As Part II of the novel focuses on Dickens' social criticism of the middle class(and class distinctions generally) and of the judicial system, we studied both aspects today. I pointed out Dickens' harsh descriptions of Newgate Prison and the glee of public officials over the execution of prisoners for minor crimes. Additionally, I explained the interactions between the lawyer,Jaggers, and his informants. Jaggers is offered an alibi witness for a case but berates his informer not for producing a false witness but only for telling Jaggers the witness is lying ,thereby precluding Jaggers from knowingly producing the false witness. Capitalism is also denounced in the ambition of Herbert Pocket to produce "capital" for its own sake,. Marcel did a very good job analyzing a metaphorical quote from the novel that encapsulates the theme of the novel that one can not hide his true self or identify by a coat of glossy "varnish". In that regard ,we discussed how Pip sheds his true identity for a hollow one as symbolized by his adopting a new name ,"Handel" . Herbert renames Pip ,Handel , in homage to Handel's piano piece "The Harmonious Blacksmith " since Pip had been a blacksmith's apprentice before becoming a "gentleman". We discussed Handel , the composer, and listened to Handel's "The Harmonious Blacksmith" as Marcel plays piano. Last, we discussed Dickens' parody of the mannerisms of middle class Victorian society as illustrated in the etiquette lessons Herbert gives Pip. For homework due Monday, review chapters 1-6 vocabulary for vocabulary quiz on Monday and read chapters 27-29. Test on chapters 1-25 on Wednesday.