Heartbreak Photo

Heartbreak is a definite motif though out Great Expectations. We all know of Pip ucmu to face constant rejection and negligence from his love Estella. This relationship seems like a one way street. Pip tries so hard to please Estella, while Estella is just there not really making an effort. When Estella doesn't give Pip the same attention she gives her other suitors, I hope Pip began to realize the truth about they're "love".
To counter, Clara and Herbert are opposite of heartbreak in the novel. Clara and Herbert know how the other feels about them and kid to eachother. This sort goes along with Pip's realization about His relationship with Estella.

Pip's character is altering

Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day.


This quote is used to show when Pip decides for sure that being a black smith won't be enough for him, and that he is finally going to pursue becoming a gentleman at any cost. There is a big difference between talking about something, and actually doing it. Pip finally crosses that line and I'm afraid he will do whatever necessary to gain status and class, even hurt or leave the ones he loves. This selection is showing that Pip is beginning to think for himself more, and that may not be the best thing for him.
One day I decided to alter happened fairly recent to the present. I overheard some kids talking unfavorably about another student and I paused to think about how I would feel if I were in that position. Human nature is judgemental, and we all tend to think of ourselves far too much, especially in comparison to how often we think of others. I'm trying to be more open to new friendships and to stop people when I see them being unkind to/about someone.

Connections

The major theme that I keep noticing in Great expectations is how Pip isn't as appreciative as he should be towards his family. He's constantly searching for more money, power, and so called "love" when he should be seeing how wonderful his relationship with Joe is. Every bird must learn to fly, but that doesn't mean that Pip should at all disregard Joe. If I was in control of Pip's life choices, he would go back to become Joe's apprentice. I admire the whole "follow you dreams" theme that was at the beginning of the novel, but it's clearly not working for Pip and his life is much more dull. Even though at the beginning he had a mean sister and his dreams weren't fulfilled, he was living the dream. And if he were to go back to the forge now it would be even better since Biddy is there due to Mrs. Joe's condition. Anyway, its obvious that Pip is unappreciative of his nice life at his home. There are numerous references I could make with the same overall theme but Stones of Mourning Creek, one of my favorite books, seems to fit pretty well.
The main plot in Stones of Mourning Creek by Diane Des Bequets is about racial discrimination, and how Francie (a Caucasian girl) and Ruthie (an African American) become best friends, and there is a lot of conflict over the matter. Now Francie doesn't like he dad very much, but the relationship between Ruthie's brother and parents seems to fit best. Ruthie's parents are very influential members of the community, black and white. They accept everyone and are all for integration and right for everyone, but they know how it is. The father is the reverend at the church, and is very welcoming and supportive to everyone. While the mother knows all the people in the town and reaches out to anyone who passes by offering them a meal or just someone to talk to. They have quite a few children, but the only kid's you ever really get to know and Ruthie and her brother. Now you think with these great parents Ruthie's brother must be a good kid. And he seems like he is, but he has a dark side. He works for one of the meanest men in town and it was very influential for him. He beats kids up, kills helpless kittens, and hangs out with the wrong crowd. Like Pip, he doesn't realize the wonderful family he has.
Pip has more than just Joe and Mrs. Joe. He has Biddy, and Herbert, and Jaggers, plus many others who care for him and have become close with him, but maybe feels like he is alone because he doesn't have any biological parents. Ruthie's brother has so many welcoming arms, but also feels like he doesn't belong in a more than half racist community. There are forces, whether external or internal, working against these two boys and it's hurting them emotionally. Instead of expressing their feelings they run, and make unfavorable choices.
These two examples illustrate the trait in all of us where we make rash decisions and actions when we don't understand what's going on sometimes. Whether it is socially, mentally, and physically we all sort of find way to avoid or live with the issues at hand.

Second stage, whoa.

In the SECOND STAGE, we are getting to know the Pockets pretty well. Their family is huge, and it's somewhat hard to keep track of them at times. Mr. and Mrs. Pocket seem like they have extremely contrasting personalities. Sarah is snobbish and strange, while Mr. Pocket is common and friendly. Unfortunately, Sarah has more say in the household and "controls" most things. An example of this is Jane taking care of the baby. Sarah won't do it because she thinks that she is above it I guess? And she doesn't treat her help very nicely. Plus there are a bunch of kids running around. Herbert really doesn't seem to be connected to them at all, and is off on his own adventure apart from his family.
So, in class we talked about how Pip moves to London and observes the city. He describes it as gross and dirty,  to me it doesn't sound like a place you'd wanna live. But I guess he's still pretty content with his new life. I find this somewhat ironic (I know thats not what we are supposed to be talking about, but it kind of keeps occuring in this novel) that Pip is happy living in this gross place, with just people to guide him. Honestly, I'm disappointed in Pip for not missing Joe. It's just depressing to me that Pip is content with his money and everything when he can't share it with people he really likes (Joe and Estella?). And up until now all he has been talking about is becoming a gentleman, but it's peculiar that Pip isn't unsatisfied with his new life which, let's face it, isn't so great.