Mr. Collins

Mr. Collins is one of my favorite characters written by Jane Austen. He is so awkward, tactless, and lacking in any social decorum. I read about him and I squirm! I get so uncomfortable that I have to stop reading for a moment to collect myself and then move on. When he arrives at Longbourn, it is irresistible for the Bennet sisters to mock him and lead him into drawn out descriptions of his "advantageous patronage".

My favorite part of the book involving Mr. Collins is where he attempts to court Elizabeth. Please enjoy the following excerpt:

It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now.

``You are too hasty, Sir,'' she cried. ``You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without farther loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me, I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them.''

``I am not now to learn,'' replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, ``that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long.''

``Upon my word, Sir,'' cried Elizabeth, ``your hope is rather an extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. -- You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who would make you so, -- Nay, were your friend Lady Catherine to know me, I am persuaded she would find me in every respect ill qualified for the situation.''

How do you feel about Mr. Collins? Do you know or have you met anyone quite like him?

Unraveling the Darcy Mystery

It is in chapter six that we begin to see a different side of Mr. Darcy. Austen slowly reveals his depth of character, which surely contributes to his popularity among readers. Upon first meeting Elizabeth, Darcy proclaims her as "not handsome enough to tempt me,” but after getting to know her better his opinion alters. He is drawn to traits that are often not mentioned by the men of Austen. These being uncommon intelligence, her easy playfulness, and of course her fine eyes. These mentions contrast noticeably with the complements women usually receive: uncommon beauty, and possessing a gentle and humble nature to name a few. His assessment of her is by no means shallow.

Later in the novel we begin to understand the true source of his distant nature when he tells Elizabeth: “I certainly have not the talent which some people possess of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done.”

As he begins to admire Elizabeth he observes he from afar, and listens to her conversations with others in order to get to know her better. It is almost as if he is too shy to speak with her.

Have you ever been guilty of misjudging a person by mistaking shyness for arrogance?

Charlotte's Advice

In chapter six, Bingley’s courtship of Jane begins to be noticed and commented on by many people. Elizabeth perceives that Jane receives his courtship with pleasure, but Jane remains guarded, which protects her from impertinent comments. Charlotte Lucus warns Elizabeth that perhaps Jane should not be so guarded. “If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him.” Charlotte recommends that a woman should show the man more affection than she actually feels in order to secure a marriage.

It turns out this is the exact argument that Darcy uses for separating Bingley from Jane. He claims that although Jane received Bingley's attentions with pleasure, she appeared to have no particular regard for him.

This instance displays one of the many timeless issues addressed by Austin in her novels. Current day American girls often receive instructions from mothers, sisters, and friends on how to let a man know that you are interested without appearing too interested and thus avoid receiving a “bad reputation.”

Have you been instructed or have you instructed others on how to walk this fine line when it comes to flirting? Will the world of dating forever be filled with games and deception?

Meeting Mr. Darcy

In Chapter three we meet the infamous Mr. Darcy, a favorite among Austen’s romantic leading men. He immediately gains the attention of the entire party because of his "fine, tall person, handsome features," and, of course, his large income. However, he soon looses favor due to his manners, which show him to be proud and "above the company." No one likes to feel like they are being looked down upon, so this reaction is understandable. He soon openly insults Elizabeth while standing in a location where she can overhear his rude comments. As the chapter concludes we are left with an unfavorable impression of this man.

Why do you think Austen chooses to paint him in such an unpleasant light? Why would she choose to have us dislike the character immediately upon introduction?

Bennet Sisters

The Bennet sisters portray many different personality types. It seems that the older sisters win in that area of life. Jane is sweet, shy, sensible, and always looks for the good in others. Elizabeth is witty, intelligent, speaks her mind, and judges on first impressions. Mary is prudent, intolerable, and works hard on her education and accomplishment. Catherine "Kitty" is silly, emotional, and does whatever Lydia does, though Lydia is younger. Lydia is headstrong, frivolous, shameless, and uncaring.

Which sister do you most resemble?

Which sister do you wish you most resembled?

Mrs. Bennet and Her Nerves

Jane Austen has created a fun introduction to the character of Mrs. Bennet in chapter one. Mrs. Bennet is possibly the most popular of her silly mother figures. The discussion of her "nerves," as she calls them, prepares us for her many fits, which will take place throughout the novel.

What a delightful character she is! Creating drama in order to get attention and alleviate boredom. Have any of you encountered a Mrs. Bennet type person at some point in your life?

In want of a wife...

The famous first lines of Jane Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE are clever and true to life, as well as being extremely effective in setting up a major theme in the book: the pursuit of an ideal marriage partner.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

Austen goes on to say that given this “fact,” whenever a single man of good fortune moves into a residential area the families with single daughters begin vying for “ownership” of that man.

It is interesting that this behavior is alive and well in the 21st century in the United States. Only in this case it is not necessarily the families who compete for ownership, but the women themselves. Anytime a rich, single, handsome and charming man enters the scene, the hearts of the single women begin to flutter and the battle begins. This is a perfect example of why Jane Austen’s novels appeal to contemporary readers. We can relate to the characters and the situations.

Pride and Prejudice

Thank you for joining us February and March for our study of Great Expectations.

Please begin reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. We will study this book during April and May. The discussions will begin next week on the first few chapters. We love comments, so please feel free to ask questions, answer questions, and post general feelings about what we are studying.

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

A Happy Ending?

GREAT EXPECTATIONS has two endings. In the original Pip and Estella meet briefly, she is married, and there is no hope that they will end up together. Dickens rewrote a more "hopeful" ending that has Pip and Estella meeting once again at the ruins of Satis House. They gaze into each other’s eyes, both are single, Pip forgives her everything, and the reader is left with the impression that they will end up together.

Is this second ending preferable? Should Pip and Estella be together in the end? These are the same questions being discussed by the director and creators of GREAT EXPECTATIONS the musical. Should the musical end with the hope that these two characters will finally marry? Let us know your opinion.

Production Questions

One of our blog readers posted the following questions:

"There are a lot of different settings - the marshes, the town, Joe's House, Satis House, the town, London, the river, Mr. Jaggers' house - how will all of these places be depicted? Will there be a young Pip and Estella? What moments will be presented through song?"

All great questions! The primary setting will be Satis House, which will remain onstage throughout the musical. The other locations will be represented through furniture pieces, props, and lighting. The cast will actually feature four young actors who will play Young Pip, Young Estella, Young Biddy, and Young Herbert. Because the show is a musical, most of the major character and plot moments will be represented by a song. Sometimes one song will cover vast amounts of time in the novel. For example, one song illustrates Pips rise in fortune and at the end of the song he is a gentleman. All of the main characters have at least one song that is specific to them: Pip (he has several), Magwitch, Joe, Estella, Miss Havisham, Biddy, etc.

Magwitch's End

As they try to smuggle Magwitch out of London, their boat was overtaken by Compeyson and ends in disaster. Compeyson and Magwitch fight and Compeyson dies by drowning in the water, while Magwitch is discovered, wounded, sent to jail, and dies.

How do you think this scene will be staged in Great Expectations, a new musical? What might the challenges be with two boats on stage?

Miss Havisham's Demise

In chapter 49, Miss Havisham begins her efforts to make up for her past cruelty to Pip. This is also the point in the novel where Miss Havisham meets her tragic end. Pip readily forgives her, and even becomes her savior in more ways than one. After saving her life, at least for a short time, he doesn't hesitate to write "I forgive her" under Miss Havisham's name.

This scene will be staged in such a way that it should thrill audiences who come to see the musical this summer. It will include some exciting special effects. In fact, Satis House will be the focal point of the stage design, and "Miss Havisham's Lair" will include many eerie technical elements.

March Preparations

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold--when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."

This is how Dickens begins chapter 54 of GREAT EXPECTATIONS. This statement also describes March in Cedar City, Utah--home of the Utah Shakespearean Festival and the location for the world premiere musical, GREAT EXPECTATIONS. This week we will complete our discussion of the novel and discuss our preparations to bring this story to the stage. What questions came to your mind while reading the novel regarding the musical? Post them here.

Trusting Wemmick

As Pip and Wemmick become better acquainted Wemmick communicates a distinction between his "Walworth sentiments" and his "official sentiments." There is a difference between the advice he gives Pip while they are speaking in a "private and personal" capacity at the castle, and the official advice he will give Pip while they are at the office in Little Britain. It is Wemmick's personal life, not his professional life, that engenders Pip’s respect. In chapter 47, Pip says "If I had never known him out of Little Britain, and had never enjoyed the privilege of being on a familiar footing at the castle, I might have doubted him."

This is a valuable lesson. Although Jaggers is "a thousand times better informed and cleverer" than Wemmick, Pip trusts Wemmick and turns to him for guidance. Dickens’ recognizes that it is important to have a work/life balance. Jaggers has no Aged, he has nothing and nobody to help "unbend his brows."

The Nemesis

In chapter 42, we learn that Magwitch's nemesis, Compeyson, is also the man who broke Miss Havisham's heart. Her situation becomes even more tragic once the identity of the man is revealed. To throw your life away on such a man? It is almost impossible to fathom why a formerly fine lady would give that level of power to such a scoundrel. He clearly feels no remorse. Her actions accomplished nothing.

Have you ever wasted a portion of your life or devoted more time and energy than you should have to such an undeserving person?

Declaration of Love

In chapter 44, Pip is finally driven to confess his love to Estella after learning of her engagement to Drummle. My heart goes out to Pip, and this scene brings many interesting things to light. First, Miss Havisham shows pity and remorse for the first time. She finally recognizes what she has done to the innocent Pip. Secondly, Estella shows no pity, only "incredulous wonder." Finally, we learn why Estella chooses to marry Drummle and her reasoning makes sense. In fact, her reasons for marrying Drummle make her character more agreeable and more sympathetic. She knows that she is incapable of love, so she chooses someone who is also incapable of love. It is an action that enables her to avoid hurting another human being. She says "I shall do well enough, and so will my husband."

I think that by choosing to marry Drummle instead of Pip she is actually doing Pip a kindness. Other thoughts?

Provis Comes to Town

Pip's relationship with his benefactor is interesting to behold. It is easy to have conflicting opinions regarding the behaviors of both characters. Pip's fear and resentment are understandable upon discovering the identity of his benefactor. One can only imagine how it would feel to meet someone in adulthood that had so terrorized one in childhood. When I consider that thought I am astounded by Pip's kindness. On the other hand, I feel such pity for Magwitch. It broke my heart to see Magwitch saddened by the reception that he receives from Pip after coming so far and risking so much. However, how can he expect things to be otherwise? It is moving to see Pip warm to Magwitch so quickly, and to watch Pip work so hard to protect him. These actions speak volumes about Pip’s character.

If you were in Pip’s shoes, would you continue to accept assistance from Magwitch after discovering his identity?

Pip's Benefactor

Pip's benefactor definitely wasn't Miss Havisham. Were any of you surprised? The convict, Magwitch, is such an interesting character to choose as Pip's benefactor. I find that this twist gave new life (and conflict) to the story. Magwitch is such a meaty character. His past life, his escape, the money he earned to make Pip a gentleman, his need for disguise.

What do you think of Pip's benefactor?

Miss Havisham vs. Estella

I loved the fight between Miss Havisham and Estella in Chapter 38. What did Miss Havisham expect? She created Estella to be proud and hard so she shouldn't require anything less for herself from the girl she raised.

What do you think? Should Estella have tenderness for her "mother by adoption" that raised her to be so cold and heartless?

The Funeral

It was inevitable, of course, that Mrs. Joe would pass. It is the "last nail in the coffin" for poor Joe trying to keep a family. With Mrs. Joe gone, Biddy would leave and Pip didn't visit often enough. How lonely he must have felt. The description of what Trabb & Co. dressed everyone in was wonderful. I could see everyone in their black clothes as they walked down the street. The imagery made me feel like I was there.

Bentley Drummle

Bentley Drummle is an unpleasant character. The description of him as a spider is fitting. Throughout chapter 26 I found myself wondering why Mr. Jaggers is so taken with him. Then he warns Pip to stay clear of him. What do you think he means by calling Drummle a "true sort." What do you think Drummle's supposed fortune will be?

Word Play

While continuing to read GREAT EXPECTATIONS, I repeatedly find myself stunned by Dickens' descriptive language and his word play. In chapter 22, the description of the Pocket children as "tumbling up" and the various ways in which Dickens uses that phrase is quite charming. I have known families who children seem to "tumble up" rather than being "brought up," but I never thought to describe it in such a way. I also enjoy the descriptions in chapter 23 of Mr. Pocket's attempts to lift himself up by the hair.

Are there descriptive phrases and instances of word play that have caught your attention while reading the book?

Great Expectations Onstage

A blog participant mentioned a tendency to visualize how this story will be presented onstage while reading the book. The stage production will be exciting, and it is a musical to boot! The set designer's model shows a representation of Satis House (Miss Havisham's house) as the central point of the design. Casting will be announced within the next two weeks. The company will include notable returning actors as well as many new actors who will be working at the Festival for the first time.

Toward the end of this month, the online blog will focus on bringing this production to the stage. As you are reading, think of scenes that you are excited to see onstage and we will discuss them here.

Let Us Hear From You

What topics have you discovered while reading GREAT EXPECTATIONS that you would like to see discussed here?

The Estella Obsession

I find myself wondering about the hold Estella seems to have on Pip. Why is he so consumed by his need to impress her and be a part of her life? She has done little to recommend herself. She is hostile and nasty every time he meets her. Come on Pip let her go!

Have any of you ever met an Estella - a disdainful person that you inexplicably felt the need to impress? I certainly have. Did you wish to impress this person, or did you simply want to avoid them?

Pip the Gentleman

As Pip progresses in becoming a "Gentleman," I must remind myself not to be too judgmental. After all, would I fair any better with keeping my pride in check if I was suddenly thrust well above my current station in life? Especially if I was as young and naive as Pip? It is difficult to watch him be embarrassed of Joe, especially since I love that character. But, wisdom comes with age. It is later in life that we learn to value the things that really count, such as friends and family.

Regardless, I am sure that most of us have dreamt of waking up rich one day. I know that I have. Hmmm. What would you do if you suddenly found yourself in Pip's shoes?

Herbert Pocket

I love the character Herbert Pocket. He is just what Pip needs to keep himself grounded. It is even better that he is the pale young gentleman that Pip had a fight with at Miss Havisham's house.

Tell me your thoughts on Herbert Pocket or a "Herbert Pocket" that you have encountered in your life.

Great Expectations

I was thrilled and then disappointed with the way Pip handled himself in Chapter 18. My heart went to Biddy and Joe as they try to show their support and hide their remorse.

I am interested in what you all have to say about Pip's change in station.

Games

Whether literal or figurative, poor Pip is constantly caught in the middle of a game. As I read on and watch what Miss Havisham and Estella and even what his sister are doing to him, I feel sorry for Pip. He is so easily manipulated by these women. His weaknesses are preyed upon and exposed. No wonder he always feels that he will be caught and sent to jail. These women are making his life a prison.

I like when he decides to play his own kind of game. The lies he tells in chapter nine made me laugh out loud. I was proud of the way he began to handle himself with his sister, Mrs. Joe, and Mr. Pumblechook. Way to go, Pip!

Chapters 11-20

This week we will discuss Chapters 11 through 20 of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. To participate, read those chapters and check back to discuss your thoughts.

Poor Miss Havisham

Awe, Miss Havisham. What a perfect example of despair and revenge gone wrong. In chapter 8, Pip encounters this character for the first time. He finds her sitting at her dressing table in her faded, yellow wedding gown surrounded by half-packed trunks. Pip notices that her watch and the clock have both been stopped at twenty minutes to nine.

What struck you the most about the description of Miss Havisham, her room, and Satis House?

Pip's Insecurity

Dickens has an impeccable sense of timing when it comes to setting up ideas and themes in GREAT EXPECTATIONS.

In chapter 7, we get to see Pip's attempts at educating himself with the help of Biddy. When Joe sees Pip writing on his slate Joe compliments him with "what a scholar you are!" The chapter concludes with Pip feeling pretty confident in his progress.

In chapter 8, Pips meets Estella and in just a few hours she convinces Pip that he is nothing but a "common labouring-boy" with "coarse hands" and "thick boots." Pip quickly goes from being proud of Joe's approval to looking down on Joe for being common. It is amazing how quickly our insecurities can be used against us. How quickly we can be led to think ill of ourselves and those we love.

However, it does speak highly of Pip's character that Estella's harsh words inspire him to action. He goes to see Biddy as soon as possible in order to ask for her help in becoming more educated.

Most people have been made to feel insecure by cruel individuals. Some sink in defeat, and others rise to the challenge like Pip. How did this situation in the book impact you? Would you react like Pip?

Dickens' Great Sense of Humor

The first thing that struck me upon reading chapter's 1-10 of GREAT EXPECTATIONS is that the book is actually quite funny. Dickens' dry sense of humor has caused me to laugh out loud more than once. It is difficult for me to choose a favorite comic phrase, but there are a few that stick in my mind.

It is amazing to me how many successful jokes Dickens pulls out of the idea that Pip's sister has brought him up "by hand." One of my favorite comments is when Pip determines that because his sister is not a good-looking woman, "she must have made Joe Gargery marry her by hand."

I also enjoy Pip's description of Biddy's relationship to Mr. Wopsle. "Biddy was Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt's grand-daughter; I confess myself quite unequal to the working out of the problem, what relation she was to Mr. Wopsle."

Please share your favorite comic phrase from chapters 1-10 with the group.

Day One — Festival Book Club

This week we will discuss Chapters 1 through 10 of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. To participate, read those chapters and check back to answer questions and post responses and questions of your own.

Happy birthday, Charles Dickens! On this past Sunday, February 7, Mr. Dickens would have celebrated his 198th birthday.