"Autumn Begins in Martin's Ferry, Ohio"

Here are some of the good examples of support from your homework assignments. To those who have provided them, a hearty "good job" goes out to you.

Aside from the heat and hard work put forth in a blast furnace, describing the African American's faces as gray emphasizes the formation of ash upon the worker's faces, making them seem as if they are decaying.

The watchman is also described as "ruptured," which implies that some aspect of his life is broken apart and unstable.

Both the blast furnace and the company, Wheeling Steel, deal with the production and shaping of metals. This implies that the men at the football game are stiff, cold, and hard to change, just like the materials they work with.

Writing Samples

As promised, here are the samples we put together in class. Use them as references as you put together your paragraph on the poem.

From 5th hour:

The novel Heart of Darkness and the poem The Hollow Men both include numerous symbols of darkness and evil.
In The Heart of Darkness, Conrad provides an eerie and dark scene early in the novel to foreshadow the darkness that will envelope Marlow once he arrives in Africa. When Marlow goes to sign his contract and get a physical from The Company. He describes two women “guarding the door of Darkness, knitting black wool as for a warm pall.” Conrad capitalized the word “darkness,” which suggests the company’s likeness to Hell. A pall, which is a blanket for a coffin, also suggests darkness. These two, combined with the use of black wool by the women, work to suggest an atmosphere of darkness and evil.

From 4th Hour:

Both The Heart of Darkness and The Hollow Men provide numerous symbols of darkness that help create a somber and foreboding mood. The Hollow Men achieves this mood by providing a number of dreary images. In line 33, Eliot provides an image of a “rat’s coat.” Rats are often associated with sewers and disease, both of which indicate a foreboding mood. The fact that Eliot is providing the coat of the rat implies that the wearer of the coat is wrapped up in this sense of dreariness. The same line also includes “crossed staves,” indicating a crude cross made of two connected and perpendicular sticks. Such crosses are often used for graves found in rural or desolate settings, like the desert setting found in the poem. Eliot also refers to the “dying stars” that are visible in this desolate setting (line 54). The clear reference to death in this image helps to solidify the somber and foreboding mood.

Socratic Question examples

OK, he might not be the most handsome, but he was pretty darn smart.

Here are the examples from class. I will add to them as needed.

World Connection Question:
How would you react if you were to come upon a group of starving, dying slaves? Would you help?
If you were alive in that time period and came across the black men that had been worked to death, would you give them food like Marlow did, or do something else?
If a doctor told you people have never returned from the trip you are about to attend, would you still go?
If you were Marlow watching the chained men walk into slavery how would you react?
If you encountered the starving people Marlow encountered, what would, or wouldn’t, you do to help them out?
Traveling to Africa in the time period of the novel is like traveling to the planet today. What would be your reason to travel to an unknown place?
How would you feel toward a group of people the first time you met them, if you had previously been told they were enemies? Even if you saw them enslaved and weak?
If you come across a group of dying native laborers lying against the trees, would you interact with/help them (like how Marlow gave one native a biscuit)?

Close- Ended Question:
Marlow has a lot of respect for the chief accountant. Do you think his opinion will change toward the end of the novel? Why?
Why is the cliff being blown up if it isn’t even in the way of the railway construction?

Open-Ended Question:
Why do the British Invaders refer to the slaves as savages when they are the ones doing the brutalizing?
Why did Marlow look up to/respect the accountant?
What is the significance of the white necklace?
One of the dying workers Marlow encounters has some sort of white necklace on. What is the possible significance of this?
Why does the manager let the young black boy treat the whites like he does?
Marlow specifically points out the white European yarn tied around a native’s neck. Why is this significant?
Why does Marlow feel the need to explore?
Why does the author utilize Marlow to narrate a story when there was an original narrator in the beginning of the novel?


Universal Theme/Core:
How does the imagery of the devastated natives and landscape show how big business/civilization is horrible?

Literary Analysis Question:
Why did the author choose to have a narrator telling a story about Marlow telling the story?
Why did the author choose to have the story told from a narrator who does not tell the story?
What is the importance of the symbol darkness to the story?

The Dreaded Essay

OK...It has been requested that I post the writing prompt on the blog, so I will do so. Afterwards, I will give some advice to help you write a solid paper. Should you have any questions about writing the paper, please put them on this post...that way I can answer them here for everyone. Therefore, before you ask your question, read through what has already been asked and answered so there are no repeat questions. So, here goes:

Essay Question

Write a 3-4 page paper explaining why you think the novel is considered literature rather than merely a story. This assignment will require you to define what literature is and then give specific examples from the text to support your argument.

I expect a solid introduction and conclusion. Your paper should reflect knowledge of the entire novel and insightful analysis. Show me what you know.

The essay should be typed in 12 point font (Times New Roman or Courier New). It should be double-spaced and have one-inch margins all around. I will be looking at your grammar usage and spelling as part of your grade on this paper, so have someone read it over before you turn it in to me.

Remember, the paper should be 3-4 pages in length…not 4 pages, not 2.5 pages. Be concise and precise.

Again, the paper is due on the first day of class and will act as your pass into my class. You will also have an objective test over the novel on the first day of class.

The paper should also be formatted in the MLA Style. If you don't know what that looks like, consult the OWL at Purdue website (On-Line Writing Lab). Just Google it.

I don't want you to use sources for your paper. I want your own thoughts and insights. You may consult various sources to develop your own definition of literature, but since it is considered common knowledge, you won't have to cite those sources.

Most important: solid thesis statement and solid, specific support from the novel. You only have 3-4 pages, so I don't expect every iota of support you can find. Use the best of what you have. Make sure that your support comes from various parts of the novel, indicating that you have knowledge of the novel as a whole.

Again, all other questions should be posted below.

See you on Tuesday.

Chapter 59: The Ending Controversy

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Read this chapter carefully -- then read the first Connections story, "A Dickens of an Ending." Which ending to the novel do you believe is the ending that fits the story best? Why?

Chapter 58: Homecoming

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What is Pumblechook alluding to when he uses the word "prodigygality"? Is it an apt allusion to Pip's case?

What do you think would have happened if Pip would have told Joe about his "secondly" while they were in London?

Here is the part where it becomes crystal clear that this is a Bildungsroman. In what ways has Pip become a man and a true gentleman?

Chapter 57: Delirious

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Another masterful writing job by Dickens here, as he has Pip drifting in and out of consciousness. What exactly does Dickens do to make this so realistic?

Pip is in deep financial straits. How will he get out of debt without a job? Do you think this will force him to work for Herbert?

Awesome and humorous description her of Joe writing a letter...and note the positive descriptions of their walks and rides.

Joe feels guilty about not being able to stop Mrs. Joe and the tickler, and he feels even more guilty because his attempts to stop her caused Pip to get even worse beatings. Is this guilt justified?

So now we know what "secondly" meant. If you were Biddy, what would you say?

Chapter 56: The Verdict

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Thirty-two people were sentenced to death in one session. Thirty-two! This would be a great argument against the death penalty. What are your thoughts on that punishment? What does Dickens seem to think of it?

What can you point to in the story that made Pip change from wanting to desert Magwitch to never leaving his side until he was forced to?

Why did Pip wait so long to tell Magwitch about Estella?

Chapter 55: A Wedding, but No Funeral

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Why is Pip so concerned that Magwitch should never find out that Pip will never get his inheritance?

When asked to join Herbert in his business, Pip says "secondly." What is this second thought?

Why does Dickens put the wedding of Wemmick here (and by the way, it is a quite amusing trip to the altar, don't you think)?

Chapter 54: Getaway...Almost

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First, I love the description of March in the beginning...Dickens is spot-on here.

Pip tells Magwitch that he knows about enjoying freedom. Magwitch says Pip doesn't know what if feels like compared to him. Is there some similarity in their feelings of freedom? If so, what is the source of that feeling?

Pip says that Magwitch seems despondent. Though Magwitch denies this, what might be the cause of his looking despondent?

The capture scene would make for great movie action. Why was it so easy for Compeyson and the Custom House officials to catch them?

Why is Pip so devoted to Magwitch when he has basically abandoned Joe?

Chapter 53: Whoa! Pip Got Orlicked!

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That's right...I made up a new verb...Orlicked.

Orlick has some legitimate beefs with Pip. Which of these beefs seems to have hurt him the most? Why?

Orlick says Compeyson works for him now. Do you think this is actually the way it is?

What has happened to Orlick? How did he escape -- drunk -- from three able-bodied men?

Who could be Orlick's double?

Chapter 52: Startop? Really?

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We are on Chapter 52, and this is the only good thing Pip has done in his opinion...is that true?

After some thought, I've concluded that I wouldn't want to be in Herbert's shoes -- headed off to Arabia from London...sounds like an exile, not a business opportunity...

Startop? Seems like a pretty random reappearance. Is this a reach by Dickens, or masterful planning?

This is turning into a sort of mystery novel, full of intrigue...who do you think sent Pip the letter that brought him back home?

How long will it be before Pip feels remorse about Joe and Biddy and doesn't just do so in passing?

A note: Remember Miss Havisham's accident and the mention of Gravesend here...they will be part of an allusion in another novel we'll read this year...

Chapter 51: Taking Jaggers by Surprise

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The first paragraph leaves us with the same question that Pip has: What purpose is there for him to be so adamant in his pursuit of the truth behind Estella's parentage?

What is going on in the minds of Wemmick and Jaggers when Pip tells of having been to Wemmick's nice home and of Wemmick having an aged father?

Why do you think Jaggers is so surprised and bothered that Pip knows who Estella's father is?

Although there is "no admission", Jaggers clearly has a heart somewhere in that chest of his, at least where children are concerned. What do you think he means that when he saw Molly's violent nature creeping back in, he asserted "his power over her in the old way"?

Why are Jaggers and (more uncharacteristically) Wemmick so harsh towards Mike in his moment of weakness?

Is Jaggers right in his thoughts about keeping Estella's parentage a secret?

Chapter 50: Tying Up Some Loose Ends

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So...Compeyson jilted Miss Havisham...Molly and Magwitch are the parents of Estella...and Miss Havisham ended up with Estella. In all of this tangled web, who do you think is the biggest victim here?

Notice the craft Dickens uses in this conversation between Herbert and Pip. How does he manage to make this conversation some about in such a natural way? What makes it such a real exchange?

Chapter 49: Atonement

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Miss Havisham conducts the business concerning Herbert with swiftness and in a business-like manner. This transaction tells us several things about her character. What are some of those things?

Why is Miss Havisham crying? Why should she be crying?

What foreshadows Miss Havisham's fiery fate?

Chapter 48: Dinner with Man Hands

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Why does Jaggers bring up the matter of Drummel and Estella's impending marriage? Is it for Pip's sake or for Molly's sake?

Why do you think Jaggers brings up the idea that Drummle will have to beat Estella if he wants the upper hand in the marriage?

Molly is said to have been "tamed" by Jaggers from the moment she goes to work for him. How do you suppose she was "tamed"?

Chapter 47: The Phantom of the Theater

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Pip indicates that his finances are not good. What do you think of his solution for handling that situation?

What hints does Pip give that indicate that Wopsle's acting career has derailed?

Was Compeyson there on purpose or by mere coincidence? If he was there for a purpose, what was that purpose? He takes a pretty big risk sitting so close to Pip...

Chapter 46: The Marina District...kind of

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Pip finds himself in an entirely new setting here. What does the setting described by Pip suggest? In other words, what does the setting symbolize here?

Pip and Clara have some very clear similarities in their lives. What do you see as being similar?

Why does Magwitch seem so comfortable here, especially with Barley roaring below him at all hours?

Chapter 45: Sleepless Nights...

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Dickens does a nice job of capturing Pip's uneasy state of mind and his inability to sleep. Ever been unable to shut your brain off so you can sleep? I think Dickens did this very well.

Wemmick, like Jaggers, is very careful with his words. He is also very sly in his actions. Why is he so concerned with Magwitch's portable property? And why does he risk himself in this situation?

What do we learn about Clara, based on what we've learned in this chapter?

Chapter 44: Sometimes the Truth Hurts

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Okay...a mushy, melodramatic chapter...

Why does Pip want Miss Havisham to help Herbert? Why do you think she agrees to do so?

Why is Estella marrying Drummle? Of all the men, as Pip says, why this dreadful brute? What do you think?

Why do you think Miss Havisham has a look of horror and remorse on her face?

Another cliffhanger -- Why would Wemmick warn Pip not to go home? What could possibly be waiting for him there?

Chapter 43: Hey, Pal, That's MY Girl

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As is too often the case, Pip makes the situation about him...and Estella...Why does he want to see Estella and Miss Havisham before taking care of Magwitch's escape from England?

Very childish behavior between Drummle and Pip. So who will win the battle for Estella's heart (if she actually has one)?

Chapter 42: The Story

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Pip is the novel's narrator, but Magwitch is the narrator of his own story. Is Magwitch a reliable narrator? If so, what evidence can you give to support that? If not, why not?

Magwitch is Compeyson's lackey, and Compeyson is a dirty backstabber. Why is it significant that the Arthur mentioned is Miss Havisham's brother, and Compeyson is the man who left her at the altar?

Chapter 41: Dangling

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Sure...NOW Pip regrets leaving the forge...

Why won't Pip accept any more money from Magwitch?

Herbert is in friend mode here, and he is really good at it. Do you think his plan of getting Magwitch safely out of the country will work? Is it even a good plan?

Again, the end of the chapter is a cliffhanger...what is the story of the fight in the marshes? Read on...

Chapter 40: Uncle Provis

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Note to Self:
Fire the watchman.

Sincerely,
Pip

Names are significant to Dickens, as we saw earlier...what is significant about the names Provis and Magwitch? You may have to do some investigative work to figure this out.

Magwitch has been very generous to Pip, and he continues to throw money at him...the only reason given is that Pip gave him food and a file on the marshes and didn't rat him out. Seems like the two pound notes would have been sufficient payment for this "good" deed. So why is he paying Pip back in such an opulent way?

Jaggers is very careful with his words when he speaks with Pip, and he makes sure Pip is very careful with his words, as well. What more does this exchange tell us about Jaggers' character?

Why does Magwitch carry a Bible? More importantly, why does he only use it for this one purpose?

Chapter 39: The Truth

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Another leap in time...now he's 23.

The last paragraph on page 333 starts a lengthy description of the weather conditions and how they affect Pip's environment. Weather always tells us something in literature. Always keep on eye on the weather.

Figurative Language Alert!!! Great personification/simile here: "the smoke came rolling down the chimney as though it could not bear to go out into such a night." Love that line.

So Pip's convict -- still no name at this point -- was/is his benefactor. How does this change Pip's prospects in life?

Why is he so ungrateful to the convict?

Why is Pip just now regretting how he has treated Joe and Biddy?

Chapter 38: The Apple and the Tree

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Man, Pip's got it bad...and Estella has not only hinted -- but actually warned Pip -- that she does not feel the same towards him. So why does he torturing himself? Why doesn't he just stop seeing her?

Is Pip correct in his thinking -- that he is chosen by Miss Havisham, and that makes Estalla more able to break the hearts of other men because she is untouchable?

It seems that Miss Havisham really has made a heartless monster of Estella. Are Estella's logical analogies true? Is it possible for a human to feel no love for another?

Although Pip is irate about Drummle, Estella indicates she is leading him on, like so many others. The exception for her is Pip. Does this mean that he is the only one she cares for? Does she love him without actually realizing it?

Chapter 37: The Bank of Pip

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What character traits are revealed by Dickens concerning Wemmick in this chapter? How does he reveal these traits?

Wemmick sets up Herbert at Pip's request. Pip says that he is glad his expectations have done someone some good. What does he mean by that? Don't his expectations do him some good?

Here's a question: How is it that Pip sees fit to help out Herbert but does not help out Joe?

Chapter 36: You Got Your Manhood, Pip!

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Now that Pip is 21, he is a man in this culture. He is now in charge of his own money. How well do you think he will handle that responsibility?

Pip expected to find out who his benefactor was on his 21st birthday. What possible motivation would the benefactor have for not making this revelation to Pip?

Does Wemmick provide sound advice concerning Pip's desire to help Herbert out? What advice do you think he would have given if her were at Walworth?

Chapter 35: The Funeral

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Although Pip's family had died, Mrs. Joe's death is the only death he remembers. Do you remember the first time a "grave had opened" in your life? How did your experience match up with or differ from Pip's experience?

Mrs. Joe -- his sister, Joe's wife -- has died, yet Pip stays at the Blue Boar before the funeral. What does this tell us about Pip?

Is there significance to the three words Mrs. Joe says before she dies?

What's up with creeper Orlick?

In his talk with Biddy, why does Pip constantly "give up the point?"

Chapter 34: Mounting Debts

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Pip is aware of the negative effect his "great expectations" have had on him. This being the case, why doesn't he make an effort to change? What could/should he do?

Pip is a big spender now, by his own admission. Why does he have regret about doing this with Herbert?

As for Herbert...have you ever been with someone who has more money than you and felt that you should keep up with their spending habits?

Herbert has an interesting view on what makes one prosperous in America...

Allusion Alert!!! Lloyd's of London...look it up and note its history.

What is humorous about Herbert and Pip's efforts concerning their mounting debts?

What significance do you think Mrs. Joe's death will have for Pip? for Joe?

Chapter 33: Tea for Two

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Why do you think Estella's "manner was more winning" than it had ever been before?

Pip states in a parenthetical comment: "I was not at all happy there at the time, observe, and I knew it well." Why wasn't he happy to have Estella alone in a restaurant?

Why are the Pockets (other than Matthew) scheming against Pip?

Pip finally learned how to tip...with Estella's money...

Estella calls Pip by his name for the first time -- a gesture that makes an impression on Pip. What is the significance of this gesture?

Just for fun...

Certainly a rival performance for Wopsle...

Chapter 32: Jailhouse Visit

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Is there any hope for a relationship with Estella based on her letter to Pip? Why, or why not?

Based on what you read, what is Dickens' opinion of the penal system, as filtered through the descriptions of Pip?

What do you make of Wemmick's conversation with the Colonel? What does this interaction tell us about Wemmick's character?

What is the nameless shadow?

Chapter 31: I Do Not Like White Legs and Ham

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Clearly, Herbert and Pip are not in Denmark...five phantom points to the first person who identifies the play they are watching...

Sounds like a fun play to watch -- what's ironic about that?

Mr. Wopsle mistakenly says "service" instead of "representation." What do you make of that?

So...does Pip know the works of Shakespeare? Tell me what you think and why you think that.

Wopsle goes home with the boys to dine at Pip's request. This is probably the most decent thing Pip has done since he became aware of his great expectations. Can you think of anything else he's done that can be considered thoughtful on his part? What does this action tell us about Pip at this point?

Chapter 30: Thank You Trabby Much

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Pip convinces Jaggers to get Orlick away from Miss Havisham. How do you think Orlick will react if he finds out Pip is the one who convinced Jaggers to do this?

Trabb's boy...again...what do you make of his odd behavior? What about Pip's reaction to his behavior?

Dear Pip,
An angry letter? Seriously?

Sincerely,
A Concerned Reader

I never knew that seafood was an acceptable way to say, "I'm sorry."

Herbert seems to have a very good idea of what makes Pip tick. What seems to be Dickens' purpose for including a character like Herbert in this story?

Chapter 29: Amore (sorry, guys)

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Pip has very lofty romantic ideas about Estella, but he tempers them with doses of reality. Does he really think he'll be able to gain the affections of Estella? Do you?

Orlick as porter...seems logical...he's as close to being a criminal as you can get, so he should be able to handle himself if there is an intruder...

It's odd that Estella can't remember her cruel treatment of Pip. She has no heart, according to her own words...no sentimentality. What proves this idea wrong?

Why won't Jaggers look at Estella during dinner -- even when he talks to her -- yet he sneaks looks at her while they are playing cards? What do you make of that?

Chapter 28: Flashback Character

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Even Pip knows that his justifications for staying at the Blue Boar are no more than justifications...so why does he choose to stay there anyway?

It's odd that Pip's convict gave another convict (a stranger) the two pound notes to give to Pip. Very naive, indeed. So why did the convict from the Blue Boar give Pip the money instead of spending it himself?

Pumblechook is shameless. Why does he spend so much time and energy trying to convince others that Pip's great expectations are due in large part to Pumblechook's doings?

Chapter 27: Joe's Mission

Why is Pip so averse to Joe's visit?

Pip, who has only just come into wealth, now focuses on interior decorating, and he acquires and dresses a servant before having a use for him.

Wopsle is now an actor in London. Can you guess what play he's in?

How bad must Barnard's Inn be if Joe wouldn't keep a pig there? What does this say about Pip's improvements to the place?

What symbolism can you discern in the comedic tumbling of Joe's hat?

Very touching final scene in this chapter. Joe reminds me of Forest Gump...he may not be the smartest man, but he knows what love is and he knows right from wrong. Life is just a box of chocolates...

Chapter 26: Out for Dinner

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Why is Jaggers somewhat OCD about washing his hands?

What stands out to you concerning the description of Jaggers' house?

Why does Jaggers like Drummle?

What is so significant about Molly's wrists? In what way to they show power?

Chapter 25: Nodding

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Pip starts with commentary about the variety of people he is surrounded by. What traits does he seem to dislike? What does he tend to like in other people?

Why do you think Jaggers invites thieves to try and rob his home?

Wemmick's home sounds like a mini-castle, fortified with food and a cannon. Why do you think he's so insistent on keeping work at work and home at home?

What do you find interesting about Wemmick's collection of oddities?

Chapter 24: Getting Settled

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Pip is like many college freshmen...they know that they want to go to college and get an education, but they aren't sure what profession they want to pursue.

Why is Jaggers giving Pip such a hard time when Pip asks for money? He acts as if it is his own money he's giving to Pip.

Why do you think Jaggers keeps facial casts of men who have been executed for crimes?

Why is "portable property" so important to Wemmick?

Based on the courtroom scene described by Pip, what type of lawyer is Jaggers?

Chapter 23: The Scholar's Home

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Drummle and Startop...odd names, but characters to remember -- especially Drummle.

A very hectic chapter -- and this is where some of Dickens' genius shows up. Notice how his writing style seems to reflect a lack of focus. This is how our brains work when we are surrounded by chaos, and he captures it perfectly. This is much different from the writing in previous chapters.

Imagine being thrown into this scenario after having been an only child -- an orphan -- in the Gargery household. Pip seems to hold his own as he makes sense of it all.

This chapter is an example of Dickens' take on the bourgeois level of society. What do you think his opinion of that level of society is?

Chapter 22: Pip Dreams (yes, it's a pun)

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Herbert seems like a truly nice guy, but what's up with calling Pip Handel? What can you derive about Herbert's personality from his reasoning -- why he doesn't like Phillip but does like Handel?

Herbert is very kind -- almost funny -- in the ways in which he schools Pip on proper dinner manners...

So we get the story of Miss Havisham's jilting...or at least all that Herbert knows. So who is the brother and who is the runaway groom? I hope we get that answer in later chapters...

What is the connection between A) the childhood fight and Herbert's account of the childhood fight, and B) Herbert's current employment and Herbert's account of his current employment?

What are you first impressions of Mrs. Pocket and her parenting skills (tumbling up)?

Chapter 21: Diminished Expectations

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Wemmick seems to be an interesting chap. What stands out to you in his description and his dialogue?

Wemmick says Barnard's Inn reminds him of the country. Why does Pip see it as the most dismal of places?

Why do you think Wemmick is out of the habit of shaking hands?

The pale young boy!!! It should come as no surprise, really, as he is a relative of Miss Havisham. Maybe Pip will punch him again...

Chapter 20: London Town

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Apparently, Pip hasn't conquered the custom of tipping...

What are the first descriptive impressions Pip gives us of London? What about Jaggers' office?

What can you make of Jaggers' profession and character based on his interactions with the people who are waiting to see him? What kind of man is he? What kind of lawyer is he?

Chapter 19: The Fallout

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Joe knows about symbolic gestures -- he puts the indenture papers in the fire. Also symbolic is what the clergyman reads at the service (though it is only briefly mentioned). What is the idea of the sermon about the rich man and the kingdom of Heaven? Why does Pip not really care for this story?

Pip has already gained some of the snobbery associated with the upper class he is to be a part of. What things struck you as somewhat snobbish behavior on his part? What do you think of his behavior in this chapter?

What do you think of Trabb's boy? And what of the treatment he receives from Trabb? And what of the behavior Trabb's boy has towards Pip? Much has been made about this character by scholars, so I would like to see what your thoughts are...

Pip seems to have a different opinion of Pumblechook that was perceptible in this chapter. What accounts for this changed point of view?

Why is it significant that Pip should always and forever keep the name of Pip?

I like the throwing of the horse shoes by Joe and Biddy -- a wish of good luck and safe travels. That was a nice touch.

...and so, after a lackluster farewell and brief melancholy, we come to the end of the first part of Pip's great expectations...

Chapter 18: Surpise!

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So Pip is in the fourth year of his apprenticeship...not the time leap here.

Why does Jaggers continually bite his finger? (I don't have an answer...it just seems like something we should know.)

Why does Pip assume that Miss Havisham is behind his "great expectations"?

This is like a dream come true for Pip -- he is to have a fortune and become a gentleman. It's kind of like hitting the lottery. Can you think of any movies with a similar plot?

Chapter 17: Pip's Problem with Women

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What do you get out of Pip's description of Biddy and how she felt about it? Is he crushing? Does he love her? What DOES he feel towards her?

What are Biddy's feelings towards Pip, based on her behavior and their conversations?

Orlick is a creeper...thank goodness THAT tradition has passed: "I like you, so I'm going to dance at you."

Chapter 16: How about a game of Clue?

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Orlick, or the stranger from the pub? What say ye?

As bad as she was, Mrs. Joe certainly didnt' deserve this fate. Why is she being so nice to Orlick now?

A reminder

As this appears to be the first time many of you are checking in, I just wanted to remind you that you may comment on any of the chapters...you do not have to comment on them all...just make sure you have five total comments for this section. They are due by midnight on Tuesday. Hope you are all enjoying your holiday weekend (and not frantically trying to catch up on reading because you were procrastinating).

New posts for the second section will go up after midnight on Tuesday.

Chapter 15: An Education

(Photo Credit: http://www.lynchburg.edu/images/sections/student_raising_hand.jpg)

Oh, to have a student like Pip! Hungry for education? Awesome...and he wants to share his knowledge! his motive for sharing needs adjustment, though.

What do you think of the Orlick character? What stands out about this man? I have to say that I did like the fact that he said many of the things to Mrs. Joe that Joe may have thought at one point or another. We also get to see another side of Joe due to the resulting fight.

Pip's visit to Miss Havisham only results in more frustration, but we are left again with a mystery that keeps us reading...Mrs. Joe down for the count.

Chapter 14: The Oral Cavity of an Equine

(Photo Credit: http://reedemoore.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/gift-horse.jpg)

We get a look inside Pip's brain to answer the earlier question: Why is Pip ashamed of his life, his family, and his impending future?

If Joe has shown him all of the good in life, why is he embarrassed of Joe? Why isn't he embarrassed of his own sister?

This chapter shows a recognition on Pip's part that he is at a crossroad in life. This is an important benchmark for Pip. What are your thoughts about his thoughts? What advice would you give him?

After reading this chapter, what do you think about Pip as a character? Does it matter that he readily admits his shortcomings and faults?

Chapter 13: All Dressed Up and Somewhere to Go

(Photo Credit: http://turbo.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2009/12/jude-law-sherlock1.jpg)

OK, so Joe Gargery is no Jude Law, but still, a pretty close fit to the look I imagined on Joe.

Why does Joe speak to Pip instead of answering Miss Havisham directly?

How does Joe show that -- in spite of his lack of education -- he is a smart man?

How is it that Pip suddenly doesn't want to be Joe's apprentice now, when his whole life he has looked forward to this day and all the "larks" they will have?

Chapter 12: EXPOSITION!!!

(Photo Credit: http://www.artrenewal.org/artwork/424/424/28278/the_apprentice_blacksmith-large.jpg)

In Chapter 8, Pip says< "I thought I overheard, 'Well? You can break his heart.'" In this chapter, he says he thought he heard Miss Havisham "murmuring something that sounded like, 'Break their hearts.'" Since Pip is clearly telling this story from the perspective of his older, grown self, does this mean that he can't remember what she said? Does it mean he could be assuming this is what she said? Definitely a reason to look at the reliability of the narration...

A lot of exposition in this chapter...A LOT! There is also a time leap of almost a year. See if you can find information on what it meant to be apprenticed to a trade during the Victorian Era. What would that generally be like for a young boy like Pip?

What makes Mrs. Joe go on such a rampage when she hears that Joe has been summoned by Miss Havisham? What does this reveal about Mrs. Joe?