Picture post

I Think that this picture represents the 2 stages so far in many ways. First, like a butterfly, Pip's life has changes drastically from when he was a boy. Even the way he gets around is different. Although the butterfly and Pip look a lot different on the outside, they are still the same person deep inside. This picture also shows how now Pip is not wanting to look back at his old life, and would rather look at the beautiful future in front of him and the things he now possesses. The Butterfly in on the pretty flower while the caterpillar in on the leaf. Im not positive but I think the caterpillar is even facing the same way as the butterfly, almost envying him. Yet the butterfly pays no attention to what he used to be. I have enjoyed reading past the 2nd stage to see how Pip's character develops further, and I am looking forward to what is to come to see if Pip stays a butterfly forever.

Connections between Aladin and Pip

In the second stage now that Pip has received his expectations, he has become quite accustomed to the wealthy life style. He is spending money very frivolously, and on many eccentric items such as elaborate furniture, or expensive suits. This way of living is much different from the beginning of the story when we meet Pip as a low class, apprentice to a Blacksmith. Recently in the story however, Pip has become unhappy and somewhat uncontent of what he has. It seems as if in life this is true a lot of the time, those who have the least are more content that those who have everything handed to them on a silver platter.

I have always been a huge fan of Disney movies.  Be it a story about princesses, talking animals, or crazy adventures I love them all! Thinking about Great Expectations I believe the message relates to the main character in the story Aladin. Aladin starts off in the beginning of the movie as a "street rat"scouring all over the city for food. A Genie comes along when the magic lamp is rubbed and grants his wishes. One of these is to become a prince to win the heart of the beautiful princess Jasmine. Although he impresses Jasmine with a huge parade (including many elephants!) Aladin is still unhappy and does not feel he has everything he could desire.

I think the Genie of Great expectations is representative of the the mystery donor, and Jasmine is somewhat like Estella. More than that however, I think this movie is similar to the book because both main characters, Aladin and Pip, when they become wealthy, will never be happy with what they have and always will be wanting more.

Second stage

This week began the second stage of the Importance of Being Earnest. Although this section has been very slow, there is a lot of character, and motif building that I think will help increase the plot later in the story. The biggest change in this stage is Pip's move to London. He is now staying with Herbert who he used to know as the pale young gentleman and is learning manners.  Pip is also receiving money from the unknown person. This leads to a big change in Pip, even from when he first entered London till now he has found many uses for his money that can be just given to him with a snap of the fingers. I think Pip is becoming a very annoying character now, and is much more boring to read about.

The move to London I think incorporates many motifs. The most significant being becoming a gentleman, and mystery. Pip's character is changing into a gentleman. This, what was a few years ago to him only fantasy, is now a full blown reality with all the added luxury that he could never dream of. Yet, this leads the reader to really ponder the mystery of "who is actually giving Pip these things?", and "when will they reveal themselves?" I am looking forward to having these questions answered, and for the plot to pick up a bit. :)

Pip!

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.


Pip is referring to the fact that he has changed his attitude about being an apprentice to Joe. He is realizing that he could be so much more than a blacksmith in town. This decision on this memorable day is the creation of the first link on a long chain of events that leads him to the character he will have later in life. The change in Pip evident when he has his transition of being a young child to now desiring to be a gentleman. This is seen when he was ashamed of Joe at Mrs. Havisham's house, "I am afraid I was ashamed of the dear fellow-I know I was ashamed of him..." These positive changes are decisions all people encounter at this age.


The day I believe that I changed for the better was the day this year when I decided to stand by friends that I thought were making good character decisions. As a teenager now a days there are many obstacles that can put you down a path that could end up being dangerous or harmful to yourself. By choosing not to be involved in the bad stuff and instead making choices that will benefit my later life I am leading to a long chain of good decisions down the road that all started with this first link of choosing a positive group of peers to be around.