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.

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.

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