1984 #16

“The future belonged to the proles” (pg. 220). The proles represent hope. They are the only chance of change as far as Winston can tell. The proles are the lower class, people who are not part of the Party. Orwell uses these figures, even though none of them are main characters, as a sign of the future: there will most likely be no change for a long time.

1984 #15

“Winston kept his back turned to the telescreen. It was safer; though, as he well knew, even a back can be revealing” (pg. 3). The telescreens are vital to the Party. They serve as advertisements and are constantly watching everyone. Orwell’s idea of telescreens watching over people is intriguing, not only because of the thought of people always being watched, but also because televisions were not yet advanced. The Party is capable of controlling everyone with two main things: militia and the telescreens. These two things are threats to everyone, and they then fear the Party. The Party relies on this fear to maintain control. Someone concerned only about himself is not apt to speak out when someone else is in danger. The Party builds all of this fear in order to prevent groups of people fighting together. Therefore, by using the telescreens, the Party guarantees its survival.

1984 #14

“He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother” (pg. 298). Big Brother is the face of the Party. Orwell never makes it clear whether or not he actually exists, but this concealment is how the government operates. Big Brother stands as the symbol for the communist government that rules Oceania. Winston’s struggles against the government, and consequently against Big Brother, lead to his capture an torture. Through torture he ultimately loves Big Brother; he loves the government. Orwell’s novel shows people the intensity of communistic ideals and how even the most sane people could falter.

1984 #13

“It was a common punishment in Imperial China” (pg. 286). O’Brien is about to let the rats eat Winston’s face. Orwell compares the punishments of old dictatorship countries to the government under Big Brother. The tortures that Winston goes through completely change his views. They continue to torture him until they are positive that he will love Big Brother. In Imperial China they used many different ways to torture people including: hot iron, rides on spiked saddles, punishments of the Rack, and many other instruments of torture. These punishments are seen throughout 1984, being feared of and very painful.

"Punishments in Traditional China." Web. 03 June 2010. .

1984 #12

“For the first time he perceived that if you want to keep a secret you must also hide it from yourself” (pg. 281). In a world of communism, where the government sees everything that happens, one has very little individualism. Winston’s thoughts and actions against the government must be concealed from the government if he wants to remain alive. The only way for him to do this is to try and keep his own secrets from himself--as the government sees everything. Orwell’s government at an extreme level of communism, a warning to The United States and the world about communism.

1984 #11

“There is a word in Newspeak, I don’t know whether you know it: duckspeak, to quack like a duck” (pg. 54). The government came up with its own language, with less words than English. The idea is to eliminate expressions and to control speech. Controlling speech would eventually allow the government to control thoughts and actions. With Newspeak there becomes even more control for the party and less and less individualism for the people. Orwell shows the intensity of a world enveloped in communism, and possible effects of government controlling language.

1984 #10

“Children will be taken from their mothers at birth, as one takes eggs from a hen” (pg. 267). Comparing people to animals and treating them similarly are the ultimate goals of the Party. O’Brien describes the future of the world, a future where communism is as great as it can be. The idea of the government taking away one’s newborn child is frightening. Through his novel, Orwell warns the world of the dangers of communism; the leaders have whatever they need while everyone else suffers.

1984 #9

“The earth is the center of the universe. The sun and stars go around it” (pg. 265). In the effort to convince people that nothing existed before humans and that the Party has been in control of everything, O’Brien and the Party stick with their theory of the universe. The theory that the sun and stars orbit around the earth was originated by Aristotle. In the Medieval Ages Aristotelian views were ‘baptized’ into the Catholic Church. Orwell’s government does not stand for people not accepting its views, similar to the Church in the Medieval Ages.

"The Universe of Aristotle and Ptolemy." The Universe of Aristotle and Ptolemy. Web. 3 June 2010. .

1984 #8

“There were the German Nazis and the Russian Communists” (pg. 254). Orwell compares his created government with those of the German Nazis and Russian Communists in the early to middle nineteen hundreds. The Nazis were a dictatorship who believed in an ultimate race. They experimented on people in concentration camps, similar to the Inner Party of Big Brother’s government in the Ministry of Love. The Russian Communists, under Joseph Stalin, became a totalitarian government; every citizen and party member were dominated by the dictatorship. Orwell’s comparison to these two situations makes the novel more realistic and believable: these things have actually happened before.

"Communist Party, in Russia and the Soviet Union — Infoplease.com." Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free Online Reference, Research & Homework Help. — Infoplease.com. Web. 03 June 2010. .

1984 #7

“Being in a minority, even a minority of one, did not make you mad” (pg. 217). Orwell creates a world where communism is brought to the ultimate extreme. Communism is a form of government where individualistic ideas are eliminated. Everyone works for everyone. In a time where people were fearful of communism, Orwell created 1984 to ensure that people realize its affects. Winston understands that communism is wrong, and is the minority for these thoughts. This delves into the idea that the minority is not always wrong, no matter how small it is.

"Communism - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 31 May 2010. .

1984 #6

“The war is simply a continuous calamity which sweeps to and fro over their bodies like a tidal wave” (pg. 215). Orwell repeats the phrase ‘to and fro’ many times throughout his novel. The back-and-forth theme is seen not only in these words, but in the actions of the government as well. Oceania is always at war, whether the enemy is Eastasia or Eurasia. The enemy does not stay the same; one moment it may be one country, the next it could be the other. This insecurity and continuous change is important to the novel for without it, Winston would not question the authority as often.

1984 #5

“A little Rumpelstiltskin figure, contorted with hatred, he gripped the neck of the microphone while the other, enormous at the end of a bony arm, clawed the air menacingly above his head” (pg. 180). Rumpelstiltskin is a little imp who causes trouble. The story of Rumpelstiltskin includes greed and the power of believing. Orwell calls someone involved with the government a ‘Rumpelstiltskin figure‘ insinuating the beliefs of the figure into Big Brother and the government. The government in the novel 1984 is essentially greedy, in that it wants total control, and believes in the power of believing. Whatever the government says happened, everyone else is to believe that this was the case. Orwell better describes this government by using this allusion.

"Amazon.com: Rumpelstiltskin: Amy Irving, Billy Barty, Clive Revill, John Moulder-Brown, Priscilla Pointer, Robert…." Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & More. Web. 31 May 2010. .

1984 #4

“One could not avoid it, but one could perhaps postpone it: and yet instead, every now and again, by a conscious, willful act, one chose to shorten the interval before it happened” (pg. 140). Orwell discusses death in his novel openly, something that is very hard for people to do. The absolute fact that everyone is going to die is difficult for people to interpret. Winston and Julia commit acts against Big Brother and realize that they are destined to go to the cellars of the Ministry of Love, before they die. They try to delay this occurrence for as long as possible, but realize that certain acts that they conscientiously do bring them closer to their downfall.

1984 #3

“It struck him that in moments of crisis one is never fighting against an external enemy but always against one’s own body” (pg. 102). Internal struggle is a major theme in this novel. Winston fights against himself to hold back from Big Brother. He fights for what he knows is right, but eventually is tortured into the opposite. Orwell shows how the human body “freezes into inertia at exactly the moment when a special effort is needed.” No matter how much the body can struggle it eventually will cave in. The fight is to hold off as long as possible, making every effort against the desire to give up, which comes from within.

1984 #2

“What appealed to him about it was not so much its beauty as the air it seemed to possess of belonging to an age quite different from the present one” (pg. 95). Winston is continuously trying to relate to the world before the current government, when he was only a baby. He knows that the present life is not how it should be, and he will do anything to get information about the ‘past life.‘ Orwell includes small things such as coral to draw in his audience, who hope that these small things will uncover the truth within the novel.

1984 #1

“How do we know that two and two makes four? Or that the force of gravity works? Or that the past is unchangeable? If both the past and the external world exist only in the mind, and if the mind itself is controllable--what then?” (pg. 80) Orwell explores the idea of life existing only in one’s mind. He challenges his readers to open up their views and think about life and its meaning. Orwell wants people to question why two plus two equals four; is it because we were told it does or because it logically makes sense? The concept of challenging how we view life continues throughout the novel as Winston is tested by Big Brother and the government.

P+P #16

“Pride...is a very common failing I believe. By all that I have ever read, I am convinced that it is a very common failing indeed, that human nature is particularly prone to it...” (12) Austen makes Darcy seem like a vain man right from the beginning of her novel. She gives the reader a first impression of Darcy, and lets the story go from there--giving her audience mainly just Elizabeth’s perspective. It is interesting that Mary, the least known of the five Bennet daughters, sets the stage for Darcy’s impressions. Austen convinces her audience of Darcy’s mishaps through Mary, who is known to be a reader and therefore assumed to be wise--making the opinions reliable.

P+P #15

“Jane and Elizabeth...urged him so earnestly...to receive her and her husband at Longbourn” (210). There are many words that Austen uses profoundly throughout her novel. Earnest, prudent, felicity, anxiety, perverse, pride, and prejudice are all unique words that I found are constantly used. These seven words summarize the main ideas and actions in Pride and Prejudice. The main characters are sincere and wise in overcoming prejudgment, concern, and stubbornness, to ultimately achieve happiness and honor. The author obtains the overall affect of the novel by continuously using all of these words.

P+P #14

“Elizabeth will soon be the wife of Mr. Darcy” (258). Marriage is the fundamental ambition of the main characters in Pride and Prejudice. The entire novel revolves around the pursuit of matrimony; Elizabeth alone has three different suitors. It is fascinating that Austen never married herself, since marriage is such a common theme in her works. She refused offers of marriage, similar to Elizabeth, and was thought to have wanted to marry certain men. Her death at the age of 41 naturally ended any aspiration for Austen to become a married woman; she stayed unmarried, similar to her character Mary Bennet.

"Jane Austen." Books & Literature Classics. Web. 21 Mar. 2010. .

P+P #13

“It was agreed that he should be in London once more when the wedding took place, and all money matters were then to receive the last finish” (217). The plot of Pride and Prejudice is based off of the many travels that take place. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship develops from these excursions. The first main trip that Elizabeth takes (to London) leads to the refusal of marriage and Darcy’s letter of explanation. The second voyage ends up at Pemberley, where Elizabeth begins her admiration of Darcy. Darcy’s journey to London to make certain of Lydia and Wickham’s marriage finalizes Elizabeth’s affection for him. Austen purposely includes these expeditions to give her novel depth, allowing more events to take place and complete the story.

P+P #12

“Darcy, on the contrary, had seen a collection of people in whom there was little beauty and no fashion, for none of whom he had felt the smallest interest, and from none received either attention or pleasure” (10). Social class was a central part of life in Jane Austen’s time period, Regency England. This era is considered to be from around 1790 to 1830, when Pride and Prejudice was published. The characters of the novel spend most of their time doing leisurely things; they never seem to have a considerable amount of work to do. Austen does not go into much detail of the lives of the lower-class and servants, mainly because the Bennet’s are a middle-class family. However, the obligation to draw a line between social classes is obvious, similar to the actions of the people during Regency England.

"Regency Taste in Architecture and Style. The World of Jane Austen Gentlewomen." Fashion History Costume Trends and Eras, Trends Victorians - Haute Couture. Web. 21 Mar. 2010. .

Image: http://hibiscus-sinensis.com/regency/index.htm

P+P #11

“To walk three miles, or four miles, or five miles, or whatever it is, above her ancles in dirt, and alone, quite alone! what could she mean by it?” (24). In Austen’s time period, women were not supposed to go against the norms of society. Walking by herself through fields and dirt, Elizabeth certainly displays her independence--she goes all this way just to see that her sister is alright. Upon arriving at Netherfield, Elizabeth receives an instant reputation by the women at the house--one that continues throughout the novel. The men’s viewpoint is the exact opposite, however. They regard her actions with admiration for the affection she has towards her sister, and think that Elizabeth’s eyes “were brightened by the exercise.” Austen considers many similar gender differences for the duration of her whole novel.

P+P #10

“The younger son of an Earl can know very little of either” (125). An Earl was originally the head of a shire. During the late middle ages, Earls became the highest ranking behind princes, so by Austen’s time Earls were very powerful. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy are spoken of, by Elizabeth, as sons of an Earl--indicating the importance of social stature in the novel. Marriage to such high class is first mentioned to Elizabeth; she is initially “coloured” by the idea. Austen continuously flirts with the conception of marrying into the upper class, especially with the members of the Bennet family.

"Knighthood, Chivalry & Tournament Glossary of Terms." Knighthood, Chivalry & Tournaments Resource Library. Web. 20 Mar. 2010. .

Image: http://humphrysfamilytree.com/deVere/17th.earl.oxford.html

P+P #9

“The town where she had formerly passed some years of her life, and where they were now to spend a few days, was probably as great an object of her curiosity, as all the celebrated beauties of Matlock, Chatsworth, Dove Dale, or the Peak” (161). Austen creates a place that is more beautiful than the well recognized houses like Chatsworth. Chatsworth house has had many changes since its assembly in 1549, but drawings of the past masters are always kept in the house. Its grounds and mountains around it make it exclusive. Pemberley House in Pride and Prejudice is thought to have been inspired by such significant mansions like Chatsworth. Chatsworth house is even featured as Pemberley in the movie Pride and Prejudice. Austen augments Mr. Darcy’s status by insinuating that Pemberley is the finest in England.

"Chatsworth House Facts - Freebase." Freebase - A Wealth of Free Data. Web. 20 Mar. 2010. .

P+P #8

“The garden in which stands my humble abode, is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship’s residence” (45). Austen frequently describes scenes in her novel through dialogue. Her style of often using dialogue instead of narrating gives her work a unique touch. In this scenario, through Mr. Collins character, the author describes later scenes--where certain truths become revealed and the story changes. It is intriguing how important the dialogue becomes in setting the scene for the entire novel.

P+P #7

“It was, on the contrary, exactly calculated to make her understand her own wishes; and never had she so honestly felt that she could have loved him, as now, when all love must be vain” (185). In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen created a romantic love story between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. While there are many other romances that occur, this relationship is the main focus. A common love story includes many complications. Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship certainly goes through hardships, and the character’s perspectives change as the novel goes on. The underlying theme of this relationship, and of the novel, is the impact of first impressions. The first impressions that these two characters have of each other are destructive. Elizabeth sees Darcy as a proud and conceited man, while Darcy does not even consider a relationship. The entire novel is then based off of these first impressions, and the changing of character’s opinions of each other. The book ends as a true love story, the relationships are settled in a superb fashion.

P+P #6

“Whether he might not spend the remainder of his days at Netherfield, and leave the next generation to purchase” (10). The custom of families naming their house and other properties started in Britain. Originally only the upper class named their estates, castles, and halls. Eventually the middle and lower class families began giving names to their properties. Austen constantly alludes to this custom, helping to set her novel in this Britain era. The story is set in the period when mainly the higher class people named their homes; Mr. Bingley is of higher class.

"House Naming Guide - How to Name Your Home." House Signs, House Names, House Numbers, Property Markers, Address Plates & Door Number Plaques - Direct from the UK House Sign Makers. Web. 20 Mar. 2010. http://www.yoursigns.com/housenames-rules.html>.

P+P #5

“It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills;--and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance.” (163) Elizabeth instantly thinks highly of Pemberley House. The attributes are similar to Mr. Darcy’s characteristics. Mr. Darcy is known to be tall, handsome, and “standing well on rising ground,” or wealthy. He is “naturally” prominent and often like a “stone;” he is generally hard to read. Elizabeth visits the house not long after receiving a letter from Darcy explaining his good intentions. The letter gradually makes her think better of Darcy and by the time she arrives at Pemberley House she thinks “that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something.” The house itself, along with the events that occur at Pemberley, represent the improving relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.

P+P #4

“His commendation of every thing would have touched Mrs. Bennet’s heart, but for the mortifying supposition of his viewing it all as his own future property” (44). Fortunes were not large for the Austen family. Mr. Austen could not have offered ample amounts of money if his daughters were to have married--similar to Mr. Bennet and his five daughters in Pride and Prejudice. In 1805 Jane Austen’s father passed away, reducing the family income by a significant amount. Jane Austen again used circumstances from her life in her novel to bring a connection to the story; she was able to write with more emotion. The death of Mr. Bennet in Austen’s novel would have brought about similar circumstances; the mother and daughters would be left with very little.

"Jane Austen's Biography: Life (1775-1817) and Family." Jane Austen | The Republic of Pemberley. Web. 18 Mar. 2010. .

P+P #3

“If what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my refusal in such a way as may convince you of its being one” (75). Elizabeth’s continued refusal of marriage to Mr. Collins is an example of doing what she pleases; she does not care what other people think of her. Although the author died many years before the Victorian age, she demonstrates a Victorian quality in her characterizations of Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s attitude can even be distinguished as feministic for this era. There were not many key women figures during this time, but Austen gives Elizabeth the features needed to stand out as a significant main character. It is intriguing that Jane Austen, an ordinary woman, was a possible pioneer to the Victorian writers.

P+P #2

“‘It is wonderful,’--replied Wickham,--‘for almost all his actions may be traced to pride; --and pride has often been his best friend.” (55) Austen develops a dramatic effect to her novel. She gives her audience every reason to believe that Wickham is amiable and Mr. Darcy abominable. The reader discovers Wickham to be deceitful; everything he had pronounced Darcy to have been was false. Austen’s ability to make her audience like, or dislike, a character intensifies her novel--developing her character’s relationships in a way that is engaging to the readers.

P+P #1

“Oh! she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld!” (7). Jane Austen seems to have connected her personal life with the lives of many of the characters in the novel. The five sisters in the Bennet family all have at least one similar quality to Jane Austen. Jane Bennet is the eldest, “most beautiful” of the sisters--perhaps suggesting potential jealously that Jane Austen had toward her older sister Cassandra. Austen’s lack of romantic relationships coincides with Elizabeth Bennet in the beginning of the novel, however they both are devoted to their elder sister. Jane Austen and her character Mary Bennet both admire reading. Austen and four of the sister characters, especially Lydia, all enjoy partying and dances. Kitty and Lydia’s relationship throughout most of the book strongly relates to Jane and Cassandra Austen’s relationship. Mrs. Austen, the mother, supposedly said that “if Cassandra’s head had been going to be cut off, Jane would have hers cut off too.” Jane Austen most likely portrayed her personal qualities within the five sisters; she gave each one a distinctive characteristic similar to her own life.

"Jane Austen's Biography: Life (1775-1817) and Family." Jane Austen | The Republic of Pemberley. Web. 18 Mar. 2010. .

GE #15

“What alone was wanting to the realisation of a vast fortune, he considered to be More Capital” (147). Capitalism is an economic system dependant upon the “private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods” (Bing). Owning a small business, Mr. Pumblechook would want the best economic conditions for himself. A capital for a business is equivalent to its net worth. In an era of social status, Pumblechook is greedy for more fortune: more capital. Dickens ties many Victorian Era themes and ideas to his novel--having been written in this era. Social class and Capital are two areas in which the novel can be traced to having been created in this era, and help to fully develop this time period throughout the book.

“Define capitalism -." Bing. Web. 04 Jan. 2010. http://www.bing.com/Dictionary/search?q=define+capitalism&FORM=DTPDIA.

GE #14

“I strolled round by Satis House” (449). Dickens portrays the Satis House as the upper class, and also as death. Pip always returns to this house, enchanted by what is held within. He is intrigued and consumed by the inhabitants of this house, and its demise is parallel to Pip’s own degrading of social stature. The apparent stop of time within this house, unmistakably aging, symbolizes how time waits for nothing--it always moves on. Dickens may be emphasizing the importance to keep memories close to the heart, but always remember to keep moving forward, for life is always moving on.

GE #13

“It was evening when I arrived, much fatigued by the journey I had so often made so easily” (449). After finally realizing his mistake of leaving Joe and Biddy, Pip resolves to go back to them, to apologize and beg for their forgiveness. Although having made this journey dozens of times before, Pip finds this particular one especially tough. Through this passage Dickens hints at a common theme in life: the difficulties of admitting to be wrong. Without the necessary courage to do so it can potentially lead to lies and committing crimes. Dickens gives Pip the valor needed to overcome these situations, encouraging his readers to do so as well.

GE #12

“I found the Blue Boar in possession of the intelligence, and I found that it made a great change in the Boar’s demeanour” (449). A commonly explored theme in the novel is social status. In the beginning high stature is everything to Pip; he believes that to win Estella’s compassion, he must be rich, educated, and a “gentleman.” Growing older and wiser, and also having lost all of his “expectations”, Pip discovers that social status has nothing to do with integrity. It does however affect the views others have on him, as mentioned in this passage. Dickens wants the reader to identify with Pip that friendship and dependability are favorable to social status.

GE #11

“There’s subjects enough as betwixt two sech, without onnecessary ones” (444). Pip’s main parental figure in this novel is Joe. The two of them are friends in the beginning--lasting through to the end. Though Pip changes frequently (social class, views on topics, location, etc.), Joe is the one character linked to Pip that is constant throughout. He never deviates from his loving manner towards Pip. To emphasize Joe’s decency Dickens includes one key factor: dialect. The reader may not realize the importance of this in the beginning, but once Pip has become a “gentleman” Joe’s specific dialect emerges. The reader realizes how far Pip has come, eventually contrasting the new and the old Pip. Joe’s evident dialect towards the end ties the novel back to the beginning, just one instrument that Dickens uses to complete his story.

GE #10

“The steam traffic on the Thames was far below its present extent” (413). Dickens references the river Thames quite frequently. The river Thames is not one of the largest rivers in the world, but is definitely one of the most historic. It has provided so much for England--from transportation and trade between cities to supplying the early settlers with agricultural needs. Dickens centers the second half of his novel around the river, planning and preparing for Magwitch’s escape. The death of Magwitch is ultimately caused by the events on the Thames, suggesting at the theme that the marsh and other wet areas foreshadow unfavorable events.

"History and pictures of the River Thames." Travel website: Tour London England, Washington DC, San Francisco & Wine Tours, New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Diego, Yosemite NP, CA Central Coast. Web. 04 Jan. 2010. http://www.inetours.com/England/London/pages/River_Thames.html.

GE #9

“My rapid mind pursued him to the town, made a picture of the street with him in it, and contrasted its lights and life with the lonely marsh and the white vapour creeping over it, into which I should have dissolved” (405). The “lonely marsh” that is visited many times acts as a motif of insecurity and exposure. It is here that Pip encounters the convicts on two different occasions early in his childhood. Pip later returns to the marshes, only to be captured by Orlick. The marshes present an image of uncertainty to the reader, Dickens therefore foreshadowing upcoming events that may hinder Pip’s journey.

GE #8

“Why did you who read this, commit that not dissimilar inconsistency of your own, last year, last month, last week?” (361). Great Expectations is entirely narrated by the main character Pip--who often gives insight to (and becomes personal with) the reader. This creative style of writing has also been explored by Shelley in much of her novel Frankenstein, and by Bronte in Jane Eyre. These authors, including Dickens, are able to add new ideas to their novels, and give their readers more opportunities to connect the book to their own lives.

GE #7

“As the hours of the tide changed, I took towards London Bridge” (360). London Bridge is the most famous bridge in the world. It has had many various “London Bridges” in its spot over its 2000 years of existence. The many references Dickens makes to this bridge support the importance of it. It is a common London landmark. The author uses this to create a more “lifelike” impression of his novel--to make readers feel that his story could have actually happened.

The London Bridge Museum & Educational Trust. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.oldlondonbridge.com/history.shtml.

GE #6

“If she wounds you, love her. If she tears your heart to pieces--and as it gets older and stronger it will tear deeper--love her, love her!” (226). Dickens explores the theme of ambition. The major character who provides ambition for Pip is Miss Havisham--who is continuously telling Pip to love Estella, and asking him how beautiful Estella has grown. In this way Miss Havisham, whose only original motive was to get her revenge on men, provides a stepping stone for Pip--giving him desire for self-improvement. Dickens uses this ambition as a central theme throughout the novel, one that his audience can most likely relate to.

GE #5

“The two convicts were handcuffed together, and had irons on their legs--iron of a pattern that I knew well” (214). A literary device commonly used throughout Dickens’ novel is foreshadowing. Dickens uses definite levels of foreshadowing to give the reader further knowledge, and the ability to guess upcoming events. The reappearance of convicts to the novel once more adds the dimension of crime. The fact that Pip recognizes the pattern of the irons makes the reader remember the convicts in the beginning, and potentially foreshadowing the many events ahead that they are involved with.

GE #4

“Her face looked to me as if it were all disturbed by fiery air, like the faces I had seen rise out of the Witches’ cauldron” (201). Through Pip’s narrative, Dickens alludes to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Shakespeare’s works are reference a handful of times in the novel--the reader notices Dickens’ respect for the Bard. This passage assumes the events in Macbeth to be common knowledge, and that any reader would recognize and relate to this narrative. The themes in Macbeth, mainly crime and guilt, are also heavily explored in Great Expectations. In Macbeth, Macbeth and the Queen both commit crimes and experience the guilt afterwards. In Dickens’ novel the convicts, along with Mr. Jaggers, distinguish this theme.

"Macbeth: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article." AbsoluteAstronomy.com. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Macbeth.

GE #3

“Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts” (151). Pip is often confronted with moments of solemnity, of which Dickens stresses the importance of letting your true emotions shine through. Prosperity is not often reached if having to continuously conceal your honest feelings. Dickens’ use of metaphor explains how tears are as natural as rain, and cannot be avoided.

GE #2

“Those six days which were to have run out so slowly…and to-morrow looked me in the face more steadily than I could look at it” (150). This passage explores imagery as well as personification. Personification is often like a branch from imagery. It provides Pip’s feelings at this moment, giving the reader an image, thus being an example of imagery. The author gives a human trait to a nonliving figure, tomorrow, saying how it “looked” Pip in the face, thus being an example of personification. Dickens uses the two literary devices together to create a better sense of Pip’s moment.

GE #1

“I rather think they were displayed as articles of property--much as Cleopatra or any other sovereign lady on the Rampage might exhibit her wealth in a pageant or procession” (93). Pip compares his sister’s nature to carry these extra articles to that of women with authority boasting their wealth. Dickens references Cleopatra, one of the most predominant woman figures in history, comparing her to Pip’s sister. The author deliberately creates an impression of Pip’s sister who brought Pip up “by hand.” He relates her power over Pip to the power of Cleopatra.

"Egypt: Rulers, Kings and Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: Cleopatra VII & Ptolemy XIII." Egypt Travel, Tours, Vacations, Ancient Egypt from Tour Egypt. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.touregypt.net/cleopatr.htm.