Great Expectations: The First Stage

"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 the quote Pip is referring to his first visit at Miss Havisham's. During his visit Estella says,"With this boy! Why, he is a common labouring-boy!"(60) and follows up later with, "He calls the knaves, Jacks, this boy!....and what coarse hands he has. And what thick boots!"(60) Once Estella says these things, Pip begins to change. He feels ashamed and embarrassed because he doesn't want to be low class and have people react/treat him how Estella had; he doesn't want people to patronize him. After this day Pip was more aware of social standings and how his actions affected that. He constantly worried of people, especially Miss Havisham and Estella, finding out of his "unclassy" behavior and messy job.

A day that began my "chain" was during the summer. Someone close to me, who cannot be named, was taken to the hospital after hurting herself from being unhappy. Once I heard what had happened it definately changed my outlook on life and the way I live. She let stress and unhappiness overpower her and she gave into it. After that day I decided that I never wanted to be in that situation so I changed. I began to think happier and try to not give into stress by doing things that would keep me happy and looking forward. I wasn't going to concentrate on my mistakes anymore; I didn't want to endure that much pain like she had. I also had to step up and become mature so I could watch over her and make sure she stayed balanced, emotionally, and not repeat what had happened.