Great Expectations; a Symbol for the First 2 Parts of the Book

     The mysteries, the confusion. All of the little parts that takes forever to read but has hidden meanings that results in ironic symbolism. The convicts, Pip's donor, confusing relationships and scary people. Compeyson (former convict) stalks Pip and Magwitch, taking court to a much greater extent. Yet while worrying about his life, Pip still feels haunted by his abusive sister's ghost (the lighter vs. darker people in the picture represent his disturbed soul). Poor puzzled Pip feels depressed and anxious as he loses his battle for Estella and realizes that leaving home was a big mistake.

Making Connections

Pictures at bottom

Great Expectations on left Jane Eyre on right

A novel similar to Great Expectations would be Jane Eyre. At first you might say "Whaat? But Pip's a boy and Jane is a girl, where's the connection? Helloooo?" But the plot and themes are very close and many chapters seem like a rewritten form of the other book. First of all, Jane an Pip are both orphans, both taken care of be the nearest relative(s) of age. Though Jane's aunt -Mrs. Reed- absolutely hates her; likewise Pip's sister (and guardian) is very irrational and abusive towards Pip. Jane eventually finds a friend and teacher that supports her and helps her learn in order to gain a future and maybe become a governess. Pip is given money from a mysterious donor so as to carry on and develop a career. Later in Jane's life she meets Mr. Rochester whom she loves and is ignored by. Mr. Rochester knowingly lets other women flirt with him to make her feel jealous and relationships get quite tangled for a while. Correspondingly, Pip is emotionally and psychotically abused by Estella. In the mist of all this confusion Jane gets a letter saying her abusive Aunt Reed is on her deathbed, and wants to see her again; Jane accepts this invitation and her aunt eventually dies. Pip gets a letter saying that his abusive sister has passed away and visits shortly to console his brother in law and (ex)best friend, -Joe-.

But besides these most obvious plot correlations, there are many thematic relationships. One may be Guilt. Guilt is found in many situations. The feelings of regret, anxiety, sadness, and fear all hold guilt within them. Both Pip and Jane grew up being told "you aren't good enough" and "why can't you be like someone else". Being innocent and young, their human conscience couldn't help but feel at least a little guilty for being a baron to others. It wouldn't be a good feeling to be told constantly that you make other's lives harder without intending to. Deception and Mystery are both reocurring themes. Pip and Jane are both decieved by false love through their "lovers". Additionally, many mysteries (involving the convicts and unidentified donors) are in Great Expectations, and (attempted murder and relationship confusions) in Jane Eyre. Both stories reflect morals of human nature concerning respect, and listening to that inner voice -versus the abuser's.

Chains of Great Expectations

      Pip is talking about actually realizing when something that's done is life changing. Being able to think about what you recently went through and say "Wow, if this didn't take place would I still understand things the way that I do now?" Going to Miss Havisham's house has got to be a life changing experience for Pip. Even the house itself contrasts Pip's past life experiences. All the benefits of the work Pip does is given to his greedy sister.  He doesn't have a chance to grow or learn or even feel appreciated. In visiting Miss Havisham, Pip discovers what it's like to be forced to grow. Even the garden there is rotten because it hasn't been cut back. Pip knows he is mistreated, but now he also gets to see the other end at it's extremes. Eventually I hope Pip finds that these two approaches need to be balanced though i don't believe he's come to that yet. It might be just me, but I think that after his experience at Miss Havisham's, Pip is more open and curious to what others think and do. Though his change in character of innocence is slight. Pip is still feeling guilty when other people are hurt, but mainly now when he's slightly involved. For example, in chapter sixteen, pg 121 "It was horrible to think that I had provided the weapon... I suffered unspeakable trouble while I considered and reconsidered whether I should at last dissolve that spell of my childhood and tell Joe all the story." Pip is more thoughtful and though his conscience is troubled, it is for good reason.
      "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." In fourth grade I chose to play the viola. Before then I had no clue what I was interested in, and therefore hadn't chosen a career path. Looking back, if I hadn't taken that simple step, I wouldn't know who or what I wanted to be to this day. I find myself more and more interested in music, if it weren't for a simple decision in my premature mind, I wouldn't have been close friends to the members in the string quartet(we formed). Because of the hobby that turned into an obseesion I met some really amazing people and found my passion. It's almost scary -the consequences of reactions- and it makes me think more about them.