Great Expectations Response #2

Option 2:
In many cases, the meaning of a persons name actualy does match up to that persons true looks and personality. In the case of Estella, this holds very true. In the spanish language, the word estrella means star. I also found on an etymology website that the name Estelle is a form of the name Esther which means star. When i think of a star, I think of something beautiful or something that stands out. I also think of a star as a celebrity. Many times celebrities are so caught up in how pretty and famous they are that they are self centered and mean to others that are not as "good" as them. "I think she is very pretty." "Anything else?" "I think she is very insulting." (pg.61) According to Pip, Estella is very pretty on the outside just like a star or celebrity, but she is also very insulting and mean towards Pip. Stars (celebrities) tend to end up being this way when they are very caught up in themselves and think that they are better than everyone else. "Let me see you play cards with this boy." "With this boy! Why he is a common labouring boy!" (pg 60) This quote implies that Estella thinks she is better than Pip and wants nothing to do with a "common labouring boy." The word star definately defines Estella. A self centered, mean personality, good looking girl is the definition of Estella.

Great Expectations Respose 1

-Mrs. Joe-
“By this time my sister was quite desperate, so she pounced on Joe, and, taking him by the two whiskers, knocked his head for a little while against the wall behind him: while I sat in the corner, looking guiltily on.”

Mrs. Joe seems to have a lot of power and control over Joe and Pip, but Mrs Joe asserts her power negatively is by mentally or physical abusing them. Mr. Joe is a very calm and easygoing guy which makes it easier for Mrs. Joe to get away with the abuse in the house. Joe and Pip never really speak up for themselves or one another, and just watch as one another get abused. I and others probably wonder why Joe would marry this women in the first place? Mrs. Joe has a great reputation with her neighbors, but when shes in her own house, shes the complete opposite. Mrs. Joe has reminded Pip one multiple occasions that she has "raised him by hand." Because of this comment, Pip has become a more fearful person, and is oftenly viewing situations in a negative way. one reason that Mrs. Joe may act the way she does, is because her and Pip's parents have died. When a persons parents have passed away, a lot of times people respond to the deaths in a negative way. this could explain her hostile actions. Another reason for Mrs. Joe acting the way she does is women rights issues. In the time that the book "Great Expectations" was written, women were not valued as highly as men. Because of this, Mrs. Joe wants to feel powerful and valued, therefore she takes her control and power out on Pip and Joe, because it is not appropriet elsewhere. It does not matter what the circumstanses are, Mrs. Joe should not be as controlling and abusive as she is, and Joe and Pip need to speak up.