We explored Pip's confession of love to Estella and discussed the difference between love and obsession. In this regard, we contrasted the relationships of Herbert/Clara and Wemmick /Miss Skiffins. Matthew commented on Estella as a destructive moral force in Pip's life ,and we examined Estella as both a destructive force and a catalyst for Pip's personal growth. Further, we untangled the convoluted plan to smuggle Magwitch out of the country as well as the legal consequences if Magwitch is captured. Last, I discussed the status of Matthew's research project as well as the lesson plans for next week as Matthew reported that he will not be class next Thursday and Friday.HW- r next two chapters/Test Tuesday
Today's lesson focused on static characters vs non- static characters who develop . We first noted how Pip has developed compassion and confidence in his moral stature due to his change in circumstances. We studied his profound expression of his futile love for Estella ,noting how Estella remains unmoved- a static character. I explained how Dickens composed two endings to the novel and that understanding Estella's static character is instrumental in analyzing which ending provides the better literary ending consistent with the novel's genre. As Estella bids Pip good-bye she comments "As visionary boy-or a man." We discussed how this quote encapsulates the bildungsroman formula. By contrast to Estella, Pip's tragedy of fortune and love move Miss Havisham to feel pity and remorse. She is no longer static . Matthew noted how Miss Havisham sees Pip's forlorn state as comparable to hers when she was jilted years ago. HW- read next two chapters/study guide.
During our first session Matthew discussed and took notes on the use of symbolism in the bildungsroman, specifically the symbolic role of clothes and names. From the text, we located examples of the theme of self identity illustrated by the character's acquiring a new set of clothes that hides his true identity. Similarly , we examined the new names adopted by certain characters and contrasted those new identities with the stipulation in Pip's trust that Pip always remain named "Pip". Matthew further discussed and took notes on Dickens' use of coincidence. As Pip is an instrument of revenge for both Magwitch and Miss Havisham, we noted their commonality. During the second session, we examined the trial of Magwitch and Compeyson and discussed Dickens' ongoing criticism of the Victorian criminal justice system which treats the poor and uneducated quite differently from the accused who are upper class. Last, we discussed Pip's plan to smuggle Magwitch out of the country. Matthew astutely noted how Pip's character shows a small improvement in his concern for Magwitch. HW- r.next two chapters/complete take home quiz.
Bella read, discussed, and analyzed the next chapter of Where the Crawdads Sing. She then wote an outline that compared and contrasted the two characters of Tate and Chase. This will be used as the basis for an essay. She then reviewed SAT vocabulary being studied.
Jaydn completed part I of The Great Alone. Jaydn wrote a short essay where she discussed the theme of family in Part I of the novel. She compared the families of Leni and Matthew and discussed the eccentricities of these families and how they are demonstrated in the novel. She concluded the essay by discussing her thoughts on the statement the author is making regarding family.
Cabo read, analyzed, and discussed the next chapter of The Great Alone. He wrote a short essay discussing the themes of grief, shame, and repression in the novel. He discussed the characters that largely explore these themes and how they do so. He also discussed what statements he thought the author is making regarding these themes.
Bella wrote an essay today responding to the following prompt:Choose one event, action, setting, or character that might indicate a foreshadowed event in the story. Discuss what you believe this example might foretell and why.
Cabo read, discussed, and analyzed two chapters of The Great Alone. He discussed the theme of change and fear of change and its effect on the protagonists. He wrote a short essay describing the character development of the antagonist from the onset of the novel to the character's demise. Cabo then reviewed SAT vocabulary being studied.
Jaydn read and analyzed one chapter from The Great Alone. She discussed the theme of fear and its effect on the protagonists. She cited text and found specific diction that the author used to build and convey this theme. She then made predictions of its future effect on the characters. Jaydn then reviewed SAT vocabulary being studied.
Jaydn read, discussed, and analyzed chapters 9 and 10 of The Great Alone. She wrote a short essay describing the character of Cora. Jaydn discussed her strengths and weaknesses, as she sees them, citing text to support her analysis. She then reviewed SAT vocabulary being studied.
