18. 1984

"But you could not have pure love or pure lust nowadays. No emotion was pure, because everything was mixed up with fear and hatred. Their embrace had been a battle, the climax a victory. It was a blow struck against the Party. It was a political act" (126).

This quote found in 1984, written by George Orwell, demonstrates how strong the hatred against the government is in this novel. Instead of trying to grow strong by still loving each other, all of the extra energy and emotions go toward the government. From Orwell's statement, people are so focused on revenge and standing up for their rights that they have clouded their hearts and souls. Their "emotions" are no longer "pure" because of their continuous strive to survive and make sure that they are treated somewhat fairly. Although, the extent of fighting for their own survival and level of cleanliness only lies in their minds therefore their emotions reflect what their minds think. The actions are never followed out from the thoughts, therefore all of the hidden emotions get thrown together. In the end, no emotion is ever really "pure" again.

Photo Credit:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2946263017_95b969879b.jpg

17. 1984

"Your worst enemy, he reflected, was your own nervous system. At any moment the tension inside you was liable to translate itself into some visible symptom" (63-64).

George Orwell, in the novel 1984, depicts an environment where thoughts or any facial features can easily be interpreted. Eyes are everywhere and no one ever really knows who is watching and at what time of day. Private thoughts are no longer private and any sign of some sort of thought process can lead a person to a life of pain. Orwell includes this idea of a one's nervous system being his own enemy to describe to the reader exactly what the characters must endure day in and day out throughout the novel.

Photo Credit:
http://images.inmagine.com/img/image100/10007/10007028.jpg

16. 1984

"Everything faded away into a shadow-world in which, finally, even the date of the year had become uncertain" (41).

George Orwell depicts an atmosphere in which everything is unclear and grey. People are walking around this planet doing what they are told and no longer question why they are put on the Earth in the first place. By writing that "everything faded away into a shadow" allows the reader to comprehend the concept that at one moment this is how something is, but then in ten minutes, the facts will change and nothing ever remains the same in this world. It all eventually gets altered, which creates the greyness and shadows. Orwell included this imagery in his novel to emphasize the point that when there are not any hardcore facts that last forever, people live in a world of "shadows" and there is nothing to grasp or hold onto.


Photo Credit:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7dlTguKx-UZ-0iyi4lRUXS_SjmHfKJIVN6QlToQZo7KmKanG9eLn96yiaHlKJilVNt84hMI4_0FHz4Pu4QWDQTcoxbe2m6ePD38coPelxa4YU29VoetdemnNRhPNDZ9vLFg81Foy1nE/s400/Shadow3.jpg

15. 1984

"'At the time when it happens,' she had said, 'you do mean it.' He had meant it...'Under the spreading chestnut tree I sold you and you sold me--'" (293).

The most expressed theme within 1984 by George Orwell is that when one is scared to the point of possibly no return, a person will do anything to survive. They will give up food, loyalty, and even love. They will stab their best friend in the back so that they can live at least one more minute. Orwell's experiences during the wars and communist leaders have influenced his way of thinking and how he lives his life. His main character, Winston has rats shoved into his face. Rats are the one creature he is deathly afraid of, especially when they are hungry. The only thing he can think of is to bargain, and he bargains his only friend's life for his own. The rulers break him and he knows it, but he gets to leave and for a moment he is happy. Orwell is trying to portray the real message that when it comes down to life or death, mankind will do and say anything to live for as long as they can.


"George Orwell." The Literature Network.com. 22 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/

14. 1984

"There will be no curiosity, no enjoyment of the process of life...imagine a boot stamping on a human face--forever" (267).


This is the moment in the novel where Orwell creates the imagery to enforce his point. This main point is that in order to control people there must be some sort of fear tactic involved. Humans run along through their lives living on emotion and because of this they are easily controlled. They do not want to feel pain or be without a necessity such as food, clothing, and shelter, therefore they lie, cheat, and steal to ensure that they survive. O'Brien, one of Orwell's character's in 1984, clearly explains to Winston that having power over people means that you are fully aware of their weaknesses and you use it against them. The main idea in this passage is that if there is no fear provoked, there is no total control.


Image Source:

"From the Playground to the Office." Bobbie Alridge's Blog. 20 April 2010. 20 July 2009.
http://saldridge.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/from-the-playground-to-the-office-bullies-are-bullies/

13. 1984

"One question at any rate was unanswered...no heroes, no heroes...at his disabled left arm" (239).

The use of repetition helps to embed George Orwell's main idea that everyone is weak when it comes to physical pain. He repeats the words "no heroes, no heroes" and "over and over." Each word can be put into a negative context which in turn leads to a ominous tone for the reader to interpret. Winston is alone and all he has is his physical pain. He never thought he would break and bow down to the power, but when he is pain, he knows that he will bow down infinity times if they told him to. There are "no heroes" when it comes to pain.

12. 1984

"'Oranges and lemons, says the bells of St. Clement's...When I grow rich, say the bells of Shoreditch'" (178).

Each church mentioned in this rhyme was known for something, therefore that is where the "oranges and lemons" came from with St. Clement's. Orwell adds this rhyme numerous times to add religion into his novel. Religion is questioned within his pages because of the fact that things are very deceitful and everyone is just so empty that Orwell's character, Winston, questions what is real and what is fake. He starts to lose sight as to what is important and this song throws the idea of a higher power back into the novel. Through this idea, it contrasts the difference between the thought of no god and the thought of people trying to believe in something that seems so hopeless.

11. 1984

"He was somewhere in the village...been Saint Pancras Station" (82).

George Orwell includes Saint Pancras Station in his novel, 1984, to create a certain reality to the book. Real places and real people make the book come to life and the reader is able to connect to the landmarks and really visualize themselves in the book. Orwell may have also included the destruction of St. Pancras Station to emphasize how the world in which Winston was living in is starting to crumble. It foreshadows all of his hopes and dreams and how they are slowly being turned into his worst fears. Everything he once believed in was starting to fade and he had no choice in the matter. George Orwell included this reference to Saint Pancras Station to enhance the reader's relationship with the novel and to foreshadow the destruction of something that once stood strong.


"St. Pancras." Guardian.Co.Uk. 22 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/oct/11/architecture.transportintheuk?picture=330936232


Photo Credit:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/21227/2266231285_1a5340a6ea.jpg

10. 1984

"Truisms are true ...all else follows" (81).

This quote, written by George Orwell in his novel, 1984, represents the strength of Orwell's character, Winston. Even though these lines point out the basics of life, and the earth around us, it defends the true nature of human existence. Why let someone make everyone believe something that is complete ludicrous? Orwell stands for the truth and believes that each person should have their own voice and thoughts. The sole purpose behind his writing is to explain that people should not be programmed like robots, but free to live. Orwell defines freedom as being able "to say that two plus two make four," and "if that is granted, all else follows" (81). This quote signifies the tiniest of rights that Winston is fighting for in his life. The truth is all one can definitely have in this lifetime, and when the truth is thrown away and discredited, what is left? That is the main message Orwell is trying to get across through his writing.

9. 1984

"The date had stuck in Winston's memory...to be Midsummer Day...as well" (78).



George Orwell included Midsummer's Day very curiously into his novel, 1984. Midsummer's Day is the day after the longest day of the year and it is often "associated with witches, magic, fairies, and dancing" (British Life & Culture). This day represents hope when some have lost all. When George Orwell adds this day into his novel, it is during the time when Winston is thinking back to Rutherford's and Aaronson's confessions. After some serious thought, Winston believes that the confessions had been lies. In a dark and dreary passage about torture and slavery, there lies mention of a Midsummer's Day where young girls scatter rose petals while reciting a poem praying that their true loves reveal themselves. The contrast from Orwell allows the reader to understand how Winston thinks. Despite all of the bad going on and the negativity taking over in the little square box they all live in, Winston still has an imagination and keeps his mind alive by believing in happy moments.








"Midsummer's Day." British Life & Culture. 22 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/midsummer.htm

Photo Source:

http://sarahflanigan.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/rose-petals.jpg

8. 1984

"Until they become conscious they will never rebel and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious" (70).

George Orwell has a valid point in writing this and it revolves around his entire meaning for his novel, 1984. It is a very true statement. People who walk around day by day unaware of what they are actually doing and what is going on around them, will never rebel because they believe everything is fine. So people will not wake up until they have fought back, but in order to retaliate they must know what they are fighting for. It is a tricky situation, but Orwell had a point. The way he worded it appears as though mankind is stuck. We are ignorant to what is occurring, therefore we will not rebel, and because we are ignorant, we won't rebel, which in turn means that we will never become conscious. It's a circle with no door to step inside. Orwell clearly illustrates the idea that people are not ambitious enough to break the deadly circle and to also emphasize his idea that in order to stop what everyone knows is wrong, people must be aware of what is going on. The truth must be surfaced and people must understand what it means and how relevant it is. Self respect and self motivation are key elements that are needed to break the chained-link fence separating consciousness from rebellion.

Image Source:

http://pubs.acs.org/cen/_img/86/i46/8646gov2_open.jpg

7. 1984

"The whole literature will have been destroyed. Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Byron... Orthodoxy is unconsciousness" (53).

George Orwell includes the references of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, and Byron in his novel to emphasize the realization that their lives are even being altered in the history books. Everything that everyone once knew is changed so that the higher power is never wrong. Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, and Byron were each positive, or rather, strong minded individuals who made a difference in their worlds, but they must be discredited slightly so that people do not get the idea that they are stronger than they give themselves credit for. Altering facts for the sake of power and manipulation is what is displayed within the pages of 1984.




"Geofrey Chaucer." The Literature Network. 20 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.online-literature.com/chaucer/


Image Source:

http://www.uwsp.edu/english/mbowman/330/

6. 1984

"It struck him as curious that you could create dead men but not living ones... as Charlemagne or Julius Caesar" (48).

This idea of creation and destruction is continuously seen throughout 1984 by George Orwell. Charlemagne and Caesar were both strong figures during their times and for this, they were not destroyed but kept in the history that Winston is aware of. However, Orwell includes the ideas of recreating history and does not believe that this right. Sarcasm is sensed within this quote in the respect that one should not be making up people and that history is history and it should not be changed or falsified. Lies and deceit run this world Orwell has created in 1984 and his character, Winston does not feel comfortable living in this manner. Orwell creates this atmosphere to demonstrate how words can be altered to fit any situation and if one wants to, they can choose to believe any of it without questioning the real facts.

5. 1984

"His mind slid away into the labyrinthine world of doublethink...Even to understand the word 'doublethink' involved the use of doublethink" (35).

This idea resonates through the world today and from seeing it in the pages of 1984, it is evident that George Orwell was very much aware of how the mind works and how mankind is able to think something, but say another contradicting their beliefs. It represents superficial behavior and fake words and actions. By including this concept of "doublethink," the reader is able to comprehend how today, people still think things but say the other, which leads to their demise in the end. Winston tried to think things in his mind but act and say the opposite of his true feelings, but eventually his real desires came to the surface and he was punished. Orwell was delivering a message to his readers that fake words and actions will always be uncovered by the real thoughts inside.

4. 1984

"He was a lonely ghost uttering a truth that nobody would ever hear...It was not by making yourself heard but by staying sane that you carried on the human heritage" (27).

George Orwell included these lines in his novel, 1984, to represent the mood in the book and how things have to be in this civilization. There are people all around all of the time, but each individual is under total scrutiny. No one is allowed to talk to anyone without being overheard, and even thoughts can be interpreted by the overseers. Winston feels like he is all alone because that is how his government wants people to feel. Those who know that the world around them is not right do not have enough nerve to start talking to others about it because there are too many people willing to throw others under the bus to give themselves the advantage. Winston is once again torn between thinking his anti-government thoughts and realizing the truth or living a lie and seeing everything the way "Big Brother" wants him to view it.

3. 1984

"War is Peace

Freedom is Slavery

Ignorance is Strength" (16).

"War is Peace" represents the on going recurrence of wars in the world in 1984, written by George Orwell. There are so many conflicts occurring that eventually they become all that anyone ever knows, therefore they become peaceful. Without them, the world would become more chaotic. Each of the lines in this quote are contradictory but at the same time make perfect sense, much like Orwell's novel. The government within 1984 was in total control and kept everyone isolated from each other. The majority of the population thought that they were living a decent life, but each person could only do certain things even though they believed they had freedom. Freedom is like another law because it is classified as something, therefore it becomes slavery. The last line "ignorance is strength" permeates throughout each page. If people are not aware of what is going on around them, they will not break and become lost in what they should be doing. Winston was not ignorant and it led him to trouble. This was the warning for all the people in the novel. Orwell includes these lines within his novel because they represent the philosophy of communists and the points are true and set the standards for the entire novel.

2. 1984

"For whom...either the future would resemble the present, in which case it would not listen to him, or it would be different from it, and his predicament would be meaningless" (7).

A common reoccurring question within the pages of 1984 by George Orwell, is if anyone will ever heed the warnings or be brave enough to withstand the higher powers of the world. Orwell's character, Winston, has found a diary and starts writing. He would like to write to the future world to help them, but he fears that if the future is like the present time, then no one will be strong enough or wise enough to conquer the form of government in this book. On the other hand, if the future found his story and the future was not like the present, then his story would appear to be pointless. Winston wants to help the people stuck in this life, but sees no outlet in doing so. By George Orwell creating the vibe of being helpless, it represents his own personal experiences of being stuck. Orwell lived when communism was a major part of his world and he witnessed his "friends [being] arrested, shot, and disappearing" and could do nothing but stand there and watch it all happen (The Literature Network). Orwell created this mood to explain his thoughts during his life experiences.




"George Orwell." The Literature Network. 20 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/

1. 1984

"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen" (1).

Through the centuries the number thirteen has been associated with bad luck. It is especially tied to religious beliefs, such as being a number more than the twelve commandments of God. If people start creating more, then there are now thirteen, which is seen as a rebellion against God. George Orwell may have started his novel, 1984, with the idea of thirteen to symbolize the possible uprising and sense of doom. Right from the first sentence with the descriptive word of "cold" it feels to the reader that there is a gloomy tale about to be told. With the idea of "clocks" and the number "thirteen," George Orwell appears to be going past the normal twelve numbers into the land of thirteen where rules are broken and rewritten to fit the desires of mankind.

15. Pride and Prejudice

"'But surely,' said she, "I may enter his county with impunity, and rob it of a few petrified spars, without his perceiving me,'" (224).


Petrified spars are actually crystalline minerals. From Jane Austen wording it this way it adds a different tone into her writing. When the reader reads the word "petrified" it makes one think of a dark object that can no longer moved. It creates a dreary scene, which is perfect for what Jane Austen has Elizabeth enduring throughout this scene. Elizabeth is headed to a town where Mr. Darcy may appear and Elizabeth does not want to see him. Austen threw in this comparison to "petrified spars" to demonstrate the fear and anguish Elizabeth is feeling as she embarks towards the direction of where Mr. Darcy is residing.

14. Pride and Prejudice

"Other books were produced...Fordyce's Sermons" (67).

The "Fordyce's Sermons" were sermons written for women and men (separate books) regarding how they should behave in society and how they should behave in general. By having Mr. Collins read this book to the Bennet ladies, it immediately sets them off to him. None of them truly care for him and from him choosing to read these sermons, it is as if these girls need some extra help and that they need to know more about how they should present themselves. Mr. Collins is a very pushy character and does not take no as an answer, but keeps pushing until he gets his way. Jane Austen may have included Mr. Collins with the "Fordyce's Sermons" to represent Mr. Collin's fixation with religion and to clarify his character a bit more.

"James Fordyce." James Boswell.info. 14 March 2010. 2004-2009.
http://www.jamesboswell.info/biography/james-fordyce-author-sermon-young-women

13. Pride and Prejudice

"'I do assure you, sir, that I have no pretensions whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man...My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart'"(105).

A lot of the quotes within the pages of Pride and Prejudice represent the feelings of independence and speaking from one's own heart. Elizabeth represents both, how Jane Austen wanted to behave during her younger years, and how she viewed the world as she grew older. The lessons she has learned from her life experiences are clearly depicted through her writing. She knows that in order to get what she wants out of life she must first stand up for what she knows is the right thing for herself.

"Jane Austen's Biography." Jane Austen.org. 14 March 2010. 2010. http://www.janeausten.org/jane-austen-biography.asp

12. Pride and Prejudice

"'I have been used... 'food of love,' said Darcy" (44).

The words 'food of love' are from William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." This play is about a man who loves a woman, but she does not pay him any attention. Eventually, after the man schemes to get her to notice him, his plan backfires and she falls for another man whom he hired to help him. Jane Austen has Mr. Darcy claiming that poetry is known as the 'food of love' to him, and if Austen used this as a reference to the "Twelfth Night" then it could be viewed as Mr. Darcy's attempt to get Elizabeth Bennet to notice him. This could be one of the first clues that Jane Austen throws out to the reader of Mr. Darcy's affection towards Elizabeth.

"Plot Summary." Twelfth Night, or What You Will. 14 March 2010. http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/xTwelfth.html

11. Pride and Prejudice

"Mr. Bennet missed his second daughter exceedingly...was least expected" (357).

Jane Austen was very close to her father and she too, was the second female daughter born in her family. The relationship in the novel, Pride and Prejudice, between Elizabeth and her father clearly demonstrates the same bond that Austen had with her own father. Throughout the novel, it is evident how Austen cared for her father and respected his opinions. They thought the same way and admired each other. I do not believe that the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet was included within this piece of literature by accident.

"Jane Austen's Biography." Jane Austen.org. 14 March 2010. 2010.
http://www.janeausten.org/jane-austen-biography.asp

10. Pride and Prejudice

"'I know your disposition, Lizzy. I know that you could be neither happy nor respectable, unless you truly esteemed your husband; unless you looked up to him as a superior'" (349).

Jane Austen never married because she never found another man after Tom Lefroy, who made her genuinely happy. When Lizzy is told this, it clearly defines Jane Austen's thoughts on the subject of her own life. She is not a woman who is easily pushed around. If she has no passion towards the subject or scenario, she will not chase after it, but wait until her time comes around to fully enjoy what she is doing. She is a highly respectable woman, much like Elizabeth Bennet, for not sinking to lower levels than what she knows she is capable of reaching. It takes a strong woman, especially in her time period to start writing literature like this and to even think like this. Woman were still gaining their independence and voices.

"Jane Austen's Biography." Jane Austen.org. 14 March 2010. 2010.
http://www.janeausten.org/jane-austen-biography.asp

9. Pride and Prejudice

"'I have said no such thing...so wholly unconnected with me'" (332).

In this scene, Jane Austen has Elizabeth Bennet standing up to what she knows is right for herself. Back in the day, Jane Austen may not have voiced her desires and needs, but through Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen is portraying her own views on life. She is a stronger woman now and knows that the most important things in life are worth working for and worth waiting for. Elizabeth is everything that Jane Austen was not during the time in her life that she was in love. Elizabeth is standing up for herself, finding the truth, and then finding herself falling in love with the one man she had detested. Elizabeth is a clear image of how Jane Austen wishes she had been instead of letting other people control her own life.

"Jane Austen Biography." Jane Austen.org. 14 March 2010. 2010.
http://www.janeausten.org/jane-austen-biography.asp

7. Pride and Prejudice

"'To be sure...Little Theatre...was open'"(296).

It is a rather curious thought that Jane Austen included the Little Theatre within her novel. It was a rather popular theater up to 1737 when the License Act was established. The License Act "require[d] that all theaters either hold a royal patent or receive a special licence from the Lord Chamberlain, and that new plays for which admission was to be charged were submitted to the Lord Chamberlain in advance two weeks before performance" (The Literary Encyclopedia). The government wanted to cut back on plays that criticized the government and led others to believe false or true accusations. From Jane Austen including this factual building into her novel, it clarifies the theme of fake and materialistic people, which can be clearly found in the Bennet household, particularly with the mother, Mrs. Bennet.

Editors. "Stage Licensing Act." The Literary Encyclopedia. 14 March 2010. 25 March 2004. www.litencyc.com/php/stopics?rec=true&UID=1115

8. Pride and Prejudice

"'The engagement...we planned the union...by a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family!...destined for his cousin?'" (329).

This quote clearly represents something that Jane Austen herself endured when she fell in love for the first time in her life. She was not allowed to be with the boy, Tom Lefroy. They had met and established a meaningful close relationship, however neither of their families saw it as something worth going after. Lefroy's family ended up "intervening and sen[ding] Tom away" (Jane Austen Biography). The scenario that happens is similar to that of Jane Austen's own life experience. She is living through both her character's, Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. She is doing this most likely to demonstrate the pain she felt and the truth about what she has had to endure. Austen also may have included her views on this to demonstrate what she wished had happened in the end. She let the world see the direction in which she wanted life to travel.

"Jane Austen Biography." Jane Austen.org. 14 March 2010. 2010. http://janeausten.org/jane-austen-biography.asp

6. Pride and Prejudice

"'How despicably I have acted...I never knew myself'" (196).

After all of the quotes on vanity, pride, and prejudice behavior, the true realization of a mistake is portrayed within Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen represents this truth perfectly. That truth would be that one does not realize their true behavior or how they continue time after time until something smacks them square in the face. It does not change them until they are the ones who have ended up hurt and embarrassed. When that happens, their pride is hurt and their prejudice thoughts are exposed. It is a vicious cycle and Jane Austen clearly explains how it all happens and how the outcomes can be. Austen may have come by this truth when she was in love with a boy, but after his family did not approve, her family did nothing to help them be together either. They eventually got separated and Jane Austen's story is a lot like the character Jane in her novel, however, she added a twist to her story in the respect that Mr. Bingley does come back because of true love. This story is half of Jane Austen's life and the other half is that of what she wished had happened and what she would have learned had it all happened.

"Jane Austen Biography." Jane Austen.org. 13 March 2010. 2008-2010.
http://www.janeausten.org/jane-austen-biography-page-1.asp

5. Pride and Prejudice

"About a year ago...Ramsgate...to consent to an elopement" (190).

Jane Austen uses the reference of Ramsgate within Mr. Darcy's letter to Elizabeth when he replies back to Elizabeth's accusations. Jane Austen used the reference to Ramsgate because it is an actual place and in writing from reality it lets the reader relate better to what is being said and they are also able to imagine the actual place within their minds. The relation between fiction and reality become intertwined, which causes a book to become more realistic and believable to the readers.

"Ramsgate." The World in Photos. 13 March 2010. 2006-2010.
http://www.theworldinphotos.info/29-0-0-info-ramsgate.html

4. Pride and Prejudice

"'We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to prosperity with all the eclat of a proverb'"(89).

This quote written by Mary Shelley represents the truth that humans want fame and to be recognized as wise creatures or ones that are wiser than the rest. Through the desire of wanting this selfish recognition, one holds thoughts inside their mind so that they may either hold back lame remarks, or later say something brilliant. This book speaks of shallow behavior throughout its entirety and by having this quote it just, again, explains how people are thinking throughout the book.

3. Pride and Prejudice

"'Pride,' observed Mary...'is a very common failing, I believe...Vanity and pride are different things...A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity to what we would have others think of us'"(21).

Jane Austen included this line in her book, Pride and Prejudice, to set the tone for the rest of the novel. Austen has Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy making false accusations at one another because they are trying to portray themselves as something they are not. By behaving in a false manner, they ended up pushing each other away. After they discovered the truth about each other, they were then brought back together because their pride and vanity no longer mattered. The statement of pride and vanity are demonstrated throughout the entire novel, so by having this quote near the beginning of the novel, it helped the reader to comprehend the hidden messages of what was really going on throughout the book.

2. Pride and Prejudice

"'They have none of them...they are all silly and ignorant like other girls...quickness than her sisters'" (7).

Jane Austen included this line of "they are silly and ignorant like other girls" for a specific purpose. She realizes that girls, before they are put out into reality are naive and too trusting for their own good. From speaking straightforward like this, it is apparent that this realization has the possibility of coming out of her own experiences in life. Austen and her character, Jane portray the same storylines and the similarity can only mean that Jane Austen made them similar on purpose. Austen also created the character of Elizabeth. Elizabeth is an exceptional character, but can be viewed as someone Jane Austen wishes she were more like. She is forward and never too trusting, the opposite of Jane Austen's character of Jane.

"Jane Austen Biography." Jane Austen. org. 13 March 2010. 2008-2010.
http://www.janeausten.org/jane-austen-biography-page-1.asp

1. Pride and Prejudice

"'Why, my dear...to take possession before Michaelmas...end of next week'"(1).

"Michaelmas" is also known as the Feast of St. Michael, who is a famous archangel. St. Michael was called upon by the "popes as the special protector of the church whenever great evils threatened God's people" (Perrotta). Jane Austen may have included the reference to St. Michael to portray Mr. Bingley as a person who had the potential to save the family's appearance and money issues. He possessed a lot of money and if he fell for one of the Bennet ladies, they would no longer have to worry about how their daughters will make it out in the world after their parents have passed away. Also, by having Mr. Bingley use Michaelmas as a reference of time, it allows the reader to know what season it is in the book and it also gives the reader the feeling that Mr. Bingley is a religious man. Most people assume that when a person is religious, they are good and righteous, so right away it sheds a light onto Mr. Bingley's persona.

Perrotta, Andrew. "The Feast of St. Michael's." 13 March 2010. 2006.

http://www.feastofmichael.com/

Photo Credit:

Kenward, Bob. "Archive for November 2009." Prepare for Mass. 13 March 2010. 30 November 2009.

http://prepareformass.wordpress.com/2009/11/

16. Great Expectations

"There was a gay fiction among us...a rather common one" (275).

As pages of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens continue to turn, a theme is slowly being developed of high hopes and dreams and how the grass is not always as good and green on the other side of the hill. Charles Dickens has Pip admitting that the people he has surrounded himself with pretend to be happy and wear a big smile on their faces, but they are not sincerely pleased with their lives. It is apparent through his words, Charles Dickens has realized that money and material items are not the most important thing in life. Family and friends are the number one priority, for when they are gone, what is really left? Pip comes into money, and then ends up isolating himself. When he walks into trouble, he does not rely on anyone but his good friend, and then he retreats home. The value of money and the value of family are depicted accurately in this book. Charles Dickens explains through his writing that money cannot buy love and that it is impossible to put a price on family.

Photo Credit:

Beagle Review. 3 January 2010. March 2008.
http://www.beaglereview.com/newsletters/2008-03/partners.php

15. Great Expectations

"'You're out in your reading of Hamlet...and at night his reading was lovely'" (258).

Throughout the novel, Great Expectations, Charles Dickens refers to many incidents in Hamlet, such as the "Ghost of Hamlet" and now the actual play, Hamlet (24). The play written by Shakespeare tells of a king who was murdered by his brother who wanted to have the throne. When the king's son, Hamlet, discovers the truth about how his father died, he plots his revenge. In the end, those at fault died, and those who fought for revenge also died. No one won in the game of revenge and the desire to gain power. Charles Dickens included the references to Hamlet in his novel to reveal to the reader that the path which Pip has taken is going to lead to Pip's downfall. If Pip had known where the money had come from at the beginning of this adventures, he may have thought twice before accepting it. However, he was too absorbed in his own wants and desire to love a lady whom he had no chance with in his natural standing, and along his journey he found himself alone. Pip appears to act on impulse, much like Hamlet, which is his tragic downfall. Charles Dickens embeds the moral of thinking before acting. If Pip had done so, it would have saved him a lot of heartache in the end.

"Hamlet." Sparknotes. 3 January 2010. 2009.
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/hamlet/summary.html

Photo Credit:

"Hamlet." Eight Anime Adaptions I'd Love to See. 3 January 2010.

http://gargarstegosaurus.wordpress.com/2009/07/26/nine-anime-adaptions-id-love-to-see/

14. Great Expectations

"'I am serious,' said Estella...'I have never had any such thing'" (238).

Charles Dickens created Estella as a character who has Pip in a trance because of her elegance and beauty. Even though she appears to be beautiful and looks as though she would have a heart of gold because her outside appearance looks perfect, inside she is cold and phlegmatic. She admits to Pip that she does not have any emotional feelings and does not really care about others. Pip is blind because of his infatuation and realizes that she is telling the truth later on in the novel. By Charles Dickens creating a character such as Estella he is trying to enforce the message to the reader that a first impression based on appearance can be very far from the truth. Even if something looks beautiful and perfect, that does not mean that it really is.

Photo Credit:

"When Your Heart Turns Cold." On This and That-Lyrically Bound. 3 January 2010.

http://onthisandthat.wordpress.com/2009/06/21/when-your-heart-turns-cold-tupac-shakur/

13. Great Expectations

"In my fancy...saw the wicked Noah's Ark lying out on the black water" (229-230).

Charles Dickens may have included Noah's Ark into his novel, Great Expectations, to get the point across that the boat was rather large in size, much like Noah's Ark. It could have also been used as a reference to demonstrate Pip's feeling that he has committed a sin, and he is not the one on the boat, but the one ready to be washed away by the flood. Charles Dickens has included this reference to portray the amount of guilt Pip has lying on his shoulders throughout his story. At this point in the novel it appears that Pip's actions are now coming to a full circle and he is realizing the truths about his life. He understands that in order to save himself, he is going to need to jump on some sort of life boat so that he can ensure that he will be here another day to right the wrongs in his life.

"Noah's Ark and the Flood." About.com. 3 January 2010. 2010.
http://christianity.about.com/od/biblestorysummaries/p/noahsarkflood.htm

12.Great Expectations

"That was a memorable day for me...of the first link on one memorable day" (70).

Charles Dickens embeds throughout his novel, Great Expectations, the realization that for a series of events to occur, there had to be a starting point. He describes a domino effect and the reader is able to really understand how this action works because of Pip's situation. He helps a criminal and from committing this one action, later in life the criminal pays him back for his thoughtfulness. Pip had no idea that he would become a gentlemen because he stole from his sister and Joe. All of his previous feelings of his sneakiness rush through him when he realizes how he got to where he is. It was his past actions that lead him to his future opportunities. Dickens leaves readers thinking of their own choices within their lives.

11. Great Expectations

"'Pip, dear old chap, life is made of ever so many partings... Divisions among such must come, and must be met as they come" (223).

Through these words that Charles Dickens embeds within his novel, Great Expectations, it leads the reader thinking of his or her own life and how the wise words that Joe says to Pip is actually quite true and holds a lot of meaning. The message is clear to Pip that even if the lifestyle changes of an individual, it does not mean that the person has to change with it. Joe felt as though he had to change in order to be in the company of Pip, when in fact he realized that he should not have to change, and if he did, then it should be a goodbye for now. Joe did not feel comfortable being something he is not, and that is a powerful theme that plays throughout Charles Dickens' novel.

10. Great Expectations

"I thought the windows... To Let To Let To Let glared at me from empty rooms...under the gravel" (171).

Charles Dickens is still describing the building in London as Pip enters his new world. As Pip looks around, everything he sees seems unemotional and empty. It appears that the word empty is not used as just a literal sense, but also as a sense of feeling. Charles Dickens introduces the new building to the reader as a foreign object to Pip. It is the complete opposite of what he is used to seeing and living in. Instead of having a loving family inside the building supporting him and listening to him, he is led into an "empty room" and everything is so dreary and cold.

Photo Credit:

Tree Hugger. 2 January 2010.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/02/sound-of-silence.php

9. Great Expectations

"We entered this haven through a wicket-gate...flat burying-ground" (170).

The way this scene is described gives the reader a feeling of uneasiness, like it is a cold place to live. The feeling of love and compassion does not seem to radiate through the property. Charles Dickens chose to describe the wicket-gate and the house with words such as "melancholy" to clearly depict to the reader how uncomfortable or even depressing the building was that Pip entered into. From describing the house in such a way, it leads the reader to assume that the people who live in that house are not very lively, but keep to themselves and live in darkness instead of the light. Charles Dickens clearly portrayed the atmosphere inside those walls as well as outside of them and the reader is able to grasp the full image.

Photo Credit:

"Wooden Garden & Security Gates." Andrew Jennings & Son LTD. 2 January 2010.

http://www.andrewjennings.co.uk/woodgarden.htm

8. Great Expectations

"The coroner...became Timon of Athens; the beadle, Coriolanus" (134).

Charles Dickens includes Timon of Athens into his novel, Great Expectations to foreshadow Pip's experience with money. Timon walks through life knowing that no matter what one gives to another, he or she will never be there when needed the most. In a nutshell, Timon views people as being selfish and never changing. Pip appears to be a person who fits Timon's expectations. He comes into money, not knowing who it came from and continues along through his life and actually abandons his family. He views them as a lower ranking of humans who do not fit into his society and he is embarrassed to have them around his family. Coriolanus depicts some more foreshadowing of Pip's life within the novel for Coriolanus also looks down on the those who are not rich, much like Pip ends up doing when he is handed money and the opportunity to become a gentleman.

"Coriolanus." Spark Notes. 2 January 2010. 2009.
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/coriolanus/summary.html

"Timon of Athens." Spark Notes. 2 January 2010. 2009.
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/timonofathens/summary.html

7. Great Expectations

"We walked to town...like the Great Seal of England in plaited straw...though it was a fine bright day" (98).

Charles Dickens includes "the Great Seal of England" into his novel, Great Expectations to depict how Pip views his sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery. She goes to town and holds herself high, such as Queen Elizabeth II does on the Great Seal. To describe Pip's sister in such a way really lets the reader grasp how she views herself and how she carries herself. Mrs. Joe Gargery's stubborn mind causes her to say exactly what she is thinking despite her low ranking in public. Charles Dickens portrays Pip's sister perfectly in explaining that she resembles the Queen on the Great Seal of England.

"The Great Seal of England." 2 January 2010. 2007.

http://explore-parliament.net/nssMovies/08/0889/0889_.htm

Photo Credit:

same as above information.

6. Great Expectations

"'Well, Pip,'said Joe, 'be it so, or be it son't, you must be a common scholar afore you can be a oncommon one, I should hope.'" (69).

This quote explains that in order to be unique, one must be normal first. Charles Dickens throws this into this novel to teach young Pip and readers that the first step in anything is to learn the basics. From there, one is able to move on and add new techniques and knowledge to what one has already learned. This quote speaks to the reader and places them inside Pip's head as he sits and listens to Joe speak. Joe is not very well educated, but he knows a lot about people and how to learn. He is one of the wisest characters Charles Dickens creates and he also the simplest. This line can also be used to foreshadow how Pip does start off as a nobody and then transforms into the person he wants to become because he has gained so much knowledge. However, that knowledge helped him to realize that what he desired was not what he truly wanted.

5. Great Expectations

"It began the moment we sat down for dinner...the ghost of Hamlet with Richard the Third...might be truly grateful" (24).

Charles Dickens includes the ghost of Hamlet into his novel to describe Pip. As the book flows along Pip is an innocent boy who suddenly becomes wealthy and does not know who is in charge of allowing him to become a gentleman. The ghost of Hamlet was also an innocent man, and he was killed by his own brother because of selfishness and greed. Richard the Third is included within Charles Dickens' novel to once again explain the results of a conscience. Richard is haunted by ghosts of people he has killed so that he can advance himself in life. However, karma always does come back around and in the end, he also dies. These two characters show how life happens in a circle, and with Pip starting off by stealing, he too is haunted eventually by his actions. Dickens embeds Pip with the emotions of shame and guilt because he has hurt those who have stuck by his side. No one is aware of the real truths he is hiding and it starts to eat him up inside. He has also chosen money over his family and in turn, it has hurt Joe the most. Joe is the one person Pip honestly admires and respects in his life, and to choose a life that cannot include him, is now starting to eat Pip up inside. His past choices are coming back to haunt him. Charles Dickens included these two characters to foreshadow the events that occur within his novel to Pip.

"The Tragedy of King Richard the Third." Absolute Shakespeare. 2 January 2010. 2000-2005.
http://absoluteshakespeare.com/plays/richard_III/richard_III.htm

Photo Credit:

"Richard III: Hero or Villian?." HubPages. 4 January 2010. 2010.
http://hubpages.com/hub/richardiii

4. Great Expectations

"The mist was heavier yet...and a flourish of his tail" (15).

These lines from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens clearly explain how the human mind has the ability to play tricks and can literally make a person crazy when he or she knows that what they have done is wrong. The conscience is a very strong part of a person and Charles Dickens reveals his knowledge of how it works from writing about Pip's experience of how he believes everything to be staring at him. However, Dickens has Pip trying to justify his actions to relieve his conscience, which helps him to commit the deceitful acts without a second thought. This entire scenario clearly portrays how the human mind can talk itself out of thinking something is wrong, so that man is able to go through with the act and not feel guilty about it later.

3. Great Expectations

"I felt fearfully sensible of the great convenience...I was going to rob Mrs. Joe" (12).

Pip is like everyother human being walking on this Earth. He knows that what he is about to do is wrong, but decides to commit the action anyway. He understands that he is about to steal from his family, but does so anyway. "The Hulk" is referred to as a prison ship, and Pip is frightened but he knows that to secure his safety, he must commit this act so that he does not start any serious trouble. Charles Dickens includes this scenario in his book to illustrate how humanity will do anything to save themselves. The people who one loves the most are usually the ones who get hurt the worst.

2. Great Expectations

"'Drat that boy...Ask no questions, and you'll be told no lies.'...unless there was company" (11-12).

In Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, Pip is brought up by the firm hand of his sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery. She sheds light onto Pip's perception of humanity when she tells him that if you do not ask questions, no one will ever lie to you. He expects his sister to always tell him the truth, and when he hears this little explanation, he wonders when she does not tell him the truth. Charles Dickens included this into his novel to clearly depict how the human mind works. It is a well known fact that if one asks an honest question, one may not receive an honest answer in return and that person must be fully aware of this fact so that he or she is able to decipher the truth hidden within the words spoken.

1. Great Expectations

"He was a mild... a sort of Hercules in strength and also in weakness" (6).

Within Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, there is a reference to Hercules which can be deciphered in numerous ways. One of those ways is that Joe's wife is an individual who does not have a soft hand, but lives on a tight string and has to have everything just so, otherwise she gets very mean and has a bad temper. She loves Joe, and Joe loves her, but the reference to Hercules appears to compare Mrs. Joe Gargery to Hercules trickster, Hera, who works to make Hercules' life difficult. However, unlike Hercules, Joe does not murder his family because of the tricks and mistreatment, but tries to stay out of trouble with his wife because despite her firm hand, he loves her.

"Greek Mythology Hercules: The Mortal Who Became a God." Ezine Articles. 2 January 2010. 2010.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Greek-Mythology-Hercules---The-Mortal-Who-Became-a-God

Photo Credit:

"Hercules Color Pages for Kids." Coloring Pages for Kids. 4 January 2010.
http://coloringpagesforkids.info/hercules-coloring-pages-for-kids/