GREAT EXPECTATIONS
In an overgrown churchyard, an escaped convict springs upon an orphan boy named Pip. The convict terrifies Pip and threatens to kill him unless the boy helps his further escape. Months later, Pip finds himself in the home of batty Mrs. Havisham and her ward, Estella, with whom he instantly falls in love. Estella, however, is cruel to Pip because of his poverty and rank. The tables turn, however, when a secret benefactor gives Pip a fortune, allowing him to move to London and become a member of the upper class. However, the upper class isn’t all its painted to be. Treachery, hate, and ancient grudges will haunt Pip’s mind until he can finally learn the truth about his friends, Estella, and even himself. One of Charles Dickens’ darkest works, Great Expectations is a classic that will set you thinking for a long while.
I am taking an English class this year, and I noticed that the older class was required to read this book. I have been able to sludge through other long books (Pride and Prejudice, A Tale of Two Cities, Journey to the Center of the Earth) so I decided to give Great Expectations a try. All I can say is: WOW!
This book was dark, sad, and kind of creepy. However, I enjoyed it very much. It had a fair amount of mystery (which I love) and some very realistic characters. Though it is not one of Dickens’ character-rich novels, it was still very, shall I use the word, flavorful. There was the heartless Estella, the batty Mrs. Havisham, and the ever changing Wemmick, all who brought a good share of fun into the novel.
I really liked this book, but it’s not one of my favorites. The story was original, but the ending was disappointing (which I hate). However, I highly recommend it to all who are looking for some good literature.
Jane Eyre
An Essay by Seth Larson
When Jane Eyre applies for a position as governess at Thornfield Hall, she does not expect a mysterious servant, a lunatic in the attic, or a dark, brooding master that will win her heart. Charlotte Brontë, a 19th century woman with humble beginnings, has created a masterpiece full of mystery, tragedy and romance in her novel Jane Eyre.
Jane Eyre and her master, Edward Rochester, are two of literature’s most famous lovers, along with Romeo and Juliet and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Jane Eyre has had an incredibly miserable childhood, being orphaned at a young age and then being mistreated by her guardian. She is humble and has accepted the fact that she will never be independent. She is practical and capable and is a strong believer of feudalism. However, she has a very passionate love for Mr. Rochester, who is a member of high society. Mr. Rochester, the master of Thornfield, is not particularly attractive, but very rich. He is dark, pessimistic and proud. He has learned how terrible the world can be and decides that one must be commanding and stalwart to survive. He shocks himself when he falls in love with Jane.
There are many conflicts in the novel. When Jane and Mr. Rochester decide to marry, a very dark secret is revealed and Jane is forced to leave her beloved master. She is full of anguish and despair, but tries to live happily. She lives with a charitable family and is offered a marriage proposal from her long-lost cousin. This is too much for Jane to bear because she loves someone else, so she decides to find Mr. Rochester. She finds him, and they are married.
Of all the themes in Jane Eyre, the most important one is love and its consequences. Throughout the book, Jane wonders if it is better to marry someone because you love them and accept the trials it may induce or marry someone for security, despite the fact that you don’t like them at all?
Jane Eyre is definitely a book that I liked. I try to stay open-minded when I read books, so I like mysteries, fantasies, romances, histories, and sometimes even non-fiction. Jane Eyre was really a combination of mystery and romance, with a hint of fantasy, making a delicious read. Now that I’ve read it, however, I have one a job; convince my brother, a firm believer of no-romance, to read it too.
