Discussion Notes: Great Expectations (Ch 1-15)

We started by discussing how we each liked the novel so far. I personally like the novel so far. I can relate to the main character Pip which makes this novel a bit more enjoyable. Most of us seemed to agree that it was a little difficult to read but manageable. We then began discussing the literary techniques we found in the text. Some of them were:
-Theme: It is evident already that social class is going to be a major theme. Pip is ashamed of being common and  
            to become a "gentleman."
-Symbolism

• The stopped clocks in Miss Havisham's home symbolize her unwillingness to let go of her past. 

-Tone
-Mood
-Point of View

• The novel is told from Pips point of view. Pip tells the reader what he is feeling when something is happening. For example, he states being ashamed of being common.

-Diction

• The novel is written in what I call "old English." The wording is not typical everyday English.

-Syntax

• There are a lot of descriptions, so there are a lot of complex and long sentences. Sometimes, making it difficult to understand.

-Imagery

• Alongside syntax, there is heavy description and detail. For example, the opening scene of the book. There is a detailed description of what the graveyard looks like. 

-Allusion

• " Hamlet (pg 20). It refers to the ghost in Hamlet. It creates for a gloomy setting.

-direct characterization

• "She was not a good looking woman, my sister; and I had a general impression that she must have made Joe Gargery marry her by hand. "

                 - This shows Miss Joe is an intimidating, scary person. 

• "He was a fair man, with eyes of such a very undecided blue that may have somehow got mixed with their own whites."

                - Unlike his wife, Joe is a more calm, relaxed man.

-indirect characterization

• "And then I entered on a fearful catalogue of all the illnesses I had been guilty of, and all the times she had wished me in my grave, and I had contumaciously refused to go there..."

          - This shows Pip has a strong conscience and is aware when he's done something  wrong

Our group assigned two literary techniques to each person. I did indirect and direct characterization.


I feel like I can relate to Pip in the novel. Pip is looking to make a better life for himself. I am looking to make a good future for myself through my education by attending a university. Pip was looking to better himself through Miss Havisham.