Today's lesson focused on plot parallels, symbolism ,and Dickens' use(overuse) of plot coincidences. We first studied two scenes in the novel wherein Joe and Pip part. Though separated by several years , in each case, Pip abruptly leaves Joe fearing to be seen with the lower class Joe. As Pip later feels remorse about his actions, Matthew discussed the theme of guilt in the context of these scenes. We then continued our outline of coincidences in the novel. We closely examined Pip's coach ride to his village wherein he is coincidentally accompanied by the convict whom earlier in the novel gave Pip a sum of money. Even though he is not recognized ,I explained Pip's consternation at the possibility of being associated with the criminal class given his current elevated class status. Matthew further studied the significance of Joe's parting words to Pip where the imagery of clothes acts as a symbol for the creation of a new ,but often false identify or cover, such as the one Pip now sports. Matthew took notes on these areas. HW- continue research for paper on the rigid Victorian social class system/r . ch 33.