1. Great Expectations

2. Pip is very excited and anxious about being asked to Miss Havisham’s house. Have you ever felt this way about meeting someone? Who was the person and what was the situation? Daily Journal 2/10/2013

3. Let’s discuss the reading using our roles. • Discussion Director • Summarizer • Word Master • Story Mapper • Connector • Character Curator

4. Charles Dickens • Left school to work in factory when he was 12 because his father was in debtor’s prison. • Possibly the greatest writer of the Victorian era. • Social critic. • Wrote “Great Expectations” in 1861 • (My personal favorite is “A Tale of Two Cities.”)

5. What is the significance of the title, “Great Expectations?” • What do you think these great expectations are? And who has them?

6. 1. Consider Pip’s reaction to the criminal in the cemetery. Discuss what you would do if you were in Pip’s situation. Would you report the criminal to the proper authorities or would you do the same thing Pip did? Why?

7. 2. Discuss the role Miss Havisham plays in the novel. Some have said she represents an imprisoned state of mind. What does this mean, and do you agree that this is an apt description of Miss Havisham? What do you think of Miss Havisham? Can you guess what motivates her?

8. Many people in your life have expectations of you. Compare the expectations that you have of yourself to others around you. What do your friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, parents, and teachers expect from you? How are these expectations similar to or different from the ones you have of yourself?

9. Character Traits • Thinks… • Feels… • Has… • Sees…

10. Homework • Read “Great Expectations” pages 19-67 • Prepare your role. • Why do you think Pip is so desperate to be accepted by Estella? Do you think this is healthy? Have you ever felt this powerful need to be accepted by someone?