Today's lesson focused on parallel scenes. We yesterday reviewed Dickens' criticism of the decline of the British theatre illustrated by the pathetic performance of Hamlet by Mr Wopsle. On the board, I then questioned Marcel about parallel "performances", and we noted how Trabb's boy mockingly imitates Pip's arrogance and feigns fearfulness in Pip's presence, and ultimately examined Pip as the ultimate "actor" portraying the role of a rich gentlemen. We further noted two parallel scenes in the novel wherein Pip says "good-bye" to Joe ,each time Pip belatedly feeling guilty for being ashamed to be seen in Joe's presence. As Dickens is often criticized as being overly reliant on coincidence, we last discussed the almost preposterous coincidence of the "convict" who delivered Pip money when Pip was a young boy being transported on the same carriage as Pip when years later Pip returns home for a visit. I explained PIp's consternation as he seems to be constantly haunted by society's criminal element at a time in life when Pip fashions himself an upper class gentleman. For homework due Monday, read chapters 32-35, study vocabulary, answer ch 32-35 study guide questions.