Great Expectations by Charles Dickens | Summary and Analysis

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens | Summary and Analysis Charles Dickens wrote his enduringly popular novel, Great Expectations, between December 1860 and September 1861. As was usual for this most prolific of novelists, the book was first published in serial form, and the instalments would be as eagerly awaited as the ‘soap operas’ of today. This novel, however, contains an interesting and informative retrospective by the author on aspects of his life, hidden from even those closest to him, which he had first addressed in the painfully autobiographical David Copperfield some ten years earlier (a difficult decade for Dickens in his personal life) and to some extent alters the perception of himself which Dickens had there vicariously presented. The intricate plot of Great Expectations surrounds the life of an orphaned boy, Pip, who is brought up ‘by hand’ by his rather cruel sister and her kindly husband, Joe, the local blacksmith, to whom Pip turns for the only affection available. He sees Joe less as a father-figure than ‘a larger species of child, and as no more than my equal’ and this rather telling reference to ‘equality’ is to be one of the major themes of the book, i.e. Victorian class-consciousness and notions of what constitutes a ‘gentleman’. (One of the reasons Dickens chose, in fact to write the book was to redress the imbalance he felt he had created in the earlier creation of the ‘gentleman’ Copperfield and his snobbery towards the lads with whom he was compelled to work in the factory to which he had been consigned; Dickens had suffered a similar fate as a child and never spoke of it though he never forgot it.). Pip’s encounter at the beginning of the novel, in the graveyard where his parents are buried and from the stones of which he gains his only sense of self, with the terrifying convict, Magwitch, whom he is compelled to help yet for whom he feels compassion, is quickly followed by his being called to ‘play’ by the enigmatically grotesque Miss Havisham, shrouded in her wedding gown and frozen in time as a result of her being jilted, and this juxtaposition has much importance as the plot progresses, clearly foreshadowing the later unravelling of the mystery of Pip’s benefactor. It is at Miss Havisham’s house that Pip meets and falls instantly in love with her ward, the beautiful and distant Estella, whose name, with its link to ‘star’, is emblematic of both these characteristics. Chiefly because of this fateful meeting and Estella’s ‘disdain’ of his social class, Pip decides he ‘want[s] to be a gentleman’. Th is, significantly, he confides only to Biddy whom Dickens makes clear he should have married but his obsession with Estella obscures his vision on this as so much else, until it is too late. The plot advances significantly when Pip is told, by the sudden arrival of the lawyer, Jaggers, that he is to be the recipient of funds from an unknown benefactor which will make his dream come true and so begins the London phase of his life where he meets the amiable Herbert Pocket and his feckless family, the amusing and shrewd clerk, Wemmick, and re-encounters Estella. Pip is naturally encouraged by both circumstance and history to believe that it is Miss Havisham who is his benefactor but in fact, it is Magwitch, the convict, he helped as a child, who is making him into a gentleman, as he learns when Magwitch suddenly appears, and this dislocation of origins adds to Dickens’ development of the central theme of gentility. In fact, the true gentleman of the book is Joe, as Pip ultimately realises. In Great Expectations, Dickens is attempting to write both a mystery story, influenced by his friend Wilkie Collins’ success with the genre, and to examine the nature of what makes a man the object of respect and admiration. By making Pip want to ‘climb the ladder’ he is investigating the way in which Victorian society operated: more on wealth and station than worth. He was, indeed, ambivalent even about the ending to the novel, wanting at first to have Pip emphatically destined not to marry Estella: I was very glad afterwards to have had the interview; for, in her face and in her voice, and in her touch, she gave me the assurance, that suffering had been stronger than Miss Havishams teaching, and had given her a heart to understand what my heart used to be. Â   Clearly, here, Dickens intends that Pip and Estella should part and the only hopeful resolution is in her apparent change. Nevertheless, the astute author changed his mind because he wanted to please his audience rather than himself, and qualified the certainty of separation in the original by offering at least the possibility of their marriage in his revision: I took her hand in mine, and we went out of the ruined place; and, as the morning mists had risen long ago when I first left the forge, so, the evening mists were rising now, and in all the broad expanse of tranquil light they showed to me, I saw the shadow of no parting from her. The significance of the difference, notwithstanding the employment by the author of one of his favourite words, ‘shadow’, is that it is optimistically inconclusive but the disparity between the two endings clearly defines the author’s own increasingly embittered view of life. True, the couple depart the ‘ruined place’, an emblem of the wreckage of their shared past, but the ‘mists’ remain to obscure the certainty of unbounded happiness present in the ‘tranquil light’. Part of the enduring appeal of Great Expectations is to be found in its author’s power perpetually to please and the evidence is in this willingness to adapt his own directives to those of his audience. The vivacity of the characters, the twists and turns of the plot and the intensely personal style of the first person narrative all combine to make Dickens’ ‘mystery novel’ a book which continues to engage fresh generations of readers. Bibliography: Peter Ackroyd, Dickens, (Sinclair Stevenson, London, 1990). Charles Dickens, Great Expectations, (Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1993). John Forster, The Life of Charles Dickens in Two Volumes, (J.M. Dent Sons, London, 1966). F. Hopkinson Smith, In Dickenss London, (Charles Scribers Sons, New York, 1916). John Manning, Dickens on Education, (University of Toronto Press, Toronto, 1959). Steven Marcus, Dickens, from Pickwick to Dombey, (Basic Books, New York, 1965). John R. Reed, Dickens and Thackeray: Punishment and Forgiveness, (Ohio University Press, Athens, OH, 1995). Paul Schlicke, Dickens and Popular Entertainment, (Unwin Hyman, London, 1988).

Engaging Strategy Essay

Introduction This paper will focus on constructing a strategy to engage and build rapport with a particular client on the provided vignette. The task is to navigate through obstacles that may arise that are unique to his characteristics including lack of information and limited research. To overcome these barriers of building rapport, the clinician must identify the client’s strengths and struggles as well as research scholarly literature on the client’s characteristics that are significantly different than the clinician’s to engage with and benefit the client’s session. Major Obstacles The major obstacles engaging with this particular client is the apparent lack of research on approaching a gay client with cultural competency, especially individuals who are intersected with other minority groups, in this case being Jewish as well as an older adult. According to Eubank-Carter, Curckell, and Goldfried (2005), as of 2003, only 54% of LGB-related articles have been based on empirical research and even less research addressing LGB people of color at a mere 12%. The lack of research on the client’s identity as a gay male poses as an obstacle as the clinician is a straight female, forming a barrier into building rapport on the basis of showing empathy and being relatable. According to Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney, Strom-Gottfried, and Larsen (2013), building rapport with a client enables clients to gain trust in the helpful intent and goodwill of the social worker†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and further emphasizes, â€Å"cultural factors and language  differences compound potenti al barriers to rapport even further (pg. 47). The multiple cultural differences between the clinician and client acts as a barrier to building rapport as well as connecting the client with connection to resources to fulfill his request. Adding to the lack of research on the client’s sexual orientation, he also identifies as a Jewish American, which may be a sensitive topic in building rapport, because it is unknown if he identifies ethnically, religiously, both or none. According to Faulkner &Hecht (2010), for Jewish-American LGBTQ individuals, a significant issue that has been identified relates to the disclosure of their intersectional identity being a â€Å"twin threats of negative attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals and anti-Semitism† in which negative stigma towards LGBTQ identity was reinforced in Judaism, leaving those identifying as gay to conceal their sexual orientation and emphasizing their Jewish identity to avoid threats (Introduction section, pg. 830). This poses the delicate question of where the clie nt has a support system, as upon first impression, it will appear blurred. Finally regarding the supervisor’s concern of the client being in an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) relationship with his partner, the lack of research on same-sex couples, specifically males, issues that may become an obstacle include the clinician subconsciously viewing the issue through a heterocentric lens. Not only is research lacking on LGBTQ in general, especially with IPV, there is lack of training on how to approach cliental for clinicians who were brought up in a heterocentric majority society. This is not surprising as out of a study of 108 clinical and counseling graduate students, the majority stated they felt unprepared to work with LGBTQ clients (Eubank-Carter et al 2005, pg. 2) (check citation). Although resources are available for LGBTQ clients to be self sufficient, because of these issues mentioned above, they are limited. Countertransference With this client, I struggled with countertransference in terms of past experience and projective identification. This is not my first encounter with an older, gay client applying for low-income housing and the past client sadly faced discrimination by those running and living in the facilities. I am also aware although 22 states have passed laws prohibiting  discrimination against sexual orientation in private or public housing, those who hold authority in these areas can refuse services to LGBTQ clients without legal reasoning (Hillman 2014, pg. 272). The past client faced this situation and this knowledge could affect my ability to not give an attitude that Joseph will automatically face the same result, thus affecting my ability to develop a proper relationship as clinician and client. Although this is a secondary concern to suspicion of IPV that takes priority, it is still relevant as it maybe revisited later, thus creating another obstacle to building rapport. Scholarly Liter ature Eubanks-Carter, Burckell & Goldfried’s article (2005) worked as a general guidebook for the clinician. It emphasized, â€Å"Our LGB clients are not only gay, lesbian and bisexual men and women; they are members of families, professions, and communities. Our goal is to affirm not only their sexual orientation, but their entire identity† (Eubanks-Carter et al, 2005, pg. 9). This was a reminder to learn to be culturally competent towards the client for more than just his sexual orientation, but as a whole with his other intersectional identities. Hillmans’ article (2014) covered the perspective of working with the client through the lens that he is gay and an older adult in his 70s. One important concept is point out that he grew up in an era where homosexuality in American was highly discriminated. According to Hillman (2014), the 1950s were a time when President Eisenhower issued 1953’s Executive Order #10450 ordering â€Å"homosexuals to be fired from government jobs† and McCarthy in 1954 included homosexuals in the group of â€Å"subversive elements†, (Historical and Cohort Effects, pg. 270). The client may still have negative feelings regarding homophobia from the past, thus it is imperative for the clinician to remain vigilant of her attitude and countertransference. Seelau & Seelau’s article (2005) gave insight as to why the client, if involved in an IPV relationship, maybe reluctant to report. According to research, â€Å"police are reportedly less likely to intervene in domestic violence cases that involve gay or lesbian couples, perhaps due to sexual prejudice (i.e., homophobia) or gender role-stereotypes that women cannot be  abusers and men cannot be abused (Seelau et al, 2005, pg. 364). It is important for the clinician to keep note of this fact as the client may have distrust for law enforcement, thus keeping the abuse a secret.

The Cyber Manhunt - 887 Words

The Cyber Manhunt Cyber Manhunt, also known as Human Flesh Search or Internet Mass Hunting is primarily a Chinese Internet phenomenon of massive searching in which numerous Internet users participate to filter the search results and assists users in clarifying their search request. It literally means to uncover the true identity of a particular person with the connected efforts of all netizens. Because of the convenient and efficient nature of information sharing on the cyberspace, the Human Flesh Search is often used to acquire information usually difficult or impossible to find by other conventional means (such as library or Google). Such information, once available, can be rapidly distributed to hundreds of websites, making it an†¦show more content†¦The victims are entitled to get compensation from abusers. As was expected, this newly enacted tort liability law immediately triggered a fierce argument between people, especially netizens. As far as I am concerned, if used in overhauling off icial corruption or porn market, I will advocate the human flesh search and vice versa. In this case, the tort liability law was enacted on July 1, 2010, stating that people could safeguard their legal rights once when their reputation or privacy would be damaged by online character assassination from now on. A survey by the China Youth Daily this month showed that 79.9 percent of 2,491 netizens polled believed that cyber-manhunts should be regulated, 64.6 percent said it infringes upon peoples privacy and 20.1 percent feared that they themselves would become a target. On the other hand, 65.5 percent of those polled agreed it might be a new way to vent anger and to exact revenge. The poll also showed that 24.8 percent of respondents supported legislation to restrict such searches. Even though how to use Cyber Manhunt--this double-edged sword is still being in heated dispute, all we can do at present is to take positive advantage of it and avoid its negative influences as much as we can. And maybe the Internet should be regulated to create a healthy and civilizedShow MoreRelatedApplying Social Network Sites ( Sns ) Crime3143 Words   |  13 Pagescrime Abstract Social network has become popular way to make friends in recent years. Famous social network sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin have provided their users with conveniences and however they have become the tools of new trend of cyber crime. Introduction Social network has become popular way to make friends in recent years. 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Dangerously, the media encouraged people to join the manhunt, and just so you get a flavor of the language the papers used, for the â€Å"sicko† who spread the images of Amanda Todd One of the pieces of research I found effective was from The Guardian. It published a photographRead MoreViolence And Sexual Content And The Media2947 Words   |  12 Pagesreports that more than 90% of children in the United States play video games. The majority of kids between the ages of 12 and 17, the number rises to 97% play video games. More than 85% of video game are violent; most games have violent title such as â€Å"Manhunt† and famous game â€Å"Grand Theft Auto† and â€Å"Death Race† (Scutti, 2016). Violent media exposure has been associated with aggressive behavior and it has been suggested that child health professionals counsel families on limiting exposure. Advertisements

William Shakespeare s Hamlet And King Lear - 1772 Words

American literary critic Harold Bloom, known for his love of Shakespeare said, â€Å"Shakespeare is universal†¦ he has hidden himself behind all of these extraordinary men and women.† Shakespeare is able to connect with many who encounter his work by creating a range of characters such as heroes in the form of Hamlet or villains in that of Claudius. Playwright William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and King Lear demonstrate the manipulation of family to achieve one’s ends. Personal gain through family is a significant contributing factor to both of these tragedies. Their gifts of language and its delivery is a clear example as well as these villains having no qualms about ignoring morals, and betraying their own blood. Despite the tragic endings, there is†¦show more content†¦At the same time, he tries to establish his role as a father figure to Hamlet while addressing the Danish Court, and informing them of his marriage to his brother’s widow. â€Å" Tis unmanly grief/ It shows a will most incorrect to heaven/ A heart unfortified, a mind impatient/ †¦ And with no less nobility of love/ Than that which dearest father bears his son† (Hamlet 1.2.94-96, 110-111). Claudius calls Hamlet’s grieving unmanly and urges him to move on, because death is only natural. Moreover, he insultingly claims to feel the most honourable love that a father can have for his son. In comparison, the main plot in King Lear starts to develop quickly from the beginning when Lear holds a contest for his daughters. He claims that whichever one of them loves him the most will receive the biggest piece of the kingdom upon his retirement. Regan and Goneril, seizing an opportunity for power, are quick to flatter their father with the empty words they know he is seeking. â€Å"I love you more than word can wield the matter;/ Dearer than eyesight, space and liberty;/ †¦ Beyond all manner of so much I love you† (King Lear 1.1.56-57, 62). Goneril immediately catches on telling her father that words alone can never express her love. She says that she loves him more than those comparisons she has made. Not to be outdone, Regan has her chance at claiming that her love for Lear is greater than that of her