Student Led Discussion by Anna

1. In Chapter 13, why does Pip feel uncomfortable at the Satis House with Joe?
Rachel- weird experience
Debra- he was confused why Havisham wanted Joe to be there and he felt awkward having Joe tell him rather than Miss Havisham the answers to her questions.

2. What fear involving Estella haunted Pip?
Elyse- he was afraid that she would despise him (used quote to support)
Anna- he didn't want to ruin his image
Debra and Rachel- wants to impress him

3. Why doesn't Pip run away from home even though he is unhappy?
Rachel- he doesn't want to leave Joe and he can't do much to change his own life
Debra- no place to go
Anna- Herbert got to run his life, Pip was given it to him on a silver platter (Rachel- "more like a plate. His life still sucks")
Anna- the Havishams screwed him over and Pip became snobby after meeting them

4. Why does the fight between Orlick and Joe become important? Was it a sign of Joe's love for his wife?
Anna- Mrs. Joe was out of character and she kind of cared
Debra- it shows that she is like the man of the house
Rachel- I forgot my point... one sec

5. Who do you think attacked Mrs. Joe?
Rachel- it was karma
Debra- could she have been influenced by a benefactor like Pip?
Rachel- Miss Havisham corrupted his life and made him wish for more
Anna- Havisham could have been working through Estella

6. Why do you think Dickens characterizes Mr. Jaggers as dark?
Rachel- his last name is Jaggers... like daggers
Debra- he could be foreshadowing that he will affect Pip's life negatively
Anna- he is sketchy and scares the judge

7. Who do you suspect gave Pip the fortune?
Debra- the convict because Pip helped him out
Rachel- the convicts are in jail
Anna- Pip saw someone give the convict the file. Could Mr. Jaggers be in with the convict?
Rachel- Havisham is too obvious and wants revenge (Anna stop interrupting)
Debra- the ex-fiance may want to get back by quelling her attempts to ruin Pip's life
Rachel- she could be mentally ill- she's insane!- finance helps to protect Pip from Havisham

8. Why does Havisham want Pip?
Debra- Pumblechook introduced Pip to Havisham to ruin his life and wants him to be like Mrs. Joe because he adores her
Anna- Mrs. Joe wants money
Rachel- unless she was ill, Mrs Joe would not send Pip to Havisham
Debra- the wine that Pumblechook always brings for Christmas is symbolic for poison
Rachel- but... but... but... this is not science fiction!
Debra- he uses this to get all these ideas into her head
Rachel- I'm done with this.

9. What is Pip's first impression of London? Does he hate his choice?
Rachel- it is a reality check for Pip and he realizes he would of been happier at home and should've stayed
Debra- he pictured Estella with him
Anna- he misses the marshes
Rachel- Like when people came to America- disappointment. He misses a part of himself; he's lost.
Debra- home is where the heart is

10. In what ways are Pip and Miss Pocket alike?
Anna- she will be a new mother figure for him because Mrs Joe was a dictator
Debra- their life is not quite as proper as the Havishams, but a good medium

Blog Prompts

Blog Post Topics (Respond to 1 of the prompts below each week):

A.            Select a significant quotation from your reading; explore the significance of that quotation to the development of characters, conflict, theme, etc.

B.            Explore a significant change in an important character.

C.           Explore a significant relationship’s conflicts or growth.

D.           Write about a motif you see developing--where have you noticed it? What does it seem to be revealing about characters or themes?

E.            Explore the significance of a particular setting (not of the whole novel--pick a specific scene).

F.            Explore the significance of a passage with a lot of imagery or description.

G.           Write about a symbol--how does it exist both literally and figuratively? What does it represent?

H.           Explore connections between your book and something you’ve read previously in English class.

I.              Explore connections between the text and your own life.

J.            What is the significance of the book’s title? What