We first discussed Matthew's homework interpreting a metaphorical phrase in the novel. Matthew did well in recognizing the passage related to social class distinctions ,and I elaborated on the metaphor by explaining how the metaphor reflects the ongoing theme in the novel that one's moral character manifests itself despite attempts to camouflage bad propensities with the veneer of social class. As the plot at times is complex with many characters, we then sorted through some of the ongoing events in the novel by clarifying the cause of the dispute between Joe and Orlick and the events leading up to Mrs Joe's attack. I additionally pointed out Dickens' use of sarcasm in describing the death of Mr Wopsle's great aunt who "conquered her confirmed habit of living." We noted how the secondary theme of forgiveness appears as Mrs Joe , even in her weakened mute state ,attempts to reconcile with Orlick even though it appears to the reader that it was in fact Orllck who attacked Mrs Joe. Again, we noted the white sail motif as symbolic of Pip's prospects which Pip associates with both Estella and Miss Havisham. HW r. ch 20/study guide.