1984 - 16

• "Winston kept his back turned to the telescreen. It was safer; though, as he well knew, even a back can be revealing." (p. 3)

Citizens of Oceania are not only mentally controlled, but physically controlled as well. Winston realizes that the monitoring process is so tedious, that he needs to train assumed 'safe' features such as his back. Orwell introduces this concept in the beginning to demonstrate how it works against Winston in the end of the novel. Even though Winston believed the Party would never corrupt his mind, physical pain was the most powerful device used against him. Once Winston experiences the torture in the Ministry of Love, the Party has fully conditioned his mind to obey their purposes.

http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/shhh.jpg

1984 - 15

• "If all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed ... Then the lie passed into history and became truth. 'Who controls the past,' ran the Party slogan, 'controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.'" (p. 34)

The party slogan is quite frightening, because if one breaks it down into detail, there is absolutely no truth in this dystopian society. The Party has the ability to oversee, rewrite, and manipulate documents of the past, which allows justification for what is happening in the present. Orwell illustrates the vulnerability of the citizens of Oceania because each are not allowed to keep any of their personal records. Without individual memories, gradually their it will fade, eventually leading them to easily accept anything the Party tells them.

1984 - 14

• "'She listened at the keyhole. Heard what I was saying, and nipped off to the patrols the very next day. Pretty smart for a nipper of seven, eh? .... I'm proud of her. It shows I brought her up in the right spirit, anyway.'" (p. 233)
  

This passage describes Mr. Parson's gratitude toward his young daughter who turned him in to the patrols for committing 'Thoughtcrime." Unlike many other individuals who would be mortified at their own child revealing a crime they've committed, Orwell allows readers to see the future generation's seriousness about obeying Party rules. Mr. Parson's story shows how accepting the citizens of Oceania are, never questioning their punishments. One would think family members remain faithful and the young respect their elders, but here, Mr. Parsons is actually proud of his parenting.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3966569138_54f8741e7e.jpg

1984 - 13

• "'It was a common punishment in Imperial China,' said O'Brien as didactically as ever." (p. 286)
  

Orwell alludes to Imperial China in this passage, a place where methods of torture were used as a tool for the releasing of information or confessions. Within the traditional Chinese system of justice, the government believed that torture could result in more substantive justice - in the sense that the guilty were more likely to be convicted and the innocent allowed to go free. In 1984, Orwell incorporates this tactic as a way for Winston to obey the power of the Party. Since he won't allow his mind to accept their irrational ways, O'Brien resorts to torturing Winston until he faces his breaking point.

http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/late_imperial_china/summary/v029/29.2.park.html
http://www.thewrestlingschool.co.uk/Dead%20Hands%20Image%20Tied%20hands.jpg

1984 - 12

• "Four, five, six - seven times they met during the month of June. Winston has dropped his habit of drinking gin at all hours. He seemed to have lost the need for it. He had grown fatter, his varicose ulcer had subsided ... The process of life had ceased to be intolerable ... or shout curses at the top of his voice." (p. 150)

Orwell captures the feeling of love within this passage, showing that having a companion can cure an intolerable lifestyle. Throughout 1984, the citizens of Oceania are trained to not feel any sort of attraction toward the opposite sex. People are living in constant fear and hatred; emotions are controlled so harshly there is barely any freedom. However, for a small part of Winton's life, he finds Julia who undoubtedly makes life more bearable. Her presence even begins to cure Winston's addiction to alcohol and tobacco (vices he turns to in moments of stress and irritability), and his varicose ulcer is in control (something that frequently acts up).

1984 - 11

• "There was one about four and twenty blackbirds, and another about a cow with a crumpled horn, and another about the death of poor Cock Robin." (p. 151)

Orwell alludes to the poem "Cock Robin" as Winston describes Mr. Charrington's inability to remember the extensiveness of the story. In this poem, the death of Cock Robin is declared:

Who killed Cock Robin? I, said the sparrow With my bow and arrow I killed Cock Robin.

Numerous animals gather to prepare for Cock Robin's funeral when the Bull announces:

Who'll toll the bell? I, said the bull, Because I can pull, I'll toll the bell.

'Cock Robin' appears to have many verses with small detail. The fact that Mr. Charrington cannot remember these familiar rhymes reveal his age and distorted memory of the past. Clearly the brainwashing of the Party has conquered his mind.

http://dickens.stanford.edu/archive/great/great_issue7gloss.htm
http://www.mamalisa.com/images/mother_goose/cockrobin_national.gif

1984 - 10

• "As soon as Winston had dealt with each of the messages, he clipped his speakwritten corrections to the appropriate copy of the Times and pushed them into the pneumatic tube." (p. 39)
  

TIME Magazine, first issued on March 3, 1923, is a weekly news magazine who's main purpose is to break the news down into categories each delivering short news pieces that busy consumers can quickly understand and absorb. Orwell's choice to allude to TIME Magazine seems slightly ironic because in reality it's content is solely based on factual news, where in 1984, Winston works to change history in order to suit the Party's demands. Instead of documenting history and reflecting on historical events, the Ministry of Truth is forced to alter it, which completely contradicts TIME Magazine's purpose.

http://www.things-and-other-stuff.com/magazines/time-magazine.html
http://www.russiablog.org/ObamaTimeMagazineCover.jpg

1984 - 9

• "Winston woke up with the word 'Shakespeare' on his lips." (p. 31)
  

William Shakespeare is an English poet and playwright and is arguably the greatest writer in the English language. Shakespeare wrote comedies and histories at the beginning of his career, and then focused on writing tragedies. He wrote in a lyrical and emotional style, putting emphasis on love, beauty and mortality. Orwell alludes to Shakepeare in this passage as Winston illustrates Julia undressing herself. Winston vividly describes the delicacy in which Julia tosses her clothes aside, using language similar to Shakespeare's respected writing.

http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/
http://www.wwu.edu/depts/skywise/cosmo/shakespeare.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Shakespeare

1984 - 8

• "WAR IS PEACE. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH. But the face of Big Brother seemed to persist for several seconds on the screen, as though the impact that it had made on everyone's eyeballs were too vivid to wear off immediately." (p. 16)
  

The thousands of telescreens placed throughout Oceania is overpowering, yet it is a successful tactic used by the Party. The steady flow of propaganda gradually conditions the citizens of Oceania to obey the Party. Within this strategy, repetition is key, which is why the familiar slogans brainwash one's mind. However, Orwell stresses that in this case, technology is being abused, promoting wrong messages. Orwell shows his audience the dangers of technology, in particular how the Party uses the telescreens for their personal advancement, not bettering the life of Oceania's citizens.

http://purecontemporary.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/omnimount_moda_muro_8_ls_hr.jpg

1984 - 7

• "Seven years it must be - he had dreamed that he was walking through a pitch-dark room. And someone sitting to one side of him had said as he passed: 'We shall meet in the place where there is darkness.'" (p. 25)
  

'We shall meet in the place where there is darkness' was first spoken by O'Brien in a dream Winston had. Sure enough, these haunting words foreshadow what will happen in the future. Orwell carefully chooses a specific language to create a mysterious, evil atmosphere, repeating Winston's dream of meeting O'Brien. Eventually Winston does meet O'Brien in the Ministry of Love where his cell is pitch black. Darkness connotes negative, secretive ideas, and clearly, Winston undergoes unnecessary torture and manipulation when he finally faces O'Brien.

1984 - 6

• "'You're a traitor!' yelled the boy. 'You're a thought criminal! You're a Eurasian spy! I'll shoot you' ... Why can't we go and see the hanging?' roared the boy in his huge voice." (p. 23)

Orwell creates this frightening scene with Mrs. Parson's children as a tactic to show readers the potential of a totalitarian society. In 1984, at such a young age, children were preached the purpose of the Party. Children, being significantly more susceptible to obey anything they are taught, follow these rules and become brainwashed at a very young age. The most saddening part of this scene is that the children find violence as a source of entertainment. The future of Oceania is within this generation, and without a doubt, the Party is succeeding in their desire to manipulate the mind's of it's citizens.

http://askmissa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/kid-with-gun.jpg

1984 - 5

• "He thought of the telescreen with its never-sleeping ear. They could spy upon you night and day, but if you kept your head you could still outwit them." (p. 166-167)

Telescreens are placed everywhere throughout Oceania. Citizens have developed a constant awareness because of it's "never-sleeping ear." Progressing through the novel, readers realize that the force behind the telescreen is never identified. The "people" behind the telescreens are always referred to as "they" or "the telescreens." The citizens of Oceania are so brainwashed to the point where they don't even question the existence of someone actually monitoring them. Orwell instantly develops a curiosity for readers to know "who" is truly behind the scene.

1984 - 4

• "He took up his glass and sniffed at it. The stuff grew not less but more horrible with every mouthful he drank. But it had become the element he swam in. It was his life, his death, and his resurrection." (p. 293-294)
  

Throughout 1984, the alcoholic beverage, Gin, is repeatedly used to reveal Winston's need for escape. Much like Peter Walsh in Mrs. Dalloway who constantly played with his pocket knife in moments of discomfort, Winston drinks Gin to tranquilize his paranoia. Orwell allows Winston's character to crave Gin in moments of insecurity, nervousness or stressful situations. Winston uses Gin as a "security blanket" to calm his anxiety.

http://campsmoke.fmallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/gin1.jpg

1984 - 3

• "It was as when Winston had gazed into the heart of the paperweight, with the feeling that it would be possible to get inside that glassy world, and that once inside it time could be arrested. (p. 151)

The people of the Party strive to force memories of the past out of individual's heads and replace them with their own, altered versions. Winston is in an unceasing fight against this process and buys a glass paperweight in attempts to remember the true past. Orwell expresses Winston's desire to leave the former alone, "arresting" time and leaving previous events trapped inside a "glassy world." Further into the story, the paperweight shatters when Winston is arrested, symbolizing that his battle is finally lost.

http://www.bungoglass.com/images/Paper%20Weights/Blue%20Green%20Paper%20Weight--Large.jpg

1984 - 2

• "BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU, the caption said, while the dark eyes looked deep into Winston's own." (p. 2)

The face of Big Brother is plastered throughout Oceania; a constant reminder that one's every move is observed. However, Winston finds the actual existence of Big Brother questionable as he is simply an image. Orwell emphasizes the vagueness of Big Brother - readers, as well as Winston himself, never truly discover if Big Brother is actually human. The concept of Big Brother proves that power has the ability to control a mass of people, despite the fact that he may be a mere status or image. For some unexplainable reason, the citizens of Oceania accept the lack of structure and knowledge of the Party, simply because Big Brother appears everywhere: a continual threat to society.

1984 - 1

• "The Ministry of Truth - Miniture, in Newspeak - was startlingly different from any other object in sight." (p. 4)
  

Newspeak is the official language of Oceania which overtime will, ideally, replace the English language. The primary purpose of Newspeak is to limit the amount of words citizens are able to use to express their feelings or ideas. Orwell introduces this concept in 1984, allowing readers to imagine a world where destructive, defiant thoughts cannot even be verbalized simply because the words do not exist. In turn, this strategy is highly effective throughout the novel since many citizens of Oceania are incapable of creating and executing thoughts opposing the power of the Party.

http://spl225.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dictionary11.jpg

Pride and Prejudice 16

• "We shall be in danger of hating each other for the rest of our lives, for a whole day's tête-à-tête between two women can never end without a quarrel." (p. 20)

Tête-à-tête: A private, confidential conversation. In Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen uses dialogue to emphasize character relationships. Whether it is Jane and Elizabeth raving about the balls, Darcy revealing his love to Elizabeth, or Mr. Collins' attempt at an engagement with Elizabeth, every character experiences some form of a private, intimate conversation. Instead of bland description, Jane Austen emphasizes dialogue, where readers are able to grasp the character's personality -- Elizabeth's witty nature, Darcy's initial arrogant attitude, and Mrs. Bennet's overbearing character.

Work Cited:
The Free Dictionary. Tete-a-tete. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Tete-a-tete.

Photo Credit:
Linda Follet Tea. Photograph. Photobucket. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. http://media.photobucket.com/image/ladies%20having%20tea/tavalonblog/linda_follet_tea.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 15

• "'But you must lend us the money, for we have just spent ours at the shop out there.' Then shewing her purchases: 'Look here, I have bought this bonnet. I do not think it is very pretty; but I thought I might as well buy it as not.' ... Her sisters abused it as ugly, she added, with perfect unconcern, 'Oh! but there were two or three much uglier in the shop.'" (p. 148)

Pride and Prejudice includes the importance of wealth and drastic measures women will go through in order to make social advancements to obtain that money. Jane Austen illustrates irony in this passage where Lydia recently purchased a bonnet. She raves how ugly the bonnet is, yet she still felt the need to buy it. The Bennet family is considered part of the middle class, and through the entire novel, they struggle and strive to associate with the upper class of society. Lydia's senseless buying proves how careless she is with her money. Instead of buying something that doesn't appeal to her in the first place, saving that money would assist succeeding the family's goal of becoming part of higher society.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Brianstevenson.com. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. http://www.brianstevenson.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/42-18923436.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 14

• "Her character will be fixed, and she will, at sixteen, be the most determined flirt that ever made herself and her family ridiculous. A flirt too, in the worst and meanest degree of flirtation; without any attraction beyond youth and a tolerable person; and from the ignorance and emptiness of her mind, wholly unable to ward off any portion of that universal contempt which her rage for admiration will excite." (p. 156)

Pride and Prejudice takes place during the 19th century in England. One of the key themes Jane Austen focuses on is women during this Victorian time period. Women basically had two options: poverty or marriage. Although it seems as though Mrs. Bennet is overly concerned with her daughters finding marriage, or Lydia and Kitty are too flirty with the officers, this is what their lives consisted of. As pathetic as it seems, during this time period, love wasn't necessarily vital. Marriage was the ultimate goal for these women, and that is why Lydia and Mrs. Bennet are portrayed as being so desperate. Jane Austen creates Elizabeth's character to show that contrast in her opinion of marriage. Elizabeth wasn't longing for marriage, she was searching for a soul mate.

Work Cited:
"Pride and Prejudice." Shmoop. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. http://www.shmoop.com/pride-and-prejudice/women-femininity-theme.html.

"Women's Status in Mid 19th-Century England." Hastings Press Co. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. http://www.hastingspress.co.uk/history/19/overview.htm.

Pride and Prejudice 13

• "In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." (p. 128-129)

There are many obstacles to overcome in order to accomplish love in Pride and Prejudice. The beauty of Jane Austen's novel is the fact that Mr. Darcy is able to realize that character outweighs connections and love overpowers class separation. Originally, Darcy's excessive pride and prejudice was the barrier between him and Elizabeth. Her family's poor manners and middle class status also contributed to Darcy's initial distaste. Despite all of this, there is a certain magic to love that allowed Darcy's strict views to disappear and neglect what society preached.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Flickr.com. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/58/220279254_17c20cbec5.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 12

• "This is a most unfortunate affair; and will probably be much talked of. But we must stem the tide of malice, and pour into the wounded bosoms of each other, the balm of sisterly consolation." (p. 193)

One of the underlying themes in Pride and Prejudice is the importance of family. Situations that only some of the Bennet's experienced reflected on the family as a whole. Mrs. Bennet was often rude, while Lydia was known for her immaturity and flirtatious side. These flaws in Mrs. Bennet and Lydia impacted Elizabeth's and Jane's reputation and affected their opportunities. Society associated the entire family with one family member's actions. For instance, when Lydia married an unworthy man, the entire Bennet family was a disgrace. However, when Jane and Elizabeth married into wealth and class, the entire Bennet family was respected. Although the members of the Bennet family were sometimes embarrassing - there was no escape - Jane Austen emphasized the strong, consistent bond between the Bennet sisters. Another case of the importance of family previously seen in literature this year was in Great Expectations. Pip finally realized that wealth and social class didn't create happiness, it was loyal family relations.

Work Cited:
"Pride and Prejudice." Shmoop. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. http://www.shmoop.com/pride-and-prejudice/family-theme.html.

Photo Credit:
Family Studies. UCR Office of Research. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. http://or.ucr.edu/images/pictures/centers/FamilyStudies.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 11

• "To walk three miles, or four miles, or five miles, or whatever it is, above her ancles in dirt, and alone, quite alone! what could she mean by it? It seems to me to shew an abominable sort of conceited independence, a most country town indifference to decorum." (p. 24)
  

Miss Bingley's life revolves around reputation and social class. When Elizabeth arrives to Netherfield after walking miles to visit her sick sister, she is dirty and sweaty - something Miss Bingley finds repulsive. Immediately she judges Elizabeth's carefree attitude regarding her appearance. Throughout the novel, Miss Bingley desperately searches for flaws in Elizabeth. She gathers Elizabeth's 'imperfections' and snobbishly presents them to Mr. Darcy in attempts to sway his attraction towards her. Jane Austen intends for Miss Bingley's jealousy to take control during the story as she feels the need to ridicule Elizabeth's middle-class status and destroy her reputation.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://jacquelineteo.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/istockphoto_gossip.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 10

• "But, Lizzy, you look as if you did not enjoy it. You are not going to be Missish, I hope, and pretend to be affronted at an idle report." (p. 245)

Missish -- Like a miss; prim; affected; sentimental. After Mr. Bennet reads aloud Mr. Collins' letter to Elizabeth, she is shocked at it's content. Mr. Collins warns Mr. Bennet that there might be a future engagement between his daughter and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth, being unaware of the situation and caught of guard, is somewhat speechless. Jane Austen's use of the unfamiliar word 'Missish' enhances readers understanding of Elizabeth's reaction. Her feelings are completely jumbled and she cannot grasp knowing she might be in love with Mr. Darcy -- 'fear that perhaps, instead of his seeing too little, she might have fancied too much.' (p. 245) Elizabeth's sentimental response indicates the turning point in the novel where her negative views of Darcy's character turn into deep affection.

Work Cited:
The Free Dictionary. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Missish.

Photo Credit:
Julie Andrews. Photograph. Solar Navigator. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/film_images/Julie_Andrews_sound_of_music_worried_about_children.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 9

• "Good gracious! Lord bless me! only think! dear me! Mr. Darcy! Who would have thought it! And is it really true? Oh! my sweetest Lizzy! how rich and great you will be! What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! Jane's is nothing to it -- nothing at all. I am so pleased -- so happy." (p. 255)

Moments before Elizabeth explains the news of her engagement with Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Bennet is not fond of the man. She reminds Elizabeth of his excessive pride and rude manners. Jane Austen proves that wealth and reputation matter by Mrs. Bennet's complete one-hundred-eighty degree turn in this passage. During this time period, the ultimate goal was to be married. Reputations of family and women truly decided social and marital status. Mrs. Bennet's sudden excitement reveals her greedy, pushy character. Obviously her opinions can easily be swayed since literally moments before (when Elizabeth wasn't associated with Darcy) she didn't care for him. The longing hope Mrs. Bennet had for her daughter to marry a wealthy man clearly took over her negative feelings toward Darcy. Immediately she realizes that Elizabeth will share Darcy's wealth and make an advancement in social class.

Photo Credit:
Overjoyed! Photograph. Flickr.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3340634361_e9e035962e.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 8

• "'The last born has as good a right to the pleasures of youth, as the first. And to be kept back on such a motive! -- I think it would not be very likely to promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind' ... 'you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person.'" (p. 113)

Elizabeth's admirable character is captured in this passage as she defends Lady Catherine's discourteous, personal questions. Lady Catherine asks Elizabeth about her upbringing and criticizes every one of her answers. Jane Austen exposes Elizabeth's outspoken character as she doesn't allow Lady Catherine to make her feel pathetic and question her self worth. It's not often that anyone dares to stand up for themselves against Lady Catherine, (especially Mr. Collins) so Elizabeth's clever responses take her by complete surprise. Elizabeth's straightforward personality is similar to another independent women we have read in previous literature this year: Jane Eyre. Resembling Jane Eyre, Elizabeth is consistently direct with people despite their gender or social status, and stays faithful to her morals.

Pride and Prejudice 7

• "A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved." (p. 26)
  

Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy describe the endless list of characteristics a women must possess in order to be considered accomplished. Elizabeth chimes in with the remark "I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any." Jane Austen creates this scene for better understanding of Darcy's demanding request of attributes of a worthy woman. His beliefs reveal his social superiority attitude and high standards. Austen also emphasizes the importance of dialogue in Pride and Prejudice in this passage. Through dialogue, Elizabeth is proved to be a successful debater (something that immediately attracts Darcy to her) and Darcy's conceitedness shines. Ultimately, the dialogue in this novel strengthens the readers understanding of the characters' personalities.

Photo Credit:
Balancing Life. Photograph. Idsmediatalk.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://ldsmediatalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/balancing_life.gif.

Pride and Prejudice 6

• "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least ... it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life." (p. 14)

Charlotte Lucas is very similar to Lydia in the aspect that their ideas of marriage are not taken as seriously as characters such as Jane and Elizabeth. Elizabeth whole-heartily feels that marriage should be with a soul mate, a man one passionately loves. However, Jane Austen creates a character, Miss Lucas, who believes that marriage is merely 'a matter of chance' and 'it's best not to know the flaws in the person one will spend the rest of their life with.' Elizabeth's views distinctly conflict with the very questionable views of Miss Lucas. Jane Austen shows Miss Lucas' nonchalant attitude and openness to secrecy.

Work Cited:
Photograph. Salon.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://www.salon.com/life/feature/1999/11/16/guru/bad_marriage.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 5

• "'There is a fine old saying, which every body here is of course familiar with -- 'Keep your breath to cool your porridge,' -- and I shall keep mine to swell my song.'" (p. 16)

Darcy begins to listen to Elizabeth's conversations at parties as his attraction toward her increases. In this passage, Elizabeth confronts Darcy's eavesdropping and then plays music with Miss Lucas. Jane Austen purposely writes -- 'keep your breath to cool your porridge' -- intending for Darcy to hear. This can be interpreted as the familiar saying 'you're wasting your breath' or there is a better use/place for your words. Miss Lucas wishes for Darcy to overhear this harsh comment (which is clearly directed to him) because upon first meeting him, he says many rude, unnecessary remarks which could have easily been spared. This could also be interpreted as 'mind your own business' (in this case, stop listening to Elizabeth's conversations) as Miss Lucas states that she will use her breath singing songs.

Work Cited:
Word Reference. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=65674.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Blogspot.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZV6ji2smI_t6S5uE6ACMyAZWZrzsxvCp1YOxIaaQD2TPvKMXHQt7OSah1Lopj4kLmtlR18kKhhV6TvUzBaKS9FPMvyalEQD003gyrMJa5i35qiznepBR8_ZhxDcsGjpB_7OTBFADFJNE/s200/d.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 4

• "But she is very young; she has never been taught to think on serious subjects ... nothing but love, flirtation, and officers, have been in her head. She has been doing everything in her power by thinking and talking on the subject." (p. 189)

Elizabeth's genuine concern with Lydia's flirtatious side shows in this dialogue in chapter XLVII. Jane Austen shows the contrast in Elizabeth's and Lydia's characters by describing their beliefs on marriage. Unlike Elizabeth and Jane, who take the idea of marriage very seriously, Lydia enjoys the thrill of flirting and lack of commitment. Instead of basing marriage on compatibility, love and respect, Lydia reveals her immaturity and imprudence by basing marriage on opportunity and a desire for marital status. (We saw this case in Jane Eyre, when Jane realizes that love doesn't accompany marriage. Jane compares the proposal from Mr. St. John with her past connection with Mr. Rochester - a bond where authentic and passionate love was evident.)

Photo Credit:
Photograph. EHow.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://cdn-write.demandstudios.com/upload//7000/400/10/3/47413.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 3

• "'But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say, very agreeable' ... 'She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me.'" (p. 7)
  

Mr. Darcy's incredibly rude comment after Mr. Bingley suggests a dance with Elizabeth is one that reveals his excessive pride. It is clear that Mr. Darcy believes that the people at the ball are not socially worthy -- or handsome enough in this case -- to deserve a dance with him. The fact that Darcy said this aloud so Elizabeth was able to hear makes this comment even more impolite and unnecessary. Jane Austen purposely includes this behavior to establish Elizabeth's negative first impression of Mr. Darcy. She immediately deems him arrogant and believes nothing will convince her otherwise.

Photo Credit:
Book Snob. Photograph. Book People Blog. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://bookpeopleblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/snob12.jpg.

Pride and Prejudice 2

• "'Do let us have a little music,' - cried Miss Bingley, tired of conversation in which she had no share." (p. 39)

Miss Bingley is desperate to win over Mr. Darcy's attention. In chapter XI, readers see Miss Bingley's attempt to do so by walking around the room and commenting on how ridiculous the balls are. As soon as she asks Elizabeth to accompany her around the room, Mr. Darcy finally becomes interested in their conversation. Elizabeth criticizes his character, and the two engage in further conversation. Miss Bingley, recognizing she had no part in the conversation anymore, tries to change the subject by requesting music. Jane Austen incorporates the request for music in awkward situations many times throughout the novel. (It is also seen with Mr. Collins on p. 70) Constantly trying to switch the subject shows the characters frustration and uncomfortableness. We have seen this case in previous novels this year where Peter Walsh always played with his pocketknife in moments of discomfort.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Play Piano. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://www.playpiano.com/images/Play_The_Piano.gif.

Pride and Prejudice 1

• "Other books were produced, and after some deliberation he chose Fordyce's Sermons. Lydia gaped as he opened the volume, and before he had, with very monotonous solemnity, read three pages, she interrupted him." (p. 47)

One night after dinner at the Bennet's home, Mr. Collins requests to read aloud to the girls. He chooses James Fordyce's Sermons on Young Women, which was a popular guidebook on women's conduct. Jane Austen alludes to this particular novel mainly to show Lydia's unruly manners and lack of interest in literature, particularly literature she considers boring. Unlike the other daughters in the Bennet family, Lydia is more self-absorbed ad could care less if she is offensive. Austen also alludes to Fordyce's Sermons to show the contrast between Mr. Collins and Elizabeth. Elizabeth claims that she could never make Mr. Collins happy and they were perfectly wrong for each other. Mr. Collins' interest is in more sophisticated women, and it is ironic he favors this novel as James Fordyce believed 'men of the best sense have usually been averse to the thought of marrying a witty female.’ The contrast clearly shows how poor of a match this couple would be.

Work Cited: "Fordyce’s Sermons; Mr Collins’ Favorite Book." My Pride and Prejudice. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://www.myprideandprejudice.com/2009/08/mr-collins-favorite-book-on-the-dangers-of-witty-women/.

Photo Credit:

Insomnia Small. Photograph. Councelling Cornwall. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. http://www.counsellingcornwall.org.uk/IMAGES/INSOMNIA%20SMALL.gif.

Great Expectations 16

• "Joe was a fair man, with curls of flaxen, hair on each side of his smooth face ... He was mild, good-natured, sweet-tempered, easy-going, foolish, dear fellow -- a sort of Hercules in strength, and also in weakness." (p. 6)

In Greek mythology, Hercules was a divine hero, known especially for his strength, courage, and determination. Ultimately, Hercules was forced to complete Twelve Labors because he killed his wife and children. Aside from committing this violent act, Hercules' weaknesses also included being lustful and gluttonous. Dickens alludes to Hercules to describe Joe's character. Joe possesses strengths such as patience, unconditional love, and faithfulness. However, here Pip indicates Joe's weaknesses being that he is defenseless and vulnerable when it comes to dealing with his wife, Pip's cruel sister.

Work Cited:
"Fast Facts on Hercules." About.com. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://gogreece.about.com/cs/mythology/a/mythhercules.htm.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. WIkipedia. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:0064MC.jpg.

Video Credit:
"The Twelve Labors of Hercules." Youtube. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGMG-t3t98s

Great Expectations 15

• "In short, I was always full of fears for the rash man who was in hiding ... But I thought with dread that it was flowing towards Magwitch, and that any black mark on its surface might be his pursuers, going swiftly, silently, and surely to take him." (p. 382)

Upon meeting Magwitch and understanding his situation more in depth, Pip develops very contratdicting feelings towards him. Originally, Pip has a fear of Magwitch because he is unsure of his intentions. However, Pip now also has a fear for Magwitch and his safety. It takes him awhile to realize this, but Pip has uncovered his genuine appreciation of Magwitch's loyalty and friendship, and can't help being concerned with what the convicts future holds. Dickens is able to exemplify the theme of realizing human connections are more important than social status through Magwitch and Pip's relationship.

Great Expectations 14

• "Oh, dear good Joe, whom I was so ready to ... leave and so unthankful to, I see you again ... Oh, dear good faithful tender Joe, I feel the loving tremble of your hand upon my arm, as solemnly this day as if it had been the rustle of an angel's wing" (p. 142)
  

One of the most important themes that Dickens expresses in Great Expectations is overcoming the fact that social status is not a standard for happiness and the importance of treating loved ones with respect. By the end of the novel, Pip realizes that he is extremely unthankful to Joe, his most loyal and supportive family member. Even though Pip's huge dreams and emotions clash, he put aside his main concerns of appearance and social status, and is able to appreciate the continuous love and friendship Joe has for him.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Life Vesting. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://www.lifevesting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/loving-father.jpg.

Great Expectations 13

• "Not another word had I heard to enlighten me on the subject of my expectations, and my twenty-third birthday was a week gone." (p. 314)
  

In a few cases, Pip references his 'great expectations' and what he feels needs to be accomplished or maintained in order to be successful. Readers are able to understand the title of the story as we learn more about Pip's personality and other characters. Charles Dickens intends for the title to indicate Pip's ultimate desire for an improved status and romantic advancement with Estella. Another interpretation of the title may be Pip's expectation of wealth once he becomes a gentleman or all the things that is assumed to accompany life of high importance. Not only do other characters put pressure on Pip to thrive, but ultimately he has even higher expectations for himself, and dreams he wishes to conquer. Though this title, Dickens is able to express the major issue in the novel: Pip's high expectation to find happiness through becoming a gentleman ... yet, he counts too much on what he doesn't have/wants to have in the future and values too little, which he does already have.

Photo Credit:
Great Expectations. Photograph. Blondie Rocket. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://blondierocket.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/great-expectations1.jpg.

Great Expectations 12

• "It was a dark night, though the full moon rose as I left the enclosed lands, and passed out upon the marshes ... There was a melancholy wind, and the marshes were very dismal." (p. 425)

Throughout the entire novel, Dickens uses vivid imagery to set a dramatic tone. Keying in on the weather, particularly elements such as darkness and mist, Dickens creates a powerful setting for the mystery and action about to take place. Readers know that whenever mist is present something dangerous is about to happen. Obviously mist and darkness hinder one's vision, therefore, Dickens uses it to forewarn readers of Pip's unsureness and potential risk. Mist is present when Pip meets the convict in the cemetery, when Orlick attempts to kill Pip, and even in the re-written ending, mist appears as Pip meets Estella. Rewriting the ending including the eerie-mist-effect could indicate Pip's potential dangerous future.

Work Cited:
"Great Expectations." Shmoop. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://www.shmoop.com/great-expectations/symbolism-imagery.html.

Photo Credit:
Trees in the Mist. Photograph. Google Image. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://gallery.photo.net/photo/1313809-lg.jpg.

Great Expectations 11

• "The man who was pulling a lock of hair in the middle of his forehead, like the Bull in Cock Robin pulling the bell-rope." (p. 166)
  

Dickens alludes to the poem "Cock Robin" as Pip compares the bull in the poem to the man tugging at a lock of hair. In this poem, the death of Cock Robin is declared:

Who killed Cock Robin? I, said the sparrow With my bow and arrow I killed Cock Robin.

Numerous animals gather to prepare for Cock Robin's funeral when the Bull announces:

Who'll toll the bell? I, said the bull, Because I can pull, I'll toll the bell.

The image of the man pulling at a lock of his hair instantly reminds Pip of the Bull in this childish poem.

Work Cited:
"Notes on the Novel." Discovering Dickens. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://dickens.stanford.edu/archive/great/great_issue7gloss.htm.

Photo Credit:
Who Killed Cock Robin? Photograph. Mama Lisa's World. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mamalisa.com/images/mother_goose/cockrobin_gut.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.mamalisa.com.

Great Expectations 10

• "They were all in excellent spirits on the road home, and sang "O Lady Fair!" (p. 105)

At this point in the novel, Pip confirms his apprenticeship with Joe, yet is disappointed and angry with this decision. Pip's sister and Joe take him out to celebrate with Pumblechook and Mr. Wopsle. On their way home, Mr. Wopsle begins to recite Collins's Ode and sing the song, 'O Lady Fair' by Thomas Moore. Charles Dickens alludes to this particular song as it was very popular for a late night walk. The lyrics read:

"Oh, Lady fair! where art thou roaming? The sun has sunk, the night is coming. Stranger, I go o'er moor and mountain, To tell my beads at Agnes' fountain. And who is the man, with his white locks flowing? O Lady Fair! where is he going? A wand'ring Pilgrim, weak, I falter, To tell my beads at Agnes' alter."

The poems' tone and many questions asked reveal the curiosity of the speaker; much like Pip describes Mr. Wopsle as always wanting to know others "personal affairs." Still regarding Mr. Wopsle, Pip directly answers the lines in the poem by saying "he was the man with the white locks flowing, and that he was upon the whole and weakest pilgrim going." (p. 105) Pip's emphasis on "he" suggest that he was mocking Mr. Wopsle. His overall tone in this excerpt appears critical and annoyed with Mr. Wopsle's curiosity.

Work Cited:
"Great Expectations." Google Books. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://books.google.com/books?id=d55huNQmSGgC&pg=PA491&lpg=PA491&dq=o+lady+fair!+-+great+expectations.

Great Expectations 9

• "This was always followed by Collins's Ode on the Passions, wherein I particularly venerated Mr. Wopsle as Revenge, throwing his blood-stained sword in thunder down, and taking the war-denouncing trumpet with a withering look." (p. 43)
  

Charles Dickens alludes to the poet William Collins and his piece "Ode on the Passions." Collins published Odes on Several Descriptive and Allegorical Subjects. Collins work influenced the early Romantics. Here, Mr. Wopsle narrates the sixth stanza of the poem, where he plays the part of "Revenge." -- "And longer had she sung, but with a frown. Revenge impatient rose; He threw his blood-stain'd sword in thunder down. And with a with'ring look. The war-denouncing trumpet took..."

Work Cited:
"William Collins." Net Poets. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://www.netpoets.com/classic/biographies/017000.htm.
"Great Expectations." Google Books. Web. 3 Jan. 2010.

Great Expectations 8

• "Hammer boys round - Old Clem!
  With a thump and a sound - Old Clem!
  Beat it out, beat it out - Old Clem!
  With a clink for the stout - Old Clem!
  Blow the fire, blow the fire - Old Clem!
  Roaring dryer, soaring higher - Old Clem!" (p. 94)
  

Dickens alludes to the song "Old Clem" in Great Expectations while Pip is visiting Miss Havisham. The song originates from the blacksmith's patron Saint Clement. On November 23, The Day of Saint Clement, blacksmiths took a holiday. A senior apprentice, representing Old Clem, led a march that traveled around town and stopped at taverns to share the history of Old Clem. The blacksmiths would pass around a box for donations and the money gained was used to pay for the apprentices' meal. Growing up, Pip, the prospective apprentice, would hear Joe "hum fragments" (p. 94) and retained the lyrics to share with Miss Havisham. Unlike Pip, who is concerned about appearance, and Mrs. Joe, who is cruel and dominating, Joe's silent, yet diligent character suggest he is a traditional, happy-go-lucky guy. Even though he might be uneducated, Joe takes pride in his work. Humming a familiar tune shows his true enjoyment being a blacksmith. One could also notice that instead of singing out the words, Joe hums, indicating his timidness around Mrs. Joe.

Work Cited:
"Old Clem - Dickens expression. Help!" The Phrase Finder. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/14/messages/65.html.

Photo Credit:
Saint Clement. Photograph. Orthodox Images. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://www.orthodoximages.com/images/icons/patrons/dingman/Clement_Ding6x8.jpg.

Great Expectations 7

• But, judging from the wind, it looked to me that when he see the ghost in the queen's apartment, he might have made more of his stockings." (p.257)

Charles Dickens alludes to Hamlet, a play written by Shakespeare, throughout Chapter 31. In Shakespeare's play, Hamlet portrays himself as insane, ultimately to reveal the cause of his father's death and his uncle's rise to power. Hamlet shows disgust towards his mother and her decision to so quickly marry his uncle. Hamlet desires to ruin the King's power and to make the truth known. Dickens alludes to Hamlet in Great Expectations because many of the main ideas draw parallel connections with each other. Like Hamlet, everything Pip is doing will lead to his eventual downfall. Hamlet desires to marry the beautiful Ophelia -- except other characters hinder that wish -- where Pip is madly in love with Estella, despite the fact that she cannot accept his affection. Overall, Great Expectations and Hamlet possess similar themes: trust, love, deception, status/power, etc.

Work Cited:

"Hamlet: Plot Overview." Sparknotes. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/hamlet/summary.html.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Concentric.net. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://www.concentric.net/~marlowe/olivier_hamlet3.jpg.

Great Expectations 6

• "Now, Biddy," said I, "I am very sorry to see this in you. I did not expect to see this in you. You are envious, Biddy, and grudging. You are dissatisfied on account of my rise in fortune, and you can't help showing it." (p. 150)

As soon as Pip realizes the opportunity he is given, he becomes extremely rude towards Biddy and Joe. Dickens introduces the significant theme of social class importance through Pip's excitement of becoming a gentleman. Being immature, Pip is excessively boastful (as he thinks this is how wealthier people act) until the point where he turns snobbish towards his main supporters. Throughout the novel, Dickens shows the importance of loyalty and maintaining good relationships, yet here, Pip is so eager to improve his status, he acts completely out of line towards his friends and family. Dickens stresses that social class has little matter in comparison to human relationships. Although Pip acts disrespectful here, eventually he comes to the realization that his bond with Joe/others is invaluable and worth so much more than what any status could give him.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Chicago Now. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/improvised-blog/snob.jpg.

Great Expectations 5

• "Nevertheless, I knew while I said those words ... It was two years more before I saw herself. I had heard of her as leading a most unhappy life ... Given her a heart to understand what my heart used to be." (p. 487-490)

Edward B. Lytton, a novelist, was able to persuade Dickens to change the original, unhappy ending of Great Expectations. As a reader, the revised version of the ending doesn't appear to fit the overall tone of the novel -- it almost comes across as fairy-tale-like, where in most of the story, nothing ever turns out perfectly. Dickens may have had the desire to please readers with a happy ending, to illustrate love can be realized, or that Estella and Pip were destined for each other. While some believe the original is too harsh, harsh is more suitable than unrealistic.

Work Cited:
"Edward Bulwer-Lytton." The Lost Club Journal. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://homepages.pavilion.net/tartarus/lytton.html.

Great Expectations 4

• "Enough House!" said I; "that's a curious name, miss." / "Yes," she replied; "but it meant more that it said. It meant, when it was given, that whoever had this house could want nothing else. They must have been easily satisfied in those days." (p. 55)

Upon learning more about the Satis house, there seemed to be a deeper connection with the name "Enough House" rather than the one described by Miss Havisham. The word 'enough' connotes the feeling of 'having enough' or 'being too much to handle.' Yet, Miss Havisham appears to lead a life that was never 'good enough' for her. She is unsatisfied with her lifestyle -- hence the dreary, dark theme of the house, the wedding objects, and the stopping of the clock. Dicken's illustrates Miss Havisham's misery through the connotation of the word and it's deeper meaning.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Flickr.com. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3610550576_9e9ce2f953.jpg.

Great Expectations 3

• "Joe laid his hand upon my shoulder with the touch of a woman. I have often thought him since, like the steam-hammer that can crush a man or pat an egg-shell, in his combination of strength with gentleness." (p. 142)

Throughout Pip's childhood he was never accustomed to a maternal figure. In this passage, Pip describes Joe's touch as one of a woman. Pip's sister's cruelty and abuse failed to serve Pip with a proper parental figure, which is why Dicken's indicates Joe's patient, compassionate character to be one Pip respects. Pip lacked a stable father figure during his lifetime, but Joe defined his childhood, Mr. Jaggers was constantly referred to as "my guardian," Magwitch served to be a figure that constantly cared for Pip, and towards the end of the novel, Joe returned to nurse Pip back to good health.

Great Expectations 2

• "To see her, with her white hair and her worn face, kneeling at my feet, gave me shock through all my frame... 'What have I done! What have I done!' She wrung her hands, and crushed her white hair, and returned to this cry over and over again. 'What have I done!'" (p. 400-401)

In the beginning of the novel, Dickens portrays Miss Havisham as a controlling, strange woman whereas Pip is more innocent and vulnerable. Now, towards the ending of Miss Havisham's life, their characteristics appear to completely switch. Miss Havisham desperately cries at Pips feet, "What have I done!" The once powerful woman appears overwhelmed, broken down, and apologetic -- a state Pip is shocked to see her in. The line "what have I done" seems strikingly similar to Conrad's line in Heart of Darkness, "The horror! The horror!" As a reader, it can be interpreted that both Kurtz and Miss Havisham repetitively shout these lines, reflecting on their unhappy life.

Great Expectations 1

• "At any particular time, Miss Havisham?" / "There, there! I know nothing about times. Let him come soon, and come alone with you." (p. 97)

Miss Havisham's refusal to give a specific time indicates that she never cared to know what time it was. Every clock in the house was stopped at "twenty minutes until nine" -- this was the time that Miss Havisham was informed her husband-to-be rejected their marriage. Charles Dickens illustrates Miss Havisham's denial by stopping the clocks, an attempt to cease time and leave everything unchanging, like the way it was before/on her wedding day. Miss Havisham believes this strange action will possibly lead her husband to accept her love and return to marry her.

Photo Credit:
Clock 8:40. Photograph. Clipart. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/33300/33394/clock-08-40_33394_md.gif.