Say Anything-This video clip was chosen because it shows the struggle that the girl, Diane, has with her guy Lloyd, because of her love of him. This is seen in Great Expectations by Pip’s struggle with how much he wants Estella. He has always held her in his heart, as he mentions on page 598. While the genders are swapped between Great Expectations and Say Anything, they still both show the struggle they face to achieve the other showing compassion towards them. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire- This video clip is a representation of the scene in which Orlick restrains and attacks Pip. This is evident in the clip because Harry Potter is held back by the arms of a statue, not allowing him to defend himself from the oncoming pain. Another event that occurs in both is the main character getting hurt. In Great Expectations, his burnt arm is painfully tied down at his side, where it could not move to after it got burnt without causing serious pain. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Peter Pettigrew slashes his wrist and draws a lot of blood, which also causes tremendous pain. Backdraft- This clip is a modern-day representation of a man’s last words. In Backdraft, Stephen is severely wounded and dies, but not before mentioning that his friend is his brother. This is similar to Great Expectations, as Magwitch became severely wounded after his fight underwater with Compeyson and dies as well. Before he dies, he tells Pip that he loved him, as if he were his son. The brotherly love also connects both the film and the book together. The China Post: Chinese Lady Sentenced in Failed Murder- This article was chosen to teach our classmates because it shows them that attempted murder happens often. This is a modern-day example of someone who hates another so much that they tried to end another’s life. Unfortunately, this article represents the fact that there are still murderers out there. This article by the China Post is very similar to Great Expectations because they were both attempted murders and because they were both caught and punished for their actions. The Guardian- Brazil considers helping Portugal ease debt crisis- This article depicts a relationship much the same as the one between Pip and Herbert. It talks of Brazil considering helping Portugal’s debt, which is what Pip did for Herbert. When his friend was largely in debt, Pip helped him out of it. Graeme Wearden of The Guardian reported that Brazil “enjoy[s] close political and economic ties” with Portugal, which we believe translates the same as a good relationship between two people.
This Animoto picture montage showcases the major events of our reading passage. To view this video, please Click Here.
The first photo was used to symbolize the scene in which Pip went to Jaggers, first to get money to pay off Herbert’s death and second, to learn about how Miss Havisham came about being a foster parent to Estella. This series of events can be found on pages 505 through 513. The next photo is of a threatening note, one that relates to the note that Orlick sent to Pip about “Provis.” This photo also represents the note to Pip from Wemmick to make his escape. These two events are on pages 515 and 517, respectively. The third photograph depicts the marshes that Pip had to transverse in order to meet the author of a threatening note that he received. He crossed through the marshes on pages 521 and 522. Next is a drawing of Pip with a noose around his neck. This was performed by Orlick as his opening attack on Pip, on Page 523.He was lit by nothing but candle light, hence the dark graphite used. Then, we chose a picture that depicts Orlick’s attack on Pip. Pip is restrained, tied down, while Orlick raves maniacally on pages 524 to 530. Our next picture was of a boat residing between reeds. Pip, Herbert, Startop, and Magwitch all try to escape in a boat that Pip had bought long before, so as to not be as conspicuous. On page 537, this escape attempt occurred. After this, we chose a picture that depicts bright blue overhead, as if they are swimming deep underwater. This occurs within our passage on page 549, where Magwitch jumps in the water with Compeyson and eventually drowns him. Next comes a drawing of Magwitch being pulled out of the water and arrested immediately, which happens on page 549. They arrested Magwitch because they knew that he was a convict that had returned to England, which is expressly forbidden and meant death to whoever that did so. After this, Magwitch is sent straight to a hearing, as it was thought that he would die if it was put off any. He was sentenced to death on page 565, yet placed in the infirmary because he was so ill. After Magwitch’s police court hearing but before his death sentence, Pip meets up with Wemmick and goes with him on a walk. Wemmick hides his reasoning for wanting Pip to join him, but his reasons are revealed on page 559. He wants Pip to act as a best man for the small wedding between Miss Skiffins and Wemmick, which he does. After this joyous occasion, Pip returns to Magwitch at the jail, which he reportedly has done every day since Magwitch’s imprisonment (Page 567) and as Magwitch dies, he tells him that Magwitch’s daughter survived, and that Pip loved her, making the dying man happy again. Pip then lost the rest of his money, because it was the criminal’s and was taken away. After the stressful days before and after Magwitch’s death and the little sleep that he got, he fell ill. He was visited by men who took him away from his house to debtor’s jail on page 570, for a fine he could not pay. Joe returns to Pip, nurses him back to life, and pays off his debt. Next, Pip wanted to return to his home, with additional plans to marry Biddy. When he arrived, he learned that it was Joe and Biddy’s wedding day, and instead congratulated them. Even though his plan was taken away, he was still happy; this was a definite show of change within Pip’s character. He was invited in, and welcomed back by the loving couple on page 590. Eleven years later, Pip walked up to what remained of Ms. Havisham’s lot. It was torn down and in pieces. As he was looking through the ruins, he found Estella, whose husband Drummle was dead. They conversed and eventually left together, while Pip believed he would never part from her again on page 598. The final picture shows the overgrown areas covering Ms. Havisham’s land. When Pip had returned to Satis house, there was only overgrown vegetation, as seen on page 597.
Our Glog brings together the two main themes of our section:
Friendship and love are more important than social position and wealth.
Being a real gentleman is not about the power you hold but the compassion that you possess.
The background is covered in footprints, symbolizing Pip’s journey home. He returns to his roots when he learns he stepped away from loved ones too far, and must return to them. The themes also represent the life lessons that Pip learned, with their greatest example both being found in Joe. To view our Glog, please Click Here. “Love vs Money” by xorsyst was used to depict this theme because it shows a heart with the mathematical “greater than” sign pointing towards it and then a dollar sign. This shows that loves matters more than money and therefore, love is more important. The image “Walking Couple” portrays a teen showing friendship towards another teen by hugging her. This shows that love and friendship is the most valuable thing he can give her, not money. “Shadows” shows the gentle kindness of a couple towards each other. Their affection for each other makes it possible for them to feel compassionate about the other. If there was not kindness portrayed, then they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the other’s company. These feelings make a person rich, not material or physical things. “Friends” portrays a group of people enjoying each other’s company. They are able to share in each other’s presence because they are kind and care for the rest of their group. They are not together because they are rich; they’re together because they’re friends. 1st Quote: This quote was picked because it shows Pip’s change of heart. Before, he had been repulsed by Magwitch and the thought that he was using his money, but then he grew to love Magwitch and care for him. 2nd Quote: This quote is when Pip and Estella reunite at the ending of the story. Even though Pip had lost the wealth he carried because of Magwitch and Estella had lost her husband, adoptive mother, and old home, they were both still able to be together and enjoy each other’s presence. Love was present even when riches were not. 3rd Quote: This quote shows how Pip changed into a true gentleman. Magwitch, the speaker, expresses his love for Pip, as if Pip were his son. The compassion shared between the two rose them from their low life. Pip became a real gentleman, and Magwitch, in the aspects surrounding his affection’s toward Pip, was no longer a criminal. 4th Quote: This quote depicts the love Joe feels for Pip. His love for Pip makes him more of a gentleman than if he had all of the power in the world, because being a gentleman must come from the heart.
Pages 504 to 598 can also be interpreted through music. Songs are chosen according to the mood and tone of the passage. Part Three of Great Expectations is highly focused on redemption, as is easily visible within our song choices. Click Here to Listen to the Music
The “Billboard #1” song in our playlist that represents our close read is I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing by Aerosmith. This is so because it truly reflects the pain Pip deals with in the passing of Magwitch and the epiphany that he receives. Pip realizes that Magwitch is no longer a harmful criminal in his mind, but actually a beloved friend. Thus, he doesn’t want to miss any last moment with Magwitch before his death; one that he feels responsible for. Vindicated by Dashboard Confessional was chosen because it expresses the joy of a weight being lifted off a person’s shoulder, and one can feel the struggle they have between good and evil, or right and wrong. They melody is joyous, as are the feelings in the beginning of our passage. How To Save a Life by The Fray is the second song on the playlist as it showcases the feelings Pip has concerning Magwitch’s near death, the mood being dreary and the tone regretful to their companion. Next, Aerosmith’s I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing was chosen. The melody is a sad tune, the mood, one of misery, as Pip feels miserable about the small amount of time that he has left with Magwitch. Intended as a love song, it carries true to losing a beloved friend. The next selection is Bring Me To Life by Evanescence. The mood is very self-rebellious, fighting with the singer, forcing her to choose. Those mixed emotions carry the same truth in Great Expectations. Fighting your thoughts, trying to find the truth, and getting free are the same topics in both. “I’ve been living a lie,” she sings. Redemption by Gackt is our next song. Although sung in Japanese, it translates the same emotions as one that was sung in English. The pain still gets across, the anger from death apparent in the lyrics once translated into English. They want to avenge their subject, making them proud once again, as Pip feels the need to show himself as a true gentleman. This feeling is strong enough to cross languages, from Victorian English to Japanese. Relient K sings Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been. The lyrics to this song showcase the path to redemption along with the want and need to fulfill this desire. This desire in visible in Pip: paying back Herbert’s debts, visiting Magwitch every day until his death, and reconnecting with Joe and Biddy. Sugar Kane by Sonic Youth was the last song of our playlist. It was picked because the lyrics spoke Pip’s thoughts to Estella in a modern voice. They speak of ‘her perfect way’ when that is how Pip sees Estella- a perfect lady. This song is his request to reacquaint with Estella. The mood communicates love, and the tone imposed that he was full of adoration, which Pip indeed was.
Magwitch’s death scene was chosen as our close read passage because it serves as a turning point in Pip’s developing maturity. While caring for Magwitch, Pip learns to love a human being for who they are; it has nothing to do with social class. It is seen that his previous selfishness has been removed, to show a caring person who can look past position and focus on the other’s beliefs instead. Pip is redeeming himself by visiting Magwitch every day in the infirmary, because he felt that he had already deserted him in the past.
Characterization: Characterize Pip’s relationship with Estella from the beginning of the book to the end.
Setting: Compare the setting of the scene of Magwitch’s death with the feelings surrounding Pip.
Tone: Assess the differences that Dickens makes in word choice when describing the various characters in Great Expectations.
Structure: Imagine the difficulty of the structure which Dickens wrote with. Imagine how you would have organized the information that Pip learned about the adoption of Estella from Mr. Jaggers’ maid and about the revelation that Magwitch had changed from a convict to a beloved friend.
Author’s Purpose: Assess Dickens’s purpose in writing the final scene of Great Expectations as he did.
Modern-day Representations Using Videos and Articles
SuggestionsSay Anything-This video clip was chosen because it shows the struggle that the girl, Diane, has with her guy Lloyd, because of her love of him. This is seen in Great Expectations by Pip’s struggle with how much he wants Estella. He has always held her in his heart, as he mentions on page 598. While the genders are swapped between Great Expectations and Say Anything, they still both show the struggle they face to achieve the other showing compassion towards them.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire- This video clip is a representation of the scene in which Orlick restrains and attacks Pip. This is evident in the clip because Harry Potter is held back by the arms of a statue, not allowing him to defend himself from the oncoming pain. Another event that occurs in both is the main character getting hurt. In Great Expectations, his burnt arm is painfully tied down at his side, where it could not move to after it got burnt without causing serious pain. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Peter Pettigrew slashes his wrist and draws a lot of blood, which also causes tremendous pain.
Backdraft- This clip is a modern-day representation of a man’s last words. In Backdraft, Stephen is severely wounded and dies, but not before mentioning that his friend is his brother. This is similar to Great Expectations, as Magwitch became severely wounded after his fight underwater with Compeyson and dies as well. Before he dies, he tells Pip that he loved him, as if he were his son. The brotherly love also connects both the film and the book together.
The China Post: Chinese Lady Sentenced in Failed Murder- This article was chosen to teach our classmates because it shows them that attempted murder happens often. This is a modern-day example of someone who hates another so much that they tried to end another’s life. Unfortunately, this article represents the fact that there are still murderers out there. This article by the China Post is very similar to Great Expectations because they were both attempted murders and because they were both caught and punished for their actions.
The Guardian- Brazil considers helping Portugal ease debt crisis- This article depicts a relationship much the same as the one between Pip and Herbert. It talks of Brazil considering helping Portugal’s debt, which is what Pip did for Herbert. When his friend was largely in debt, Pip helped him out of it. Graeme Wearden of The Guardian reported that Brazil “enjoy[s] close political and economic ties” with Portugal, which we believe translates the same as a good relationship between two people.
Picture The Plot: An Animoto Montage
This Animoto picture montage showcases the major events of our reading passage. To view this video, please Click Here.
The first photo was used to symbolize the scene in which Pip went to Jaggers, first to get money to pay off Herbert’s death and second, to learn about how Miss Havisham came about being a foster parent to Estella. This series of events can be found on pages 505 through 513.
The next photo is of a threatening note, one that relates to the note that Orlick sent to Pip about “Provis.” This photo also represents the note to Pip from Wemmick to make his escape. These two events are on pages 515 and 517, respectively.
The third photograph depicts the marshes that Pip had to transverse in order to meet the author of a threatening note that he received. He crossed through the marshes on pages 521 and 522.
Next is a drawing of Pip with a noose around his neck. This was performed by Orlick as his opening attack on Pip, on Page 523.He was lit by nothing but candle light, hence the dark graphite used.
Then, we chose a picture that depicts Orlick’s attack on Pip. Pip is restrained, tied down, while Orlick raves maniacally on pages 524 to 530.
Our next picture was of a boat residing between reeds. Pip, Herbert, Startop, and Magwitch all try to escape in a boat that Pip had bought long before, so as to not be as conspicuous. On page 537, this escape attempt occurred.
After this, we chose a picture that depicts bright blue overhead, as if they are swimming deep underwater. This occurs within our passage on page 549, where Magwitch jumps in the water with Compeyson and eventually drowns him.
Next comes a drawing of Magwitch being pulled out of the water and arrested immediately, which happens on page 549. They arrested Magwitch because they knew that he was a convict that had returned to England, which is expressly forbidden and meant death to whoever that did so.
After this, Magwitch is sent straight to a hearing, as it was thought that he would die if it was put off any. He was sentenced to death on page 565, yet placed in the infirmary because he was so ill.
After Magwitch’s police court hearing but before his death sentence, Pip meets up with Wemmick and goes with him on a walk. Wemmick hides his reasoning for wanting Pip to join him, but his reasons are revealed on page 559. He wants Pip to act as a best man for the small wedding between Miss Skiffins and Wemmick, which he does.
After this joyous occasion, Pip returns to Magwitch at the jail, which he reportedly has done every day since Magwitch’s imprisonment (Page 567) and as Magwitch dies, he tells him that Magwitch’s daughter survived, and that Pip loved her, making the dying man happy again.
Pip then lost the rest of his money, because it was the criminal’s and was taken away. After the stressful days before and after Magwitch’s death and the little sleep that he got, he fell ill. He was visited by men who took him away from his house to debtor’s jail on page 570, for a fine he could not pay. Joe returns to Pip, nurses him back to life, and pays off his debt.
Next, Pip wanted to return to his home, with additional plans to marry Biddy. When he arrived, he learned that it was Joe and Biddy’s wedding day, and instead congratulated them. Even though his plan was taken away, he was still happy; this was a definite show of change within Pip’s character. He was invited in, and welcomed back by the loving couple on page 590.
Eleven years later, Pip walked up to what remained of Ms. Havisham’s lot. It was torn down and in pieces. As he was looking through the ruins, he found Estella, whose husband Drummle was dead. They conversed and eventually left together, while Pip believed he would never part from her again on page 598.
The final picture shows the overgrown areas covering Ms. Havisham’s land. When Pip had returned to Satis house, there was only overgrown vegetation, as seen on page 597.
Illustrating The Themes (Glogster)
Our Glog brings together the two main themes of our section:
- Friendship and love are more important than social position and wealth.
- Being a real gentleman is not about the power you hold but the compassion that you possess.
The background is covered in footprints, symbolizing Pip’s journey home. He returns to his roots when he learns he stepped away from loved ones too far, and must return to them. The themes also represent the life lessons that Pip learned, with their greatest example both being found in Joe.To view our Glog, please Click Here.
“Love vs Money” by xorsyst was used to depict this theme because it shows a heart with the mathematical “greater than” sign pointing towards it and then a dollar sign. This shows that loves matters more than money and therefore, love is more important.
The image “Walking Couple” portrays a teen showing friendship towards another teen by hugging her. This shows that love and friendship is the most valuable thing he can give her, not money.
“Shadows” shows the gentle kindness of a couple towards each other. Their affection for each other makes it possible for them to feel compassionate about the other. If there was not kindness portrayed, then they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the other’s company. These feelings make a person rich, not material or physical things.
“Friends” portrays a group of people enjoying each other’s company. They are able to share in each other’s presence because they are kind and care for the rest of their group. They are not together because they are rich; they’re together because they’re friends.
1st Quote: This quote was picked because it shows Pip’s change of heart. Before, he had been repulsed by Magwitch and the thought that he was using his money, but then he grew to love Magwitch and care for him.
2nd Quote: This quote is when Pip and Estella reunite at the ending of the story. Even though Pip had lost the wealth he carried because of Magwitch and Estella had lost her husband, adoptive mother, and old home, they were both still able to be together and enjoy each other’s presence. Love was present even when riches were not.
3rd Quote: This quote shows how Pip changed into a true gentleman. Magwitch, the speaker, expresses his love for Pip, as if Pip were his son. The compassion shared between the two rose them from their low life. Pip became a real gentleman, and Magwitch, in the aspects surrounding his affection’s toward Pip, was no longer a criminal.
4th Quote: This quote depicts the love Joe feels for Pip. His love for Pip makes him more of a gentleman than if he had all of the power in the world, because being a gentleman must come from the heart.
A Story Through Music (Playlist)
Pages 504 to 598 can also be interpreted through music. Songs are chosen according to the mood and tone of the passage. Part Three of Great Expectations is highly focused on redemption, as is easily visible within our song choices.
Click Here to Listen to the Music
The “Billboard #1” song in our playlist that represents our close read is I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing by Aerosmith. This is so because it truly reflects the pain Pip deals with in the passing of Magwitch and the epiphany that he receives. Pip realizes that Magwitch is no longer a harmful criminal in his mind, but actually a beloved friend. Thus, he doesn’t want to miss any last moment with Magwitch before his death; one that he feels responsible for.
Vindicated by Dashboard Confessional was chosen because it expresses the joy of a weight being lifted off a person’s shoulder, and one can feel the struggle they have between good and evil, or right and wrong. They melody is joyous, as are the feelings in the beginning of our passage.
How To Save a Life by The Fray is the second song on the playlist as it showcases the feelings Pip has concerning Magwitch’s near death, the mood being dreary and the tone regretful to their companion.
Next, Aerosmith’s I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing was chosen. The melody is a sad tune, the mood, one of misery, as Pip feels miserable about the small amount of time that he has left with Magwitch. Intended as a love song, it carries true to losing a beloved friend.
The next selection is Bring Me To Life by Evanescence. The mood is very self-rebellious, fighting with the singer, forcing her to choose. Those mixed emotions carry the same truth in Great Expectations. Fighting your thoughts, trying to find the truth, and getting free are the same topics in both. “I’ve been living a lie,” she sings.
Redemption by Gackt is our next song. Although sung in Japanese, it translates the same emotions as one that was sung in English. The pain still gets across, the anger from death apparent in the lyrics once translated into English. They want to avenge their subject, making them proud once again, as Pip feels the need to show himself as a true gentleman. This feeling is strong enough to cross languages, from Victorian English to Japanese.
Relient K sings Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been. The lyrics to this song showcase the path to redemption along with the want and need to fulfill this desire. This desire in visible in Pip: paying back Herbert’s debts, visiting Magwitch every day until his death, and reconnecting with Joe and Biddy.
Sugar Kane by Sonic Youth was the last song of our playlist. It was picked because the lyrics spoke Pip’s thoughts to Estella in a modern voice. They speak of ‘her perfect way’ when that is how Pip sees Estella- a perfect lady. This song is his request to reacquaint with Estella. The mood communicates love, and the tone imposed that he was full of adoration, which Pip indeed was.
The Rationale Behind Our Close Read
Magwitch’s death scene was chosen as our close read passage because it serves as a turning point in Pip’s developing maturity. While caring for Magwitch, Pip learns to love a human being for who they are; it has nothing to do with social class. It is seen that his previous selfishness has been removed, to show a caring person who can look past position and focus on the other’s beliefs instead. Pip is redeeming himself by visiting Magwitch every day in the infirmary, because he felt that he had already deserted him in the past.
Essential Questions to Consider
Characterization: Characterize Pip’s relationship with Estella from the beginning of the book to the end.
Setting: Compare the setting of the scene of Magwitch’s death with the feelings surrounding Pip.
Tone: Assess the differences that Dickens makes in word choice when describing the various characters in Great Expectations.
Structure: Imagine the difficulty of the structure which Dickens wrote with. Imagine how you would have organized the information that Pip learned about the adoption of Estella from Mr. Jaggers’ maid and about the revelation that Magwitch had changed from a convict to a beloved friend.
Author’s Purpose: Assess Dickens’s purpose in writing the final scene of Great Expectations as he did.
A Tale of Two Cities
Characterizations