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.