CHS Great Expectations

In the novel "Great Expectations" the character of Pip comes across many people who affect his life profoundly. The book tells the story of Pip through his own reminisces, but imagine if Pip had kept a journal or written letters - what would he have said about the people he encountered?

Your task in this project is to portray a character from Great Expectations and write journal entries or letters that explain their interactions with Pip:

D Period students will be assigned the role of a character talking about Pip's views and interactions with you.

G Period students will be assigned the role of Pip and will have to respond to your character's comments.

Using specific scenes from the book, you will create "journal style" entries that portray your character's feelings about the action of the novel and your role in it.

Each pair of students (one from D period and one from G period) will work together to create a wiki page. The page will include the journal entry of a character giving his or her reactions to a Pip and the rebuttal written by Pip. The journal entries should include:

A Journal Title and/or Date
D Period students - information about your character's feelings about Pip - what the character did to him/for him and the outcome of this relationship.
G Period students -Pip's defense of him/her self against the character's memories and Pip's actions - explain why your Pip did what he did and provide justification.
Each journal entry must include specific quotes and references to the events in the book that justify what is written.
Each journal entry should be written "in character" so that the voice of the character comes through clearly. (Write in first person)
Each journal entry should be a minimum of 150 words in length.
Images and graphics are encouraged but not required. If added, they must be cited correctly at the bottom of the page.

Rubric used to grade entries.

Student samples

Biddy and Pip

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Dear Pip,
It's me, Biddy your first teacher, your first friend, and your first confidant. Remember our walks on the moors, and how you would confide about your love for Estella and tell me how rude she was to you but yet you still had love for her. Your good fortune has taken you far away from us, but mostly away from Joe and your sister who miss you dearly.I also miss you as well. Hopefully you will come visit soon.Good news, I taught Joe how to read, and I am taking good care of your sister. She isnt doing very well though. I hate to have to leave it at this, but i really need to go now. I will write you as soon as I can.

Love,
Biddy.

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Dear Biddy,
Hello. I am so happy that you have taught Joe how to read. I cannot begin to tell you how busy I have been. I would like to know why you got so mad at me last time we talked before I left. I am sorry that I left you all like that, but I couldn't see Joe cry. I knew I couldn't handle it if he cried. I miss you all dearly too. I have just been so wrapped up in all of my good fortune. It has been so much fun. I have met so many new people. I have also learned so much about people also. Goodness, I sure miss those long talks that we had. Give my regards to Joe and Mrs. Joe. I have met this man, Herbert Pocket, and I share a room with him. We have become the best of friends. I have learned much more about people. I am most terribly sorry but I must be going now. Give my regards to Joe and my sister.

Sincerely,
Pip

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Dear Diary,

So. I have been writing with Biddy lately. I think that it is really good. I am very happy that I get to hear from her. I am very sad that my sister hasn't gotten any better. It feels good to actually hear back from home. I have been really busy lately. I kind of miss Joe and Biddy. They were the only people that were nice to me. I still remember how Biddy was the only person in the whole house that could understand what my sister would write on the peice of slate. I hope to hear back from her. I hope that I didn't hurt her feelings before I left. She seemed kind of gentle. She's such a sweet girl. I am still befuddled by what she meant by 'there are many kinds of pride.' I plan to ask her in my next letter. If she responds. Well, I must be going now.

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Dear Pip,
I was only mad becuase when you came into town, you didn't bother to come visit Joe or your sister who wasnt doing well at all. It hurt us all so much.
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Dear Biddy,

I didn't mean to hurt you. I couldn't see you. I couldn't stand to see anyone cry. I knew I had to see Miss Havisham. I had business to tend to. That took up all my time. I couldn't stay very long in the first place. I would have if I could, but I could not. It's that simple. I am sorry that I made you mad. I am terribly sorry that I hurt you. I didn't mean to. Did Joe tell you that he came to see me? I was so excited to see him. I definitely did not expect to see him there. I was so excited to hear that he learned how to read. Thank you for teaching him how to read.