Syllabus starting May 11
DICKENS’S NOVEL COVERS A LOT of ground, in respect to themes. There’s quite a bit of social commentary, about the stark class divisions, lack of educational opportunity or work for London’s poor, or about the failure of the judicial system to protect society from a criminal class. The novel touches on the personal topics of what makes for a healthy marriage and a successful family, and Dickens clearly discusses what makes for a positive father-son, mentor-mentee relationship. Why does it matter so much that Pip—or we—have “prospects”? Why does it matter, that we have some type of “great” expectation in our lives? Why do we seek to improve our status, be that economic, social, or even religious in nature?
MONDAY / GREY DAY—OFFICE HOURS
Today is a grey day, and you can meet with me during Zoom office hours 12:50 and 1:50 pm.
Check Canvas announcements for the link to Zoom.
TUESDAY / BLUE DAY (NO CLASS)
This week we will finish reading Great Expectations.
WEDNESDAY / GREEN DAY
5th period meets at 9 am; 6th period meets at 10:10 am. Links are on Canvas.
We will either discuss the exciting capture of Magwitch, and the loss of Pip’s “great expectations”…or does he lose them?
Finish reading the novel, chapters 57-End (412-433)
THURSDAY / BLUE DAY (NO CLASS)
Post your questions for the remaining chapters on our shared google document.
FRIDAY: / GREEN DAY
Today’s zoom meeting, like Wednesday’s, is linked from the syllabus on Canvas.
9 am start time for 5th period; 10:10 start time for 6th period.
Discussing Pip’s last scene with Estella. Does this ending make sense, in respect to Pip? Does it make sense, in respect to Dickens?
HW: Begin work on a 2 page paper on the novel. Criteria will be discussed in class.