Extra Credit Blog: English Reflection

If I were to go back in time and watch myself in Honors English this year I think I would be blown away. When I chose this class I knew that it would be a challenge, but I never would have imagined just how much effort I've had to put into it. It isn't just about reading a book and taking a huge test on it. There are many hidden meanings throughout a story. It's like finding buried treasure: sometimes you find the gold(in this case understanding it and having that "ah hah!" moment) or sometimes you come to find nothing. Ah and the ongoing topic of motif. That was a hard concept to grasp but now picking up on a motif almost comes naturally; in fact, one of my close friends actually finds motifs while we're watching a movie. It'll be completely silent and all of a sudden I'll hear, "That could be a motif!" Also, acting is a big part of English this year from Great Expectation skits to reading The Importance of Being Earnest aloud in class. Reflecting back I realize that yes, English isn't my favorite subject in the entire universe, but it's never the same. It has also taught me many MANY things from something as simple as grammar to something that seems as pointless as diagramming sentences. English has definately brought out the motivation within me.

Skit Prep

One part that I think should be a skit is when Pip first meets the convict when he is a small boy. He's frightened by the convict and helps him out by giving him food and a file. The file is a big motif throughout the book and the whole event is the basis of Pip's ongoing feelings of guilt. The scene also introduces a very important character; although we don't know that he's important during that scene.

Another good scene to act out would be when Pip goes to see Miss Havisham and Estella at the Satis House for the first time. Estella constantly reminds Pip of his common boy traits and it makes Pip very self conscious. Pip's first visiting is the start of his "chain." Without that start he wouldn't have wanted to become a gentleman so badly. He might've treated people with more respect. The skit would show the basis of Pip's feelings throughout the story and his relationship to Estella and Miss Havisham.

The last scene that I suggest is when Pip goes to Wemmick's house for the first time. At his house Wemmick's is cheerful and lighthearted; the complete opposite from at work. Wemmick's at work and at home is a big contrast and really shows his and Pip's relationship. Wemmick's is one of the few people who Pip trusts with everything. Also the Aged Parent shows his caring side!

More Questions About Great Expectations

In chapter 42 Abel Magwitch is telling Pip and Herbert the events of his life. Well while he is concluding discussing Arthur and Compeyson Herbert is writing in a book cover. Within the book cover he is writing a message to Pip that says, "Young Havisham's name was Arthur. Compeyson is the man who professed to be Miss Havisham's lover."(352) So Compeyson is the man who broke Miss Havisham's heart and part of the reason why she is bitter and wants revenge. The thing I don't under stand is the young Havisham Arthur. Yes, he worked with/for Compeyson but since he's a young Havisham is he related to Miss Havisham? Or is it just a coincidence?

Great Expectations: A Question About a Passage

Before I ask whoever is reading this my question I'm going to inform you that the pages in my book do not match up with the ones in the books that most people have. The page I cite will be around the actual correct page though!


When Estella arrives in London her and Pip go to a little room for tea. While in the room Estella's mood turns dark as the topic of Miss Havisham and her aquintances comes up and she says,"It is not easy for even you," said Estella, "to know what satisfaction it gives me to see those people thwarted, or what an enjoyable sense of the ridiculous I have when they are made ridiculous. For you were not brought up in that strange house from a mere baby.-I was. You had not your little wits sharpened by their intriguing against you, suppressed and defenceless, under the mask of sympathy and pity and what not that is soft and soothing.-I had."(267 ch. 33) I understand that Estella has negative feelings towards Miss Havisham's relations. I understand that Estella has negatives feelings for Miss Havisham's aquantences and that they show sympathy and pity for her but since it's a "mask of sympathy and pity" they're covering their true feelings towards Estella. So my question is what are their actual feelings regarding Estella?

Great Expectations: Photo

The picture I chose was of a baby bird leaving its nest for the first time in its life. Think of the itty bitty bird as Pip. The bird must leave its home in order to learn more about the world around it and grow up. Pip must also leave his family and village in order to become a gentleman. He has no idea what lies ahead in his journey, just as a baby bird is oblivious to the ways of the world. As both their knowledges increase they will grow and begin to thrive in various ways. For Pip his growth will lead to him becoming a gentleman and having "great expectations."

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.

The Importance of Being Earnest Group Essay

Group Essay Thesis: In the play The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde uses dialogue to represent the individual styles of each relationship in order to convey the stereotypical relationships in the Victorian Era.

In my paragraph my main topic is Algernon and Cecily's relationship and how it is exaggerated and semi-fake. My first point is how Cecily fell in love with Algernon("Ernest") from hearing about him. In order to love someone you need to meet the person so you can get to know the real person. Plus by hearing about the person you may be told lies in order to make the person seem better and more suitable.

My second point is how Algernon Falls in love with Cecily mainly for her beauty and appearance. Beauty was important in the Victorian Era since a woman who isn't appealing to a man wouldn't be married off quite as easily as a woman who is very pretty. Also beauty can shield one's personality from people and by being "blind" a person might overlook and be oblivious to unpleasant personality traits.

My third and final point in my paragraph is how people, mainly women in this case, make up or fantasize of a relationship to make themselves feel wanted and needed. Like Cecily, women that live in the country don't have many eligible men to meet and flirt with, so they think of their ideal relationship. If they dream and imagine too much they may eventually convince themselves that their ideal made up relationship is reality.