Characters

Today I am officially done 100 pages of this 600 page book, Great Expectations. So far it is the story of a young boy, named Pip, living day by day in the 1800's. Pip was 'raised by hand' by an abusive sister, Mrs. Joe, and her understanding husband, Joe. Come Christmas dinner we meet the people that bond and pass the time with his sister.
Uncle Pumblechook is suddenly introduced in this scene, a character who is regarded as a proper gentlemen, who fears higher power, and who bends over backwards to gain appreciation from those above him. He displays this at Christmas by giving Mrs. Joe a bottle of wine, but the minute that a general arrives, he takes back the gift and eagerly gives it to him.This is also proven when he orders his nephew to spend time with Mrs. Havisham.
 Mrs. Havisham is not a well known character yet. She is described as a pale woman with white hair who lives in a home without light, and is dressed in a fading wedding dress. When Pip first arrives at her home, we learn of her wealth; she lives in the Manor House or Satis, "which is Greek, or Latin, or Hebrew, or all three- or all one to me- for Enough House." Mrs, Havisham's only request for Pip was for him to play, I find this to be a peculiar proposition.
After returning from Mrs. Havisham's dark and dusty home, Pip is questioned by Uncle Pumplechook and Mrs. Joe about his experience. When he gives simple responses he is abused. I find this to be a harsh environment to be raised in. Mrs. Joe is portrayed as a cruel lady who is pale and stick thin, the author gives us no reason to like like her. It is Joe, her husband, that softens her image for a time when he describes how they met.
Joe is the amazingly good guy so far. He supports Pip through all of the ups and downs. He seems like the only character that understands Pip.
These characters are only beginning to develop their stories and I am excited to learn more about their history and personalities.

First Thoughts of Great Expectations

     Recently I have begun to read Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. It is a classic book that's title is familiar to most. Charles Dickens is a merit earning author who has many well known books. Though I have just begun to read this work of literature, the story is slowly pulling me in.
     The book is dated in the 1800's, so reading descriptions and conversations may present a challenge. Personally, I read quickly, so I found this historic way of speaking, a challenge to read at my normal pace
     Charles Dickens has many award winning books including Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Bleak House, and many more. According to Publishers Weekly, Great Expectations is considered one of Dickens' finest pieces of writing.
     This book has more of an educational purpose as opposed to a 'fun' read. So far, I found the book to be subtly building suspense, through introducing a character as a convict, but I am not at the edge of my seat in excitement. Already by chapter three, the social lessons of not to take what is not yours and to not speak to strangers, were displayed by the predicament that the boy was in when he was forced to seal from his sister.
     So far I am enjoying the novel and the peculiar combinations of characters. I like how the author describes the atmosphere and creates a mood so vivid that I know the characters' past without being told.
     I would recommend this book for older audiences (15+) because of the challenge to follow the story due to the author's way of speaking.