Connections?

Romeo and Juliet...two people, two different households, two enemies- come together in love.  We each connect to the novel differently even though it was written a long time ago.  The author died, but the Romeo and Juliet legacy lives on.  For me, my connection isn't with the main characters necessary, but it’s with Benvolio, Romeo's cousin.  I can total relate with the concept of friendship, and I'm sure we all can.  Benvolio is always trying to cheer Romeo up and would do anything to make him happy again.  This is a crucial concept in my mind.  If anyone was upset, I will do almost anything to cheer them up.  I always try to be there to pick up the pieces and put them back together as fast as possible!  I love how Benvolio is constantly reminding Romeo of what else it out there and still staying positive.  On the other hand, I have been in Romeo's position... (Not so depressed over something), but when I am upset my "Benvolios"- aka friends- are always right behind me cheering me on.

I must be completely and totally honest that I am having a hard time deciphering the "Shakespearean" language by myself.  It’s hard to keep on looking to the left side for word meanings, to the reading page, think about all the concepts, and read at the same time.  Reading in class is much more affective for me.  Hearing it in different voices then my own. Going back over it in class I get a more insightful idea on some of the metaphors, pun, etc. that I was oblivious to. It's getting easier as we get into the novel, and I am hoping that by the end I will be fluent in understanding the "Shakespearean" language. 

Theme :)

The recurrence of the main themes throughout Great Expectations creates a different atmosphere where it’s not all about the plot. However; it also mirrors sometimes our own experiences.  The one that I picked out was "it’s not all about materialism" i.e. money, parties, etc. It’s about the people in our lives that ultimately matter the most.  How we live our lives is our choice, but we will always want more than what we have.  You could want the newest ipod touch, or to be the most popular person on Facebook; but what happens after that?  What I think about is countries around the world.  Here in America it’s all about I want...can I get?... and I got to have!.  Each one of us thinks more about our possession and ourselves than sometimes the people around us.  We are all very guilty, sadly to say.  However, in places like the third world countries, there are people who are less fortinute.  They stick together and try to service every day. ( I am not saying it doesn’t happen here to.  It was just an example.)  What they value the most is family.  Beside for their basic need of survival sometimes or in most cases they are happier with less than we are with more because they have each other!  Money can't buy you happiness; materials can't make you happy; but the people around you can!

Great Expectations response

   I noticed that a lot of people really disliked Great Expectations, but I actually enjoyed reading the book.  What I loved most about the novel was Dickens's writing.  Yes, he used very elaborate language that was hard to follow, but he wrote is such a way that it made you really love the characters or really hate them.  Everything was very well connected.  Even the smallest of details such as the literary devises came together at the end.  Discussions really helped me understand some of the small details that I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise.  The middle was boring, but the fluctuation of the novel keeps you on your toes.  Even with the small clues that were given, I still didn't catch the mysteries on my own, however; it was fun to have a few surprises.  The only major piece that I didn't like about Great Expectations was the ending.  It was disappointing that Pip didn't marry Bibby! :( Joe marrying Bibby? NOOOOO!

From the very front cover to that backs binding, I read all the way though!  It was a ton of reading, but I am glad I can say, I DID IT.  I got into a routine of picking the book up on a Saturday afternoon and reading through Monday and Tuesday’s assignment.  I always had my laptop in hand with dictionary.com readily available and Sparknotes just in case.  After Tuesday, I would be rushing to get it done with all my other homework, so that I didn't fall behind.  Usually I was sitting on the couch in the living room or sometimes sitting at my desk (aka dining room table) with my feet up on the other chair across from me.  Over all, I comprehended the book pretty well.  Without our daily discussions I wouldn't have done as well, but with that help it was attainable.  As far as annotations go, I would read through an assignment and take notes as I went, then I would go back to the notes and annotate, then read, and repeat.      

Rachel