Photo Relation

This picture represents the unfavorible change in Pip's character over the course of the reading up to this point. In the beginning, he was a quite likeable character, but from the point he meets Estella he starts riding the "wave" into the very superficial, unlikeable character he is now. Being dubbed a gentleman has done nothing to Pip except create this man with nothing better to do than ponder the things he's not content with. Pip is miserable, and I think that this change in him will ultimately "defeat" him. Pip got so caught up in this change, that he forgot the important things in life; these things aren't buying clothes, or having drunken debates with other gentlemen; they are talking with Joe in the Jolly Bargemen, or walking with Biddy, or teaching Joe to read and write...etc. The convict Magwitch didn't make Pip a jerk, he attempted at making him a gentleman, however it seems that Dickens is trying to show that, in this time period, the two terms were synonymous. Changes can be great, or very poor; it all depends on how those affected rise to the occasion. Pip decides to take the unfavorable route.

Making Connections

     In Great Expectations Pip is trying to find a life that suites him. He is never quite content, and always seems to have something to complain about. I think a big theme that Dickens was trying to show is that simple is not necessarily bad. Pip ventures to London, only to be dissapointed. I think it is shown that in a much simpler life, there is more stability and consistency. On the other hand, in the fast life of an aristocratic person, there are many surprises and more freedoms. These things make someone more irresponsible, as is shown by Pip's and Herbert's booming amount of debt. Another theme I find in this book is finding yourself, and staying true to that person you know you are.

    In my favorite movie, Lost in Translation, the main character is stuck in an awful marriage, and basically living a life he doesn't like. For his job he travels to Japan, and instantly falls in love with the more simplistic way of life. He likes how they aren't so materialistic, and how they are so kind. He goes on many excursions throughout the city, and wishes for a life in Japan. For him, going from a hectic career to this warm-welcoming place, he found himself. He found that this simpler way of life was far more enjoyable and relaxing than the stressful industry of acting. Although I'm not sure how Pip's story ends, my prediction is that in the end he will come the realization that his life was far better than this hectic, stress written life he's been leading since he became involved with Estella. I think that eventually, Pip will become fed up with always trying to prove himself to others, for that completely masks a person's true personality. Another similarity, based on my prediction, is that both characters have to leave their life and go someplace very different to find themselves.

Second Stage

In the beginning of Stage Two, Pip arrives in London ready for his great expectations. Although somewhat disappointed with the superficial appearance of London, he seems to enjoy the company of Herbert Pocket; a character whom Pip finds out is the pale young gentleman from Miss Havisham's. Herbert Pocket tells Pip the story of Miss Havisham, and how she was cheated. I believe this background information of her is quite important. Pip also meets Mr. Wemmick, who works at Mr. Jaggers' office. These two characters seem to be contrasting-while Mr. Jaggers is very forward and somewhat socially akward, Mr. Wemmick is extravagant and dramatic, which is decipherable from his "castle" house and his nightly routines. Another impotant character is Mr. Pocket, who educates Pip and two other folks by the names of Drummle and Startop. Pip developes an expensive taste as well.

All of these characters mentioned above relate to the motif of becoming a gentleman, whether it's teaching Pip something, providing money, or offering dinner and company. The motif of mystery is also prevalent, for you find out why Miss Havisham's clocks were all stopped at 8:40. Miss Havisham was engaged to a man who only wanted the brewery for money, but she was truly in love with him. Also, the mystery of who the pale young gentleman is is resolved in Stage Two. Pip greatly "matures" in the beginning of this stage. He starts spending great amounts of money, and becomes very conceited. This started during the first stage when he acted condescending towards Biddy and Joe, but afterwards he felt bad. He has definitely changed, in my opinion for the worse.

Pip Quotation

   In this quotation, Pip is showing that at this point in his childhood, he changed his outlook on the kind-hearted fool Joe. Up until this point, Pip looks up to Joe, yet when Estella condescendingly comments on Pip's coarse hands and thick boots Pip realizes that there is a better life held within the upper class. This thought becomes that which makes him think of Joe in a different light. It's not that Pip doesn't like Joe anymore, it's just that he now feels somewhat indifferent towards him. Developing from his original ideals of Joe, he now feels disappointed of Joe and who he is; and he wants to aviod becoming similar to Joe. I believe generally readers feel that this change in Pip is a negative one. I think it is inevitable to enjoy the character Joe, so as a reader I certainly didn't like this change in Pip. This quote is a certain turning point for Pip, he has grown to want more for himself, he wants to become one of the aristocrats. This is the first link in the chain, the day he realizes this other life he strives for.

   As a kid I always loved art projects, whether it was drawing, painting, pastels, etc. I spent the next eight years trying to get really good at drawing. I got know my uncle (whose an artist) and he helped me a lot. I ended up joining an online art sharing website, where you could explore all sorts of different types of art. One branch that I really became interested in was photography. I talked to my other uncle (a great photographer) as often as I saw him about photography, different cameras, etc. The idea of being able to capture things that intrigued my eyes really latched on to me. When I learn something new, I always like learning the "traditional" method first, and when it came to my mind I had no doubt that I would choose film over digital. So I guess I could look back and say that the first link to this was the day I held a pencil. Or, on a much more broad spectrum, when I was born.