In preparation for tomorrow's test, I placed on the board overarching motifs and themes that provide literary cohesion . Matthew copied from the board the following: Setting as a foundation of tone, diction as an indicator of social class, the treatment of children in Victorian England , and guilt as an element of Pip's life.We then discussed how specific passages from the first 6 chapters of the novel fit into these broader categories. We further studied Joe's personal history .As a child he has suffered physical abuse from a drunken father and is deprived of an education.Yet, Joe still considers his father "kind at heart". I reviewed the characteristics of the Romantic genre noting that characters are not realistic but are idealized or demonized and noted Joe as an idealized man who maintains his moral standards despite his harsh life and upbringing. He will act as a contrasting figure to Pip. We then discussed questions Matthew had on his reading and study guide work by closely examining the text. We worked on Dickens' metaphorical statement comparing life to a chain made of either gold or iron/thorns or roses ,as well as the significance of Pip receiving a one pound note from a stranger who is clearly of the criminal class. I discussed how one pound notes were taken out of circulation in the 1830s due to massive forgeries and then discussed how lack of authenticity is a theme in the novel as is the motif of a forgery. Joe works in a forge; Pip must forge a new identify. HW-study for test .read ch 11.