Pip's Quote

"Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the information of the first link on one memorable day."

When he says this Pip is referring to how his attitude toward being Joe's apprentice has changed. He was once excited to finally learn this trade. The forge was his path to adulthood that he revered so much. But now he is ashamed of his "coarse hands and thick boots" and the lowly status of the blacksmith. The moment his view was altered was when he met Estella. Before he met her, he knew of nothing that could be better in life. He had a home, food, and some companionship. He had nothing to compare his life to so he was content. She changed his whole view of himself and the way he viewed other people. This is a negative change because it twists how Pip sees everything in his life from now on. He is no longer content with his simple life but is ashamed of it. He describes how is house was once a suitable and sturdy home, but now reminds him of his low status and fuels his wish for a better life.

This quote could also relate to me in the area of swimming. The day I joined the swim team nearly 6 years ago really turned my life in a different direction. I had tried other sports but nothing really grabbed me. I knew that I loved to swim and wanted to try something new but I didn't know the commitment it took. I had no idea how much time I would spend at endless swim meets, the lazy, care-free Saturdays I would never have, and the hard training it would require. But the upsides outweigh the downsides and I have learned to much self disipline as a result. Swimming has become a huge part of my life and continues to be my passion.