Cleopatra. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.divasthesite.com/images/Cleopatra/Cleopatra_intro.jpg.
The Furies. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.lordalford.com/mythology/Greeks/furies.jpg.
Hercules. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/06/115106-004-52333086.jpg.
King Hamlet's Ghost. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/John_Gilbert_-_Hamlet_in_the_Presence_of_His_Father%27s_Ghost.JPG.
King Richard III. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/61/3761-004-1DC88B8B.jpg.
The Mughal Empire. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/willow/history-of-india2.gif.
Newgate Prison. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.hrionline.ac.uk/obp-wiki/images/e/e4/Newgate_prison_large.jpg.
Public Execution. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.executedtoday.com/images/William_Tyndale_execution.jpg.
Saint Clement. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.orthodoximages.com/images/icons/patrons/dingman/Clement_Ding6x8.jpg.
The Wandering Jew. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Wandering_jew.jpg.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Works Cited - Great Expectations
"All About Jewish Theatre - European Jewish Theatre: From 1600 to the 20th Century." All About Jewish Theatre - Main Page. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.jewish-theatre.com/visitor/article_display.aspx?articleID=2632.
"BRITISH HISTORY THE STORY of FREEDOM LIBERTY! THE TIMELINE Freedom & justice go hand in hand." Brits at their Best. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.britsattheirbest.com/freedom/f_time_19th_1800_1833.htm.
"Catechism - definition of catechism by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/catechism.
"CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Crusades." NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04543c.htm.
"CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Literary or Profane Legends." NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09121a.htm#section10.
"Charles Dickens." UUA Server for Other Organizations' Web Sites. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www25.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/charlesdickens.html.
"Dickens on Capital Punishment." CHARLES DICKENS - Earthlink.net. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://home.earthlink.net/~bsabatini/Inimitable-Boz/etexts/dickens_on_capital_punishment.html.
"Furies, Greece, Greek mythology." Greece Travel Greek islands History and Mythology. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.in2greece.com/english/historymyth/mythology/names/furies.htm.
"Habeas Corpus Act 1679." Cam Riley :: South Sea Republic. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.southsearepublic.org/article/916/read/habeas_corpus_act_1679.
"History of British judicial hanging." Capital Punishment U. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/hanging1.html#intro.
"A History of Christianity in England." World History Encyclopedia. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.localhistories.org/christian.html.
"The Life and Times of Hercules." Perseus Digital Library. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Herakles/bio.html.
"Mogul Empire." Encyclopedia.com. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-MogulEmpire.html.
"Newgate Prison." University of Michigan. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.umich.edu/~ece/student_projects/bonifield/newgatepic.html.
"Patron saint: Definition from Answers.com." Answers.com. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.answers.com/topic/patron-saint.
"Queen Cleopatra." King Tut Shop. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.kingtutshop.com/freeinfo/cleopatra.htm.
"Saint Clement I (pope) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/121001/Saint-Clement-I.
"SparkNotes: Richard III: Key Facts." SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/richardiii/facts.html.
"BRITISH HISTORY THE STORY of FREEDOM LIBERTY! THE TIMELINE Freedom & justice go hand in hand." Brits at their Best. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.britsattheirbest.com/freedom/f_time_19th_1800_1833.htm.
"Catechism - definition of catechism by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/catechism.
"CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Crusades." NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04543c.htm.
"CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Literary or Profane Legends." NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09121a.htm#section10.
"Charles Dickens." UUA Server for Other Organizations' Web Sites. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www25.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/charlesdickens.html.
"Dickens on Capital Punishment." CHARLES DICKENS - Earthlink.net. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://home.earthlink.net/~bsabatini/Inimitable-Boz/etexts/dickens_on_capital_punishment.html.
"Furies, Greece, Greek mythology." Greece Travel Greek islands History and Mythology. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.in2greece.com/english/historymyth/mythology/names/furies.htm.
"Habeas Corpus Act 1679." Cam Riley :: South Sea Republic. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.southsearepublic.org/article/916/read/habeas_corpus_act_1679.
"History of British judicial hanging." Capital Punishment U. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/hanging1.html#intro.
"A History of Christianity in England." World History Encyclopedia. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.localhistories.org/christian.html.
"The Life and Times of Hercules." Perseus Digital Library. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Herakles/bio.html.
"Mogul Empire." Encyclopedia.com. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-MogulEmpire.html.
"Newgate Prison." University of Michigan. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.umich.edu/~ece/student_projects/bonifield/newgatepic.html.
"Patron saint: Definition from Answers.com." Answers.com. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.answers.com/topic/patron-saint.
"Queen Cleopatra." King Tut Shop. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.kingtutshop.com/freeinfo/cleopatra.htm.
"Saint Clement I (pope) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/121001/Saint-Clement-I.
"SparkNotes: Richard III: Key Facts." SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/richardiii/facts.html.
Jewish Stereotypes
“...this Jew, who was of a highly excitable temperament, performing a jig of anxiety under a lamp-post, and accompanying himself, in a kind of frenzy, with the words, 'O Jaggerth, Jaggerth, Jaggerth! all otherth ith Cag-Maggerth, give me Jaggerth!'” (Page 182)
In literature and other sources of popular culture of this time period, the Jewish community was often depicted as being homely and uneducated. In theater, for instance, Jews frequently portrayed such characters as villains and poverty stricken individuals. Accompanying this picture of evil and impoverishment was the stereotype of Jews having lisps. This stereotype most likely derives from Jews speaking Hebrew. The Hebrew language consists of many throaty sounds which could very possibly be perceived as a type of lisp. Dickens uses this stereotype in many of his works of fiction. In addition to him using it here, he also created Fagin, the fiend-like character of Jewish descent, from Oliver Twist.
"All About Jewish Theatre - European Jewish Theatre: From 1600 to the 20th Century." All About Jewish Theatre - Main Page. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.jewish-theatre.com/visitor/article_display.aspx?articleID=2632.
In literature and other sources of popular culture of this time period, the Jewish community was often depicted as being homely and uneducated. In theater, for instance, Jews frequently portrayed such characters as villains and poverty stricken individuals. Accompanying this picture of evil and impoverishment was the stereotype of Jews having lisps. This stereotype most likely derives from Jews speaking Hebrew. The Hebrew language consists of many throaty sounds which could very possibly be perceived as a type of lisp. Dickens uses this stereotype in many of his works of fiction. In addition to him using it here, he also created Fagin, the fiend-like character of Jewish descent, from Oliver Twist.
"All About Jewish Theatre - European Jewish Theatre: From 1600 to the 20th Century." All About Jewish Theatre - Main Page. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.jewish-theatre.com/visitor/article_display.aspx?articleID=2632.
Capital Punishment
“...culprits came to be hanged; heightening the interest of that dreadful portal by giving me to understand that “four on 'em” would come out at that door the day after to-morrow at eight in the morning to be killed in a row.” (Page 181)
For hundreds of years, capital punishment was widespread in Great Britain. Before the twentieth century, which was when capital punishment was abolished, the most common form of the death penalty was being hanged. Up until the time period of Great Expectations, Great Britain had experienced a swell in capital offenses resulting with a large number of public executions. Although these executions were grotesque, they attracted large crowds and were considered to be a form of entertainment. Dickens includes this allusion not only because it held cultural importance, but because he was, at the time, an advocate against capital punishment. While he was alive, Dickens documented on multiple occasions that he disliked and took offense to public execution. Shortly following this passage, Pip remarks that this type of death penalty “was horrible, and gave [him] a sickening feeling of London” which reflects Dickens' own beliefs.
"History of British judicial hanging." Capital Punishment U. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/hanging1.html#intro.
"Dickens on Capital Punishment." CHARLES DICKENS - Earthlink.net. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://home.earthlink.net/~bsabatini/Inimitable-Boz/etexts/dickens_on_capital_punishment.html.
Public Execution. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.executedtoday.com/images/William_Tyndale_execution.jpg.
Newgate Prison
“...Newgate Prison...” (Page 181)
Newgate Prison was a famous jailhouse located in London, England. The prison was built early in the twelfth century and it was used up until the late 19th century. Newgate was notorious for being overcrowded and, consequently, having an unhealthy environment. Although the prison was often unkempt, it was very organized with its documentation of its prisoners and their crimes. According to historians, Newgate Prison has become the most well documented prison of eighteenth century England. Dickens includes this allusion because of its cultural significance. The prison was highly regarded both for its authoritative prestige and its fear inducing qualities. In addition to this, Dickens employs Newgate as a reminder to Pip to behave, especially if he wishes to become a gentleman. By being situated so close to the prison, Pip is impelled to act as civilized as possible so as not to join the corrupted individuals behind bars.
"Newgate Prison." University of Michigan. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.umich.edu/~ece/student_projects/bonifield/newgatepic.html.
Newgate Prison. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.hrionline.ac.uk/obp-wiki/images/e/e4/Newgate_prison_large.jpg.
Habeas Corpus
“Do you know, or do you not know, that the law of England supposes every man to be innocent, until he is proved—proved—to be guilty?” (Page 148)
This passage deliberately describes the legal action of habeas corpus. Habeas corpus is a mandate that requires a prosecuted person to be brought before a judicial court for investigation. In Great Britain, this right has been around for centuries with origins back to the 1300s, but it wasn't until 1679 that the Habeas Corpus Act was passed by Parliament. Dickens mentions habeas corpus in order to give some insight into the character of Jaggers. Although the reader is not completely familiar with this character, he or she soon discovers that Jaggers is in fact a lawyer. As a result, the reader can conclude that Jaggers is a very knowledgeable man and that he holds authority.
"Habeas Corpus Act 1679." Cam Riley :: South Sea Republic. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.southsearepublic.org/article/916/read/habeas_corpus_act_1679.
This passage deliberately describes the legal action of habeas corpus. Habeas corpus is a mandate that requires a prosecuted person to be brought before a judicial court for investigation. In Great Britain, this right has been around for centuries with origins back to the 1300s, but it wasn't until 1679 that the Habeas Corpus Act was passed by Parliament. Dickens mentions habeas corpus in order to give some insight into the character of Jaggers. Although the reader is not completely familiar with this character, he or she soon discovers that Jaggers is in fact a lawyer. As a result, the reader can conclude that Jaggers is a very knowledgeable man and that he holds authority.
"Habeas Corpus Act 1679." Cam Riley :: South Sea Republic. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.southsearepublic.org/article/916/read/habeas_corpus_act_1679.
The Furies
“...pulled her hair down—which were the last stages on her road to frenzy. Being by this time a perfect Fury...” (Page 128)
The Furies are the Greek goddesses of vengeance. The first of the three goddesses is Tisiphone, the avenger of murder; the second is Megaera, the jealous, and the third is Alecto who represents constant anger. The Furies would punish anyone, without mercy, who committed a crime ranging from the small scale of breaking simple rules to the large scale of muder. As punishment, the Furies inflicted their victims with madness. They are often portrayed as hideous creatures with snakes for hair and blood dripping from their eyes. Dickens compares Mrs. Joe to these monstrous beings because of her temper. Following her confrontation with Orlick in the forge, it makes sense that she would be upset and a little unruly. By this point in the story, the reader is familiar with Mrs. Joe being a tyrant and an overall mean individual. Perhaps Dickens makes this reference to the Furies in order to foreshadow Mrs. Joe's eventual “punishment” – in a way, she is later penalized for her past wrongdoings or mistreatment of others.
"Furies, Greece, Greek mythology." Greece Travel Greek islands History and Mythology. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.in2greece.com/english/historymyth/mythology/names/furies.htm.
The Furies. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.lordalford.com/mythology/Greeks/furies.jpg.
The Wandering Jew
“...he would slouch out, like...the Wandering Jew, as if he had no idea where he was going and no intention of ever coming back...” (Page 125)
According to legend, as Jesus made his way to his crucifixion bearing the cross, a cobbler saw him and made such remarks as “crucify him” and “go where thou belongest.” Upon hearing these cruel words, Jesus informed the cobbler that he would roam restlessly over the earth until Judgment Day as punishment. It seems that Dickens describes Orlick as being similar to the Wandering Jew not only because of his poor posture, but also because of his rude behavior and generally unpleasant nature. Orlick can be considered the antagonist of the story because of his odious ways. Due to his uncivil conduct toward Pip, Joe, and Mrs. Joe and, as the reader later learns, his bludgeoning of Mrs. Joe, it can be assumed that he would be eternally punished similarly to how the Wandering Jew was punished.
"CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Literary or Profane Legends." NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09121a.htm#section10.
The Wandering Jew. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Wandering_jew.jpg.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Change
“I had believed in the best parlour as a most elegant saloon; I had believed in the front door, as a mysterious portal of the Temple of State whose solemn opening was attended with a sacrifice of roast fowls; I had believed in the kitchen as a chaste though not magnificent apartment; I had believed in the forge as the glowing road to manhood and independence. Within a single year all this was changed.” (Page 118)
Multiple times throughout the novel, change arises as an important theme. This passage in particular exhibits a development in Pip's character. Dickens shows that Pip has grown and matured in such a way that he no longer feels comfortable living with the Gargerys nor does he feel fit to work as a blacksmith. Pip mentions that all of his surroundings once offered him peace, but having dealt with these conditions all of his life, he is ready for a change; he is willing to give up this lower-class lifestyle and try something new. This event in the plot provides a turning point in Pip's life. Soon hereafter, Pip decides he wants to learn how to become a gentleman, something that would otherwise be difficult to come by. Fortunately the odds are in his favor and the theme of change arises yet again offering him the opportunity of a lifetime. Dickens uses this theme to show the transition that Pip undergoes both mentally and physically.
Multiple times throughout the novel, change arises as an important theme. This passage in particular exhibits a development in Pip's character. Dickens shows that Pip has grown and matured in such a way that he no longer feels comfortable living with the Gargerys nor does he feel fit to work as a blacksmith. Pip mentions that all of his surroundings once offered him peace, but having dealt with these conditions all of his life, he is ready for a change; he is willing to give up this lower-class lifestyle and try something new. This event in the plot provides a turning point in Pip's life. Soon hereafter, Pip decides he wants to learn how to become a gentleman, something that would otherwise be difficult to come by. Fortunately the odds are in his favor and the theme of change arises yet again offering him the opportunity of a lifetime. Dickens uses this theme to show the transition that Pip undergoes both mentally and physically.
Cleopatra
“...much as Cleopatra or any other sovereign lady on the Rampage might exhibit her wealth in a pageant or procession.” (Page 109)
Cleopatra is considered by many to be the most famous Egyptian pharaoh ever to have lived. She reigned from 51 B.C. to 30 B.C. and was the last pharaoh of Egypt. She is reputably known for her alliance with Julius Caesar as well as her relationship with Mark Antony. Dickens alludes to this famous queen in order to develop Mrs. Joe as a character. He characterizes her as thinking very highly of herself, as if she is better than those who surround her, i.e. her husband and brother. This passage just so happens to follow her not being invited to Miss Havisham's home. The haughty attitude she assumes here is most likely related to her hurt feelings. It seems that Dickens purposely depicts Mrs. Joe in this dignified manner so that her dignity can later be destroyed when she is assaulted, similarly to how Cleopatra's reign ended when she committed suicide after Egypt was taken over by the Romans.
"Queen Cleopatra." King Tut Shop. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.kingtutshop.com/freeinfo/cleopatra.htm.
Cleopatra. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.divasthesite.com/images/Cleopatra/Cleopatra_intro.jpg.
Slavery
“...she asked Joe why he hadn't married a Negress Slave at once?” (Page 108)
When Mrs. Joe says “Negress Slave,” she is simply referring to a negro woman. Before the 19th century, Great Britain, as well as countless other nations, enslaved negroes and forced them to do hard labor. However, during the 1800s Great Britain underwent a slight reform and slavery was abolished. In 1807, slave trade was ended, and not very long after, in 1833, Parliament passed a bill to end slavery. This novel presumably takes place during the mid-nineteenth century. As a result, one can assume that the plot occurs near when slavery was outlawed or shortly thereafter. Dickens shows cultural context within this allusion here. Mrs. Joe obviously has it engrained in her mind that it was common for blacks to be exploited as slaves. It is safe to say that there was much racism following this emancipation of blacks, a hint of which can be traced in the statement made by Mrs. Joe.
"BRITISH HISTORY THE STORY of FREEDOM LIBERTY! THE TIMELINE Freedom & justice go hand in hand." Brits at their Best. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.britsattheirbest.com/freedom/f_time_19th_1800_1833.htm.
When Mrs. Joe says “Negress Slave,” she is simply referring to a negro woman. Before the 19th century, Great Britain, as well as countless other nations, enslaved negroes and forced them to do hard labor. However, during the 1800s Great Britain underwent a slight reform and slavery was abolished. In 1807, slave trade was ended, and not very long after, in 1833, Parliament passed a bill to end slavery. This novel presumably takes place during the mid-nineteenth century. As a result, one can assume that the plot occurs near when slavery was outlawed or shortly thereafter. Dickens shows cultural context within this allusion here. Mrs. Joe obviously has it engrained in her mind that it was common for blacks to be exploited as slaves. It is safe to say that there was much racism following this emancipation of blacks, a hint of which can be traced in the statement made by Mrs. Joe.
"BRITISH HISTORY THE STORY of FREEDOM LIBERTY! THE TIMELINE Freedom & justice go hand in hand." Brits at their Best. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.britsattheirbest.com/freedom/f_time_19th_1800_1833.htm.
Saint Clement
“...Old Clem. This was not a very ceremonious way of rendering homage to a patron saint; but I believe Old Clem stood in that relation toward smiths.” (Page 105)
The historical figure referred to here as “Old Clem” is, in actuality, Saint Clement or, as he was otherwise known, Pope Clement I. Clement was pope from 88 to 97 A.D. He is sometimes referred to as the first Apostolic Father of the Church meaning his papacy took place while the Twelve Apostles were still alive. According to several tales, Clement was banished from Rome. Following his ostracism, he was punished for converting a large number of pagans to Christianity by being tied to an anchor and drowned. Because of this, he is recognized as a martyr. Dickens references Clement because he is also known as the patron saint, a saint who is regarded as the advocate in heaven for a place, craft, class, or person, of blacksmithing which ties perfectly in with Joe Gargery's profession. In a sense, Joe can be considered a martyr, though, on a much smaller scale. He makes multiple sacrifices in order to benefit Pip; for instance, he allows Pip to leave his services to learn to become a gentleman - Joe loses his apprentice for Pip's cause. In many ways, Joe can even be considered saint-like because of his genuine character.
"Saint Clement I (pope) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/121001/Saint-Clement-I.
"Patron saint: Definition from Answers.com." Answers.com. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.answers.com/topic/patron-saint.
Saint Clement. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.orthodoximages.com/images/icons/patrons/dingman/Clement_Ding6x8.jpg.
Time Stood Still
“It was then I began to understand that everything in the room had stopped, like the watch and the clock a long time ago.” (Page 66)
Time plays an important role in this novel, especially since it is biographical of the character Pip. In this part of the novel, Pip recognizes an interesting quirk about Miss Havisham and her manor; all of the clocks within the manor have been set to the same time of twenty minutes to nine and every other object seems to have remained stationary for years. Although this peculiarity provides for some grotesque scenery (for instance, a moldy cake and a thick layer of dust covering everything), it also symbolizes that Havisham's life has been frozen in time. At one point in the story, Miss Havisham even remarks that she knows “nothing about times” showing how greatly she is affected by her lost sense of time. This particular passage is important because it foreshadows the discovery of why Miss Havisham is living in the past (she was abandoned upon her wedding day). Although this information may seem unimportant, Dickens uses it to tie several of the characters together – Compeyson and Magwitch, Magwitch and Pip, Pip and Estella, etc. Miss Havisham's memory of being left at the alter also affects how she views the relationship between Pip and Estella. This is why she feels devastated when she discovers that Estella has chosen someone other than Pip to marry; she pities him similarly to how she pities herself.
Time plays an important role in this novel, especially since it is biographical of the character Pip. In this part of the novel, Pip recognizes an interesting quirk about Miss Havisham and her manor; all of the clocks within the manor have been set to the same time of twenty minutes to nine and every other object seems to have remained stationary for years. Although this peculiarity provides for some grotesque scenery (for instance, a moldy cake and a thick layer of dust covering everything), it also symbolizes that Havisham's life has been frozen in time. At one point in the story, Miss Havisham even remarks that she knows “nothing about times” showing how greatly she is affected by her lost sense of time. This particular passage is important because it foreshadows the discovery of why Miss Havisham is living in the past (she was abandoned upon her wedding day). Although this information may seem unimportant, Dickens uses it to tie several of the characters together – Compeyson and Magwitch, Magwitch and Pip, Pip and Estella, etc. Miss Havisham's memory of being left at the alter also affects how she views the relationship between Pip and Estella. This is why she feels devastated when she discovers that Estella has chosen someone other than Pip to marry; she pities him similarly to how she pities herself.
The Mogul Empire
“I don't deny that you sister comes the Mo-gul over us...” (Page 54)
In this passage, Joe makes a reference to the Mogul Empire of India. The Mogul Empire covered almost all of India and stretched as far westward and Moscow and Constantinople. This imperial power reigned from 1526 to 1857. The people of the Mogul Empire were essentially persianized Mongols, an ethnic group associated with the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan. Dickens uses this reference to characterize Mrs. Joe as being tyrannical. She is very strict and relentless when it comes discipline in her household much like the Mogul Empire was as it spread and attained power.
"Mogul Empire." Encyclopedia.com. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-MogulEmpire.html.
The Mughal Empire. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/willow/history-of-india2.gif.
Catechism - Religion
“...my notions of the theological positions to which my Catechism bound me...” (Page 47)
A catechism is a manual giving the basic principles of Christianity. In the nineteenth century, organized religion was very important; in fact, following a decline, it was during this time period that the Church of England regained its energy. Religion essentially provided structure for British society. Dickens includes religion in many of his stories mostly because of its cultural significance. Dickens, who was baptized under the Church of England but later became a Unitarian, was religious in the sense that he believed in treating others with kindness and generosity. Dickens clearly influences his character, Pip, with a similar belief seeing as how Pip has a genuine soul. Aside from this quote suggesting the slight religious undertone of the novel, it, among several other instances, demonstrates how binding certain issues including religion and work were during this time period.
"Catechism - definition of catechism by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/catechism.
"A History of Christianity in England." World History Encyclopedia. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.localhistories.org/christian.html.
"Charles Dickens." UUA Server for Other Organizations' Web Sites. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www25.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/charlesdickens.html.
A catechism is a manual giving the basic principles of Christianity. In the nineteenth century, organized religion was very important; in fact, following a decline, it was during this time period that the Church of England regained its energy. Religion essentially provided structure for British society. Dickens includes religion in many of his stories mostly because of its cultural significance. Dickens, who was baptized under the Church of England but later became a Unitarian, was religious in the sense that he believed in treating others with kindness and generosity. Dickens clearly influences his character, Pip, with a similar belief seeing as how Pip has a genuine soul. Aside from this quote suggesting the slight religious undertone of the novel, it, among several other instances, demonstrates how binding certain issues including religion and work were during this time period.
"Catechism - definition of catechism by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/catechism.
"A History of Christianity in England." World History Encyclopedia. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.localhistories.org/christian.html.
"Charles Dickens." UUA Server for Other Organizations' Web Sites. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www25.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/charlesdickens.html.
Mr. Wopsle
“Mr. Wopsle said grace with theatrical declamation—as it now appears to me, something like a religious cross of the Ghost in Hamlet with Richard III...” (Page 27)
Charles Dickens makes this reference primarily to show that Mr. Wopsle is a particularly histrionic character. This quote alludes to the famous Shakespearean tragedies, Hamlet and Richard III. In Hamlet, the late king of Denmark returns from the grave to haunt his son and confide in him the secret of his untimely death. Richard III entails the rise to power and short reign of the English king of the same name. Both characters are depicted as being stately, due to their royalty, and both have their share of dramatic monologues. Like them, Mr. Wopsle thinks very highly of himself. Dickens chooses these characters to compare Wopsle to because they contradict each other. Wopsle is weighed alongside a live and dead king to show that he is at a middle ground; his character and abilities are lacking depth and haven't come to their full potential. Dickens also points out that Mr. Wopsle is a "religious" cross between the two most likely because of his involvement in the church; he is the local church clerk. Not only does this quote give a description of Mr. Wopsle, but it also foreshadows his later career transition into becoming an actor and his mediocre portrayal of Hamlet later in the story.
"SparkNotes: Richard III: Key Facts." SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/richardiii/facts.html.
King Hamlet's Ghost. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/John_Gilbert_-_Hamlet_in_the_Presence_of_His_Father%27s_Ghost.JPG.
King Richard III. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/61/3761-004-1DC88B8B.jpg.
The Crusades
“...secretly crossed his two fingers...like monumental Crusaders as to their legs.” (Page 23)
The Crusades were a series of religious expeditions undertaken by those who vowed to spread and restore Christianity in the Holy Land. This campaign took place over the course of two hundred years between 1095 and 1291. Much like the Crusaders, Joe and Pip essentially vow to protect one another while living under the tyrannical rule of Mrs. Joe Gargery. The Crusaders were known for their covert schemes of infiltrating cultures with Christianity. Likewise, Joe and Pip must remain secretive in order to avoid Mrs. Joe's wrath. Dickens characterizes the two as modern-day Crusaders with this scheme of crossing their fingers to signify Mrs. Joe's “cross temper.” It is said that, when a Crusader died, they were buried with their legs crossed to signify their servitude.
"CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Crusades." NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04543c.htm.
The Crusades were a series of religious expeditions undertaken by those who vowed to spread and restore Christianity in the Holy Land. This campaign took place over the course of two hundred years between 1095 and 1291. Much like the Crusaders, Joe and Pip essentially vow to protect one another while living under the tyrannical rule of Mrs. Joe Gargery. The Crusaders were known for their covert schemes of infiltrating cultures with Christianity. Likewise, Joe and Pip must remain secretive in order to avoid Mrs. Joe's wrath. Dickens characterizes the two as modern-day Crusaders with this scheme of crossing their fingers to signify Mrs. Joe's “cross temper.” It is said that, when a Crusader died, they were buried with their legs crossed to signify their servitude.
"CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Crusades." NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04543c.htm.
Hercules
“...a sort of Hercules in strength, and also in weakness.” (Page 7)
Hercules is considered by many to be the most famous of Greek heroes. According to myth, Hercules was born to the Greek god, Zeus, and a mortal woman. When Zeus' wife, Hera, discovered Hercules, she did all she could to do away with him. However, she was unsuccessful with killing the infant and thus vowed to make the remainder of his life miserable. Despite this, Hercules became incredibly strong and overcame many of the hurtles thrown at him. Dickens describes Joe as having Hercules-like characteristics because Joe is a brute of a man having worked most of his life in the forge. Although Hercules is known for his strength, several of the challenges he faced in life exposed his weaknesses including his desire to die due to the excruciating pain he received after being poisoned. Dickens does not attribute Joe with this type of weakness, but instead characterizes him as being sensitive, especially with personal affairs such as when his wife is seriously injured and when Pip leaves his apprenticeship.
"The Life and Times of Hercules." Perseus Digital Library. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Herakles/bio.html.
Hercules. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/06/115106-004-52333086.jpg.
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