Expectations (14-19)
Pre.S. Hey Mr. Gallagher, I was just looking through my blog and you're right- there was nothing for chapters 14-19, but I did write it. I found it in the document saver thing on blogger. I think I accidentally clicked save now instead of publish post- my bad.
I find that I love when Pip asks a question to himself and then explains his feeling, then as the reader, with the answer, I can understand Pip a bit more, and I also find it a little funny because he's so naive. For example, on page 107, last paragraph, it states, "What I wanted, who can say? How can I say when I never knew? What I dreaded was that in some unlucky hour I, being at my grimiest and commonest, should left up my eyes and see Estella looking in at one of the wooden windows of the forge. I was haunted by the fear that she would sooner or later, find me out, with a black face and hands, doing the coarsest part of my work, and would exult of me and despise me."
He is blinded so much by his admiration for Estella when he doesn't even know what Miss Havisham has done to her.
I also found it comical when Pip was trying to convince Joe to let me visit Miss Havisham, but not for the reason he gives. Pip gives a possibly nonsensical answer, but Joe still falls for it. I can relate with what Pip is doing- I've done it before, but not for the exact same situations.
During these chapters, I've been comparing Biddy to Estella, as they are both two women in Pip's life that he doesn't look upon as a mother or grandmother figure. The way Pip describes Biddy makes her seem almost inferior to Estella, also due to the way Pip describes Estella. Since Pip thinks of Estella as a beautiful woman and is blinded by his liking to her, he describes her very beautifully. But Biddy is looked upon by Pip as a plain girl, and it shows with his descriptions.
Ok I admit it. I was wrong. The man that called Mr. Wopsle out was not the convict, but the dark man from Miss Havisham's.
At first I was beginning to get annoyed with Dickens' way of introducing a character, and then it seemed like the character would not return to the story, but the characters do. This happened with the convict and the dark man, and I especially like it because they are re-introduced in such an exciting way. With the convict it was in the Three Jolly Bargemen and Pip knew it was the convict because he stirred his drink with the file Pip gave him. Then with the dark man, it was with a scene where he called out Mr. Wopsle and proved him wrong.
I think these chapters win most exciting. But I might have said that about another section, but these definitely win over those. It's exciting because of the characters, the money, the way the money comes, and what happens to Pip.
I find that I love when Pip asks a question to himself and then explains his feeling, then as the reader, with the answer, I can understand Pip a bit more, and I also find it a little funny because he's so naive. For example, on page 107, last paragraph, it states, "What I wanted, who can say? How can I say when I never knew? What I dreaded was that in some unlucky hour I, being at my grimiest and commonest, should left up my eyes and see Estella looking in at one of the wooden windows of the forge. I was haunted by the fear that she would sooner or later, find me out, with a black face and hands, doing the coarsest part of my work, and would exult of me and despise me."
He is blinded so much by his admiration for Estella when he doesn't even know what Miss Havisham has done to her.
I also found it comical when Pip was trying to convince Joe to let me visit Miss Havisham, but not for the reason he gives. Pip gives a possibly nonsensical answer, but Joe still falls for it. I can relate with what Pip is doing- I've done it before, but not for the exact same situations.
During these chapters, I've been comparing Biddy to Estella, as they are both two women in Pip's life that he doesn't look upon as a mother or grandmother figure. The way Pip describes Biddy makes her seem almost inferior to Estella, also due to the way Pip describes Estella. Since Pip thinks of Estella as a beautiful woman and is blinded by his liking to her, he describes her very beautifully. But Biddy is looked upon by Pip as a plain girl, and it shows with his descriptions.
Ok I admit it. I was wrong. The man that called Mr. Wopsle out was not the convict, but the dark man from Miss Havisham's.
At first I was beginning to get annoyed with Dickens' way of introducing a character, and then it seemed like the character would not return to the story, but the characters do. This happened with the convict and the dark man, and I especially like it because they are re-introduced in such an exciting way. With the convict it was in the Three Jolly Bargemen and Pip knew it was the convict because he stirred his drink with the file Pip gave him. Then with the dark man, it was with a scene where he called out Mr. Wopsle and proved him wrong.
I think these chapters win most exciting. But I might have said that about another section, but these definitely win over those. It's exciting because of the characters, the money, the way the money comes, and what happens to Pip.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Great Expectations (20-22)
On page 160, the first three paragraphs definitely set the mood of the new setting. When Pip says, “…I think I might have had some faint doubts whether it was not rather ugly, crooked, narrow, and dirty.” as he was referring to the city of London, saying before that Britons thought everything about themselves was the best, including their city. Already it creates a presumption about Britons for the reader as well as for the city.
I also liked the third paragraph on the page, where Pip talks about the coach and driver. I feel it gives a feeling about London because it is the thing taking him there; for example, “…to have been decorated with an old weather-stained pea-green hammer-cloth, moth-eaten into rags, was quite a work of time.” I also liked the repetition of using the hyphen.
From the middle of page 170 to the middle of page 171, I found what seemed to be repetition again. I found several adjectives describing what Pip saw in the city and what he felt. Pip used, “depreciation,” “depressed,” “disembodied,” dingiest,” dismal,” and dilapidated.” Whether it was intentional or unintentional, I thought it was clever and kept a gloomy effect.
On page 179, in the third paragraph, Herbert Pocket is telling the story of Miss Havisham and quotes his father and says, “no varnish can hide the grain of the wood, and the more varnish you put on, the more the grain will express itself.” I agree with that philosophy, thinking of when someone I knew had a scar on her face and in vain tried to cover the scar with makeup, but it just made the scar even more noticeable.
On page 183, Pip says, “It appeared to me that the eggs from which young insurers were hatched were incubated in dust and heat, like the eggs of ostriches, judging from the places in which those incipient giants repaired on a Monday morning.” I do not understand what the simile is supposed to mean, and why the author has Pip say young insurers are hatched from eggs.
I was extremely surprised to find that the young Mr. Pocket turned out to be the pale young gentlemen. That section of the chapters was the most exciting for me. Overall, I found the chapters to be more action than description, which I enjoyed as a change.
I also liked the third paragraph on the page, where Pip talks about the coach and driver. I feel it gives a feeling about London because it is the thing taking him there; for example, “…to have been decorated with an old weather-stained pea-green hammer-cloth, moth-eaten into rags, was quite a work of time.” I also liked the repetition of using the hyphen.
From the middle of page 170 to the middle of page 171, I found what seemed to be repetition again. I found several adjectives describing what Pip saw in the city and what he felt. Pip used, “depreciation,” “depressed,” “disembodied,” dingiest,” dismal,” and dilapidated.” Whether it was intentional or unintentional, I thought it was clever and kept a gloomy effect.
On page 179, in the third paragraph, Herbert Pocket is telling the story of Miss Havisham and quotes his father and says, “no varnish can hide the grain of the wood, and the more varnish you put on, the more the grain will express itself.” I agree with that philosophy, thinking of when someone I knew had a scar on her face and in vain tried to cover the scar with makeup, but it just made the scar even more noticeable.
On page 183, Pip says, “It appeared to me that the eggs from which young insurers were hatched were incubated in dust and heat, like the eggs of ostriches, judging from the places in which those incipient giants repaired on a Monday morning.” I do not understand what the simile is supposed to mean, and why the author has Pip say young insurers are hatched from eggs.
I was extremely surprised to find that the young Mr. Pocket turned out to be the pale young gentlemen. That section of the chapters was the most exciting for me. Overall, I found the chapters to be more action than description, which I enjoyed as a change.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Great Expectations (9-13)
I found these chapters to be loaded with information- including new characters and changes in the character of Pip through new experiences. Fortunately, the information was gilded with great descriptions that brought characters to life. It also helped me relate even more to Pip with his new adventures. For example, when Pip lies about what happened at Miss Havisham's house because his sister and Uncle Pumblechook would just be dissatisfied with his replies, he created fabulous stories of what he did because he was fed up with their dissatisfaction. Though I had not been through the same thing, I could feel exactly what Pip felt and I understood completely why he did it.
In certain parts of the chapters, I was quite confused. Such as in chapter 11 when the four adults are talking together, I felt as though it was a dream perhaps, or just Pip's imagination or surreal thoughts. Possbly because they acted as though Pip was not there and did not interact with him, and the evidence of them really being in the room was not substantial enough for me. I was more confused by it.
I also found myself against a new antagonist in the story- Uncle Pumblechook. At first, I thought it would be Pip's older sister, but I realized that Uncle Pumblechook was much worse, and quite weird actually. What he does it just odd, and he seems to have no real care for Pip, but more a care of his reputation. For example, when they are eating breakfast, Uncle Pumblechook is eating a hot biscuit and bacon, and all that Pip has is a piece of bread with watered down butter. Also, he was just constantly testing Pip on his knowledge of arithmetic, not allowing Pip to eat.
My new found feelings for Uncle Pumblechook are just examples of how I now have decided what I feel for certain characters. For Miss Havisham, I feel pity, yet inspiration; for Joe, I feel kindness and friendliness. I was able to decide these through events that happened where the characters had occurrances with Pip.
I'd have to say my favorite part of the section was the part where Pip is in the bar with Joe, Mr. Wopsle, and the "stranger." The section is filled with suspense that I felt as though Pip did- especially when the "stranger" pulled out the file and stirred his drink with it, and I felt as though he were taunting Pip and me. Then, the revelation that it was the convict totally surprised me and just filled me with new questions, in hopes of finding out more about his mysterious character.
In certain parts of the chapters, I was quite confused. Such as in chapter 11 when the four adults are talking together, I felt as though it was a dream perhaps, or just Pip's imagination or surreal thoughts. Possbly because they acted as though Pip was not there and did not interact with him, and the evidence of them really being in the room was not substantial enough for me. I was more confused by it.
I also found myself against a new antagonist in the story- Uncle Pumblechook. At first, I thought it would be Pip's older sister, but I realized that Uncle Pumblechook was much worse, and quite weird actually. What he does it just odd, and he seems to have no real care for Pip, but more a care of his reputation. For example, when they are eating breakfast, Uncle Pumblechook is eating a hot biscuit and bacon, and all that Pip has is a piece of bread with watered down butter. Also, he was just constantly testing Pip on his knowledge of arithmetic, not allowing Pip to eat.
My new found feelings for Uncle Pumblechook are just examples of how I now have decided what I feel for certain characters. For Miss Havisham, I feel pity, yet inspiration; for Joe, I feel kindness and friendliness. I was able to decide these through events that happened where the characters had occurrances with Pip.
I'd have to say my favorite part of the section was the part where Pip is in the bar with Joe, Mr. Wopsle, and the "stranger." The section is filled with suspense that I felt as though Pip did- especially when the "stranger" pulled out the file and stirred his drink with it, and I felt as though he were taunting Pip and me. Then, the revelation that it was the convict totally surprised me and just filled me with new questions, in hopes of finding out more about his mysterious character.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Great Expectations (1-8)
Before I had even begun reading Great Expectations, I had a feeling that it would be a boring book that could not keep my attention, thus I would not enjoy it. Those feelings were probably due to my past experiences of receiving books written during earlier time periods than my own, only to find a story written in my first learned language, yet not the same language I speak. Since it was written long ago, these books were not the same as what I was used to, and I came to find them distasteful and aggravating to read.
However, with my low standards for Great Expectations, I was very surprised to find how much I enjoyed reading it. The language was not too difficult and the story was able to keep my attention, compared to something such as, Paul’s Case, where I found myself lost while reading because of the way it was written. Great Expectations was more straightforward- especially since it was from the point of view of first person- and easier to understand than Paul’s Case.
Though the story takes place during a different time period and possibly different country, I still find myself relating with the narrator, Pip. For example, when Pip feels the guilt taking over him as he watches Uncle Pumblechook drink tar-water instead of brandy because Pip had switched them, I had felt the same way before. Pip felt anxious, preparing himself for consequences, and then feeling relief sweep over him. I had not been through the same situation, but the feelings are familiar.
I think I was also able to stay with the story because the point of view was of Pip’s. With a child’s point of view, I could recall the same feelings and similar situations of his. If the story were from the point of view of someone like the convict that Pip brings the food and file to, I would have possibly had difficulty relating.
I truly found the figurative language to be fascinating, and I was really able to get an image in my mind. For example, on page 15 in the first paragraph, it says, “I had seen the damp lying on the outside of my little window, as if some goblin had been crying there all night, and using the window for a pocket-handkerchief.” I was able to imagine the goblin as well as the window, and also the mood. The choice of how the simile was done was probably affected by the character that said it, which was Pip, and had added to my relating to the character and story.
Mrs. Joe Gargery seems to be a prominent character throughout the first eight chapters, and also a character that I did not expect. She is Pip’s older sister, as well as caretaker, and wife to blacksmith Joe Gargery. She is also a very dominating woman with a tendency to be snappy in an extreme way. I was surprised she acted this way on her own husband, because during that time, men were usually the dominant ones in the relationships, and Joe Gargery seems to put up no fight to her terror. I also don’t understand why she must be as horrible as she is, making me ask if something had happened to her in the past.
I find that the convict and Hulks add so much to the story, that without them, the story would only be half of what it is. The convict and Hulks brings mystery, suspense, and questions that make you want to know more. Still, already past eight chapters, I feel I know only a little about both subjects, and both are extremely intriguing. I also wonder- and hope- they will tie into the story and Pip later, because they add that much to the story.Tuesday, October 16, 2007
In 5th period we...
Delia: Shamoo trainer
Maryann: Rockette
Mariah: Nutritionist/Broadway actress
Kevin: a Man
Jeremy: Music Teacher
Dan B: Own the World
Matt G: President
Emily C: Cartoonist
Micayla: Artist
Stephen: Me (narrator)
Drew: Musician
Ben: Basketball
Job: Athlete
Emily W: Author
Meredith: Actress
Vincent: Band Director
Jon Wong: Architect
Ryan S: Own sports team
Camille: Singer
Stephen B: Hunter
Maryann: Rockette
Mariah: Nutritionist/Broadway actress
Kevin: a Man
Jeremy: Music Teacher
Dan B: Own the World
Matt G: President
Emily C: Cartoonist
Micayla: Artist
Stephen: Me (narrator)
Drew: Musician
Ben: Basketball
Job: Athlete
Emily W: Author
Meredith: Actress
Vincent: Band Director
Jon Wong: Architect
Ryan S: Own sports team
Camille: Singer
Stephen B: Hunter
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