Connecting With Romeo and Juliet

     Because this book was written 400 years ago and society is very different now than back then, it seems hard to connect with the characters, especially when you can't understand half of what's being said. But I was surprised how the characters can relate to us as teenagers. I can definitely relate to Juliet in that sometimes my parents don't understand me and want me to go along with their plan. Her mother wanted her to marry Paris despite her age and wish to remain unmarried. I think all teenagers feel like this at some point. I can also relate to Romeo in that sometimes I would rather talk about a situation with my sister or friend than tell my parents. He only tells Benvolio what is on his heart about Rosaline but won't tell his parents.
     I think that reading the scenes independently and then in class helps me a lot in comprehending the language. The old language can be difficult to navigate and makes the book much harder to read. I often have to read the scenes twice to fully understand it. Sometimes I'm so confused and have no idea what the characters are talking about that I miss the hidden metaphors an imagery. It also helps to have Mrs. Gilman clarify what I don't understand and reword it in way that makes sense.

Wrapping Up Great Expecations

Throughout all three stages of the novel, one main message has been communicated. This message is that friends and family are more important than money and a high social status. This message is portrayed in Pip's life as he acquires his expectations and becomes a gentleman in London. When he first meets Estella and Miss Havisham, he becomes ashamed of who he is and what his life is. He becomes dissatisfied with everything he has and even the people he loves. He longs to be of a higher social status and have more money. But when he does receive this, he finds that it doesn't provide the happiness he desired. His endless supply of cash not only makes him unhappy, but it separates him from those who love him, like Joe and Biddy. Pip finally does learn this lesson in stage three when he sees that his relationships are more important than his social standing. He and Joe become friends again and he even becomes friends with Estella. He is reunited with his old self and it brings a satisfying conclusion to the novel. This lesson is what the reader wants Pip to understand from the beginning of his expectations and he finally does.