I just finished Great Expectations and it was magnificent. Charles Dickens is one of those people on my "Who would you have to dinner?" lists (most definitely!) He had such a quirky sense of humor and word usage that makes you read so closely. I found if I was too tired I had to re-read to make sure I got the whole picture.
Things I keep thinking about:
- Why do you think he ends it with Pip and Estella meeting and the statement by Pip that they would forever be holding hands? I felt sorry for Estella, but wonder if she ever really could love anyone? I want Pip to be happy, just not sure that's the way...
- Joe- He is such an amazingly sweet guy. I think I cried a little when Pip was sick and he was nursing him back to health. He was so much smarter than Pip gave him credit for (like most kids to their parents.)
- How we don't choose who we love
- And mainly- How a little kindness (Pip with the convict) goes a long way and can change a person forever. If Pip hadn't had Joe's example of kindness growing up would he have been the person that he was?
Great Expectations (by Charles D. of course) is my pick for this month!
I don't think I read this until last year and absolutely loved it.
I hope everyone else does too!
Some things to ponder:
*How are everyone's "expectations" different?
*Why do you think Pip is so attracted to Estella (considering the way she treats men?)
*How does suffering effect each of these characters?
*Is the ending believable to you?
*How are the "sins of others" put on each of these characters?
