Dreams

A lot of times, I'll have a really vivid dream and the next day I'll think that dream actually happened. This is the only time i really think about my dreams. I think I relate most to Mercutio because he thinks dreams don't have any significant meaning. Of course, I've had dreams that turned out in some way or another to be true but I would say that's just coincidental. I feel like throughout the book Romeo is just looking for places where his dreams happen to match reality.

Culture Shock

The play "Romeo and Juliet" is referenced all the time in modern culture. One example I found is in music. I came up of three songs that clearly give allusions to this play. Although I could only think of three off the top of my head but I'm sure there are countless other songs.
In "Cherish" by Madonna, one of the lines repeated many times is "Romeo and Juliet/They never felt this way I bet" Madonna is referring to the true love Romeo and Juliet found and expressing her jealousy of it. Their devotion is one of the main aspects of the play that people tend to remember.
My next example is a song by the band We The Kings called "Check Yes Juliet." The title immediately provides a reference to the play but there's many others in the lyrics. "I'll keep tossing rocks at your window/There's no turning back for us tonight." This describes the scene we read in class today where Romeo comes to visit Juliet and she talks to him from her balcony. This scene has become a classic romantic scene that happens all the time in movies.
And, of course, there's "Love Story" by Taylor Swift. The whole song is basically about the ball scene where Romeo first sees Juliet and the infamous balcony scene. If you watch the music video like I just did, you'll notice the antique-looking clothing much like what might be worn in Shakespeare's time.
A uniting theme for these three songs, is their jealously for Romeo and Juliet's love. I think that's what most people remember in this play. They are willing to die because they're so in love which isn't something most people would be willing to do.

Extra Credit!

I really didn't want to take this class. I mean, I've always done fine in English but I've never enjoyed it that much. But last year, my fabulous block teacher (Samantha Chandler) encouraged me to take it. I was pretty nervous going into Honors English this year and didn't know what to expect. And truthfully, I probably would have wimped out of it if I knew what was coming. There's been a lot of things that have challenged me this year. One example is memorizing poems. I never thought I could memorize a poem as long as Dover Beach but somehow I did it and still have it memorized! It definitely was a confidence builder to be able to recite it in front of the entire class. My favorite thing we've done this year was writing those short stories in January. It was really fun and not too hard. My least favorite part about English is DGP. Probably because I'm just bad at it and Jacob is a very harsh grader.

Skit Ideas

1. When Pip first meets his convict in the marshes. I think this would make a good skit because it gives background on Pip and foreshadows some of what will happen later on in the skit. It wouldn't be hard to do because there are only two characters.
2. The first time Miss Havisham and Estella meet Pip. This would be an interesting scene to act out because both Miss Havisham and Estella have entertaining personalities. It's also a key scene in the book because it changed where Pip's life/ the story was headed.
3. When Abel comes to Pip's apartment. I think this scene is extremely important because it's when Pip finally finds out who his benefactor is and Abel's life story. It begins to sum up the story and connect the characters. This might be a bit long to act out but it would be worth it.

Love her?

"Hear me Pip! I adopted her to be loved. I bred her and educated her to be loved. I developed her into what she is, that she might be loved. Love her!" (240) - Miss Havisham

This is the part of the book where Pip is once again visiting Estella and Miss Havisham. I'm not quite sure what Miss Havisham is meaning. Does she actually want Estella and Pip to be happy together or is she simply doing it because in her own selfishness she wants to see Pip suffer?

My question:
In this quote, is Miss Havisham using Pip's obsession for Estella to benefit Pip or herself?

Scarred Wrists?

In chapter 26, Pip is having dinner at Mr. Jaggers house when he calls his servant over "'I'll show you a wrist. Molly, let them see your wrist.' . . . The last wrist was much disfigured - deeply scarred and scarred across and across." (228) I was very confused on why Mr. Jaggers did that and if that relates to the story in any way. I mean, I get that he's showing that she has gained strength from battling through whatever gave her those scars but does it have to do with the story?
My question:
How do the scars on Mr. Jaggers' servant's wrist signify and how does it relate to the rest of the book?

Photo Representation

In Great Expectations, the main character, Pip is suddenly given a large some of money. He is encouraged to move to London (in order to learn to be a gentleman) and increase his social standings. For Pip, this is like a dream come true. The only catch is that he will have to leave the only family he has ever known. As the book progresses Pip begins to get dissatisfied with his life and begins to miss his old common life. I think Sour Patch Kids represents this part of the book quite well. Let's pretend you're really hungry and the only thing to eat in the world is Sour Patch Kids. The candy is sweet, but a little sour on the outside. Pip is given money-sweet. But he has to leave his family-sour. Now, eat the candy. It seems great at first. But if you're really hungry, it's not going to fill you up.