Great Expectations by Charles Dickens Dialectical Journal Vivi Le Quotes As I never saw my father or my mother, and never saw

w any likeness of either of them...my fancies regarding what they were like, were unreasonably derived from their tombstones. The shape of the letters on my father's, gave me an odd idea that he was a square, stout, dark man, with curly black hair (Dickens 1) Conscience is a dreadful thing when it accuses man or boy.. (Dickens 11) Analysis The beginning of the novel definitely grabbed my attention. Pip makes a fantastic first impression while, ironically, doing absolutely nothing. The way Pip describes himself and his thoughts reveal that he is still a foolish and innocent child. However, the way he also realizes that his assumptions are unreasonable provide insight that Pip is mature as well. This quote is interesting because later in the story, Pip goes off to learn how to be a true gentleman. However, even at the beginning of the novel, Pip's manners and gentlemanliness is shown. A gentleman is an chivalrous or honorable man, and a conscience is the first sign of one. Dickens's use of personification throughout Great Expectations is frequent and adds splashes of color to an already well-painted mural. The selected quote is an example of the pumps of adrenaline Dickens's adds through his personification. The way Pip describes himself is a feeling that I believe everybody, especially our class of teenagers, can relate to, at least once: the feeling of not fitting in, the feeling of the world being against you, the feeling that no one understands. Although Pip follows up this disheartening thought with the explanation of tailoring clothes in order to lighten the mood, this passage gives insight to his infatuation with the upper-class. Earlier in the story, Mrs. Joe is portrayed as a superhero as she adopts Pip and claims to have raised him by hand. However, Joe reveals that he is the one that offered to take in Pip, and that nothing would have happened without him. Pip and Joe's relationship is strong, despite Pip's love for Estella to later overcome it as Pip leaves the marsh. Another quote of Pip's adoration and admiration of Joe, just because it is so heart-warming. At this moment, Pip sees Joe as his mentor, role-model, brother, and father-figure all at one time. Isn't that so precious?!?!

..I got up and went downstairs; every board, calling after me, 'Stop thief!' and, 'Get up, Mrs. Joe!' (Dickens 14)

I was always treated as if I had insisted on being born, in opposition to the dictates of reason, religion, and morality, and against the dissuading arguments of my best friends (Dickens 23)

'But I did mind you, Pip,' he returned, with tender simplicity. 'When I offered to your sister to keep company, and to be asked in church at such times as she was willing and ready to come to the forge, I said to her, 'And bring the poor little child. God bless the poor little child,' I said to your sister, 'there's room for him at the forge!' (Dickens 49-50) Young as I was, I believe that I dated a new admiration of Joe from that night. We were equals afterwards, as we had been before; but, afterwards at quiet times when I sat looking at Joe and thinking about him, I had a new sensation of feeling conscious that I was looking up to Joe in my heart (Dickens 51) I had never parted from him before, and what

The ending of Chapter 7 marks the first time that

with my feelings and what with soap-suds, I could at first see no stars from the chaise-cart. But they twinkled out one by one, without throwing any light on the questions why on earth I was going to play at Miss Havisham's, and what on earth I was expected to play at (Dickens 55)

Pip leaves his Garden of Eden and enters into a ruined garden that wishes time had stopped. Joe is no longer there to guide Pip along his new journey leaving Pip lonely and somewhat fearful. It marks the beginning of Pip's loss of innocence, and and this quote made me feel sad and weary for little ol' Pip.

It was then that I began to understand that Sitting in a room with white colors turned yellow, everything in the room had stopped, like the watch clocks that have stopped, and an old woman who and the clock, a long time ago (Dickens 62) is sitting in a bridal dress is frightening to anybody, I'm sure. I wish Joe had been rather more genteelly brought up, and then I should have been so too (Dickens 64) Joe serves as Pip's superhero, that Pip aspires to be like. If Pip does not know something, then he takes his cue from Joe as to what to do next. However, this quote reveals that Pip only focuses on what he wants and that he does not yet appreciate what he has because of his great expectations. His introduction to society makes him unaware of these things. After Pip leaves Miss Havisham's house, his mind is frazzled and his thoughts reveal the development of his growth. Although the Satis House is decaying and home to odd women, Pip still believes that it is worth reaching for and it is much better than his own life. It's saddening how Pip yearns to leave his own happy way of life for one he has great expectations for. This passage broke my heart. Pip allows his reverence and high-esteem for the wealthier class of society to overshadow the love he has for his (now former) superhero, Joe. When Joe encounters Miss Havisham, the reader can see the clash between their two worlds, and Pip chooses to leave his former one behind. I thought to myself, Stop it, Pip! as I read these sentences. The short declarative following after a long sentence is something that always catches my eye, not only because I learned it as a rhetorical device last year, but because it always works. Pip's loss of innocence seems sealed as he admits that he would never again admire Joe's lifestyle. This quote is kind of sickening, as Pip believes that he can teach Joe how to be a gentleman, even though Joe is already kind and caring. Pip values Miss Havisham's and Estella's knowledge and judgement over anything that Joe has, despite that Pip never had an in-depth conversation with Estella. The idea of the upper-class of society is often

I set off on the four-mile walk to our forge; pondering...that my hands were coarse; that my boots were thick; that I had fallen into a despicable habit of calling knaves Jacks; that I was much more ignorant than I had considered myself last night, and generally that I was in a low-lived bad way (Dickens 68) I am afraid I was ashamed of the dear good fellowI know I was ashamed of himwhen I saw that Estella stood at the back of Miss Havisham's chair, and that her eyes laughed mischievously (Dickens 106)

Finally, I remember that when I got into my little bedroom I was truly wretched, and had a strong conviction on me that I should never like Joe's trade. I had liked it once, but once was not now (Dickens 112)

Whatever I acquired, I tried to impart to Joe..I wanted to make Joe less ignorant and common, that he might be worthier of my society and less open to Estella's reproach (Dickens 115)

'Abroad,' said Miss Havisham; 'educating for a

lady; far out of reach; prettier than ever; admired by all who see her. Do you feel that you have lost her?' (Dickens 123)

compared to heights. In this quote, Miss Havisham makes the upper-class seem like holds the better version of everything. However, when Pip climbs the social ladder he discovers that he does not find much that makes the upper-class, the better class. This quote struck me as important because it is the first time in the novel when Pip directly states that he wants to learn how to be a gentleman. The quotes that explain the meaning behind the title of the book are always important. The title, and this quote, deal with Pip's perception of reality and how he has great expectations of the life he is missing out on. Later on in the story, the material things become less of his great expectations and his great expectation becomes ambition; he is always seeking to improve himself morally or socially. Departure from the home is a common theme in stories. Readers know that Pip will never forget Joe, but because Pip directly states this to Joe reveals that he may be harboring a doubt about his departure. I mean, why would you say that to someone whose practically been your father? Of course you won't forget him! It's almost as if his journey to get closer to Estella cools his heart as well.

'Biddy,' said I, after binding her to secrecy, 'I want to be a gentleman' (Dickens 135) Further, that it is the desire of the pressent possessor of that property, that he be immediately removed from his present sphere of life...and be brought up as a gentlemanin a word, as a young fellow of great expectations (Dickens 146)

'You may be sure, dear Joe,' I went on, after we had shaken hands, 'that I shall never forget you (Dickens 157)

Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our This is beautifully written, I just had to write it tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of down. earth, overlying our hard hearts (Dickens 170) So imperfect was this realization of the first of my great expectations, that I looked in dismay at Mr. Wemmick. 'Ah!' said he, mistaking me; 'the retirement reminds you of the country. So it does me' (Dickens 182) 'The marriage day was fixed, the wedding dresses were bought, the wedding tour was planned out, the wedding guests were invited. The day came, but not the bridegroom. He wrote her a letter ' 'Which she received,' I struck in, 'when she was dressing for her marriage? At twenty minutes to nine?' 'At the hour and minute,' said Herbert, nodding, 'at which she afterwards stopped all the clocks' (Dickens 191-192) 'I wonder he didn't marry her and get all the property,' said I (Dickens 192) It's funny, because while Londoners think that Barnard's Inn reminds them of the country, Pip believes that the Inn is something totally different. We begin to see the stereotypes that people have of the country life. Depressing and frightening: the way that Miss Havisham forever documents her grief by freezing this single moment in time. The Satis House is like another universe that does not abide by the regular rules of society or time. However, the House is a symbol to Pip for everything that is unattainable in his life. On a side note, it's kind of funny to think about itdid Miss Havisham quickly run around the house to make sure she stopped all of the clocks? Or did she rewind them herself moments afterwards? In this quote, we see the differentiation between wealth and class. Pip doesn't understand why Compeyson would leave the chance of marrying a

popular and titled lady all while acquiring her land. Pip doesn't understand that money can buy comfort, but it cannot buy acceptance, which is what he is trying to fight for with Estella. It don't signify to you with your brilliant lookout, but as to myself, my guiding- star always is, 'Get hold of portable property'(Dickens 213) Wemmick's concept of money is closely tied to mobility. He sees plenty of lives come and go and he knows that money, as well as stocks and land, is distributed by the government when death takes its toll. Wemmick does not care about social class because he only cares for his own comfort and the ability to keep his wealth. Pip and Joe's friendship seems to break as Joe leaves London so suddenly. Although Pip's fortune has brought him clothes, trinkets, and opportunities, it has left him deprived of Joe. Pip reveals that he is not necessarily in love with Estella as a person, but that he actually loves what she is. She's a beautiful and unattainable girl. He is drawn to her, despite sadness, destruction, and pain, being the only outcomes of Pip being with her.

As soon as I could recover myself sufficiently, I hurried out after him and looked for him in the neighboring streets; but he was gone (Dickens 238) The unqualified truth is, that when I loved Estella with the love of a man, I loved her simply because I found her irresistible. Once for all; I knew to my sorrow, often and often, if not always, that I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be. Once for all; I loved her nonetheless because I knew it, and it had no more influence in restraining me, than if I had devoutly believed her to be human perfection (Dickens 246) Before I could answer..she repeated, 'Love her, love her, love her! If she favours you, love her. If she wounds you, love her. If she tears your heat to piecesand as it gets older and stronger, it will tear deeperlove her, love her, love her! (Dickens 254) Told me! You have never told me when you have got your hair cut, but I have had senses to perceive it. You have always adored her, ever since I have known you. You brought your adoration and your portmanteau here, together. Told me! Why, you have always told me all day long. When you told me your own story, you told me plainly that you began adoring her the first time you saw her, when you were very young indeed (Dickens 262-263) There was a gay fiction among us that we were constantly enjoying ourselves, and a skeleton truth that we never did. To the best of my belief, our case was in the last aspect a rather common one (Dickens 291)

Miss Havisham is illustrated as a witch-like woman when the readers first meet her, and at this moment, she definitely seems like a real one. The chanting of, love her, love her, love her! Almost seems as if she is attempting to cast a spell on Pipa very creepy one. Although he tries, Pip cannot hide his love for Estella. The fact that Herbert notices Pip's love, as well as the fact that he is able to directly describe it and name it, is remarkable! (One must keep in mind that in a Victorian society, anything that dealt with love was suppressed)

Pip and Herbert spend money like crazy while trying to keep up with their high-society peers in order to seem engaged and tuned into London society. However, their debts are high and the two of them must cut down on food but they continue to do so in order to make names for themselves in London social circles and in the name of becoming real, true gentlemen

Miss Havisham dwelt upon this roll, with the intensity of a mind mortally hurt and diseased... (Dickens 322)

This quote essentially articulates Miss Havishams' complex character as it describes her as a victim who became an aggressor. The resulting outcome of her maltreatment from her father during her childhood and Compeyson during her adulthood is so simply stated in this fraction of a sentence that it is somewhat fascinating and frightening. Here, the readers realize that all Estella has ever been to Pip was honest. She did not intentionally try to lead him on as she expresses that she's been cold and haughty her whole life. Although readers once perceived her as cruel and harsh, this quote complicates that premonition.

'Do you want me then,' said Estella, turning suddenly with a fixed and serious, if not angry look, 'to deceive and entrap you?' (Dickens 332)

Herbert received me with open arms, and I had Herbert is like Pip's oasis in the middle of the never felt before, so blessedly, what it is to have a desert. While there is so much chaos happening friend (Dickens 361) around him, Herbert accepts Pip and will always comfort him, never questioning his character. 'You are part of my existence, part of myself. You have been in every line I have ever read, since I first came here, the rough common boy whose poor heart you wounded even then. You have been in every prospect I have ever seen since - on the river, on the sails of the ships, on the marshes, in the clouds, in the light, in the darkness, in the wind, in the woods, in the sea, in the streets. You have been the embodiment of every graceful fancy that my mind has ever become acquainted with' (Dickens 386) 'There have been sore mistakes; and my life has been a blind and thankless ones; and I want forgiveness and direction far too much, to be bitter with you' (Dickens 423) Pip delivers one of the most emotional love speeches ever, to Estella. It's beautiful how he describes his love to her as he uses images of nature and the landscape around him. Estella is found in the very particles around him. Pip grasps his irrational love and reasserts his philosophy that humans are innately good, and that no matter how Estella was raised or is now, she is also innately good.

Pip teaches the readers something that we could all learn: how to forgive, and not hold grudges. Although Miss Havisham raised Estella to only break the hearts of men and nothing else, Pip finds it within him to forgive Miss Havisham.

Summary: Although Charles Dickens's way of writing Great Expectations may appear simple at first, his way of communicating thoughts from Pip to the audience reveals plenty of emotion and a hint of irony. Dickens's use of personification greatly enhances the readers ability to connect with Pip, as one begins to hear and feel as he is. The reader gets to empathize with Pip, as he has a grass is always greener on the other side mindset, as lots of us do. Also, the relationship between Joe and Pip is established and outlined in order to better emphasize the clash of emotions Pip feels later in the novel. Every moment that Pip spends at Miss Havisham's house or thinking about it is either odd, or heartbreaking. The attempt of stopping time and the way Estella tossed food at Pip as if he was a lowly, lost pippy (like, puppy...because it's a pun) causes a mixture of an awkward sadness and anger at the same time. As Pip begins to familiarize himself with this new world, he begins to look back on his admonishingly. The way that Pip begins to characterize and judge Joe reveals Pip's loss of innocence.