Great Expectations: The First Stage

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

Pip's clever analogy refers to different paths one may choose in life. Once the first "link" is formed and the "chain" begins to grow, there is no going back. For Pip, this first link is forged when he visits Miss Havisham for the first time. Pip's peculiar and unexpected experiences at Miss Havisham's results in a myriad of new feelings. After becoming accustomed to the fine, high class luxuries of Miss Havisham's mansion, Pip feels ashamed and self-conscious of his own home. He is slightly obsessed with Miss Havisham and Estella and his short visit with them. He keeps thinking about his visit constantly and can't wait to go back.

When I was ten years old, I went to Cascades Camp as a camper for the first time. Although I had visited with my family before, this was different. I would stay in a cabin with a counselor and several other girls. Not knowing anybody at first left me feeling lonely and homesick, but as the days and week progressed, I made many friends and had the best experience of my life. By the end of the week, I was confident and open with all my new friends. Every summer since that first week at Cascades, I have returned to camp. I hope my chain will stretch into the future when I can become a counselor myself.

Group Essay

Thesis: The strongest of relationships can make it through even the most dramatic and unexpected catastrophies. In The Importance of Being Earnest, a play written by Oscar Wilde, three durable relationships have connections stronger than the obstacles they must overcome. Algernon and Cecily, Jack and Gwendolen, and Miss Prism and Chasuble have similar characteristics that naturally draw each couple together.

Each and every one of the relationships in The Importance of Being Earnest has overcome obstacles. Perhaps the most mature relationship in the play is between two middle-aged adults of the working class. Even before Miss Prism and Chasuble express their love for each other, they subtly break down barriers just to spend more time together. Miss Prism makes up a headache, which is an excuse to be with Chasuble. Even though Miss Prism obviously doesn't really have a headache, and Chasuble most likely knows this, he doesn't object. Miss Prism and Chasuble often also flirt and drop hints to say that they are interested in each other. Miss Prism advises Dr. Chasuble that he should get married. Miss Prism and Chasuble display in this conversation that their personalities are similar. They are forward with their feelings without being candid. One of the biggest obstacles in relationships are personalities that clash. After finding out that Miss Prism didn't have a child out of wedlock, Chasuble and Miss Prism embrace each other. Their feelings are finally revealed. There are no linger any secrets between Miss Prism and Reverend Chasuble, and the two freely express their love for each other.

Each of my concrete details and commentaries ties back to the theme of obstacles that are overcome.