(I'm so sorry I had this done a while ago I just forgot to upload it)
Alexandria Chung
November 16th, 09
Compare and Contrast Video Clip 1 & 2
Both video clips have been taken from the introductory chapters of Great Expectations, when Pip meets the convict and brings him the file and the food. The general story is similar in both videos, however the details and the way it is presented is almost opposite to one another.
In the first video clip, the first scene starts off with Pip being attacked by the convict, and agreeing to bring him food and a file. His rough relationship with his sister, and admirable relationship with Joe is briefly shown, and then he sneaks out the food and file for the convict the next morning. The language used is exactly like that of the dialogue in the novel. Although the general storyline is similar to the novel, there is no music to set the mood, and the actors are amateurs therefore we do not get to see their personalities as clearly as we’d like. Also, the actors do not fit the appearance of the characters described in the book. The setting for this clip is in a modern setting, from the modern looking house to the sunny forest that does not fit the description of a dangerous and gloomy gallow.
In the second video clip, the first scene also starts off with Pip being attacked by the convict, and the storyline is alike to that of the first clip. However it shows further into the story, showing the scene at the dinner table with Mr Pumblechook. This video uses the same language as the novel as well. However, this second clip differs from the first because there is background music to set the mood, and the actors are professionals that possess an appearance that fits their character. The setting is also more appropriate for the story because it is set in the past in a non-modern home, and in a gloomy gallow.
The story being presented is the same in the first video, however I feel that the second video depicts the story better because of the more appropriate setting, characters, and mood. (342 words)
How Did the Clips Influence My Reading?
The first film version did not affect my reading or interpretation of the text, because it was unrealistic and did not fit my original ideas at all. However the second film was very similar to what I had imagined in my head while reading the novel, therefore I feel that my visual interpretations of the setting, characters and the mood will be more specifically expressed in my head because I have an exact image from the video clip that I can apply.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Jenkins
Mr Jenkins was to be my company on the trip to Gloucester. Jenkins, apparently, was none to eager to accompany me, as the coach left in five minutes, and he was not yet at the station. As I was watching the hands on the large clock get closer and closer on the large clock at the station, I was startled by a heavy hand descending on my shoulder.
I turned to see a stocky man of about my own height, with a dark complexion of a weasel. He did not seem to be over strong, but gave the impression of a frightful powerful pugilist. His clothes and the introduction given to me by Mr Jaggers reputed him to be a fine gentleman, but his general manner was of dangerous man.
“Sir, would you be Mr Pip, then?” he said in a harsh voice.
“Yes, sir. Are you Mr Jenkins?” I replied, not without a measure of apprehension.
“Well, well, I am. Is the coach leaving yet, then?”
I found it completely out of my power to tell him that the coach was about to leave without us, making out with only a nod.
“Well, well. We better be going then”
- Rein Otsason
I turned to see a stocky man of about my own height, with a dark complexion of a weasel. He did not seem to be over strong, but gave the impression of a frightful powerful pugilist. His clothes and the introduction given to me by Mr Jaggers reputed him to be a fine gentleman, but his general manner was of dangerous man.
“Sir, would you be Mr Pip, then?” he said in a harsh voice.
“Yes, sir. Are you Mr Jenkins?” I replied, not without a measure of apprehension.
“Well, well, I am. Is the coach leaving yet, then?”
I found it completely out of my power to tell him that the coach was about to leave without us, making out with only a nod.
“Well, well. We better be going then”
- Rein Otsason
Character: Polly Toodle
As Pip came out of the Mr. Jagger’s office, he saw Estella’s coach. Stopping in his tracks, he saw Estella climb out of the coach, in her poised form, her back towards him. Pip’s heart raced, she was as beautiful as ever and a tiny part of him hoped that she was here to see him.
Checking his self for any irregularities, he hurriedly walked towards her. Fearing he seemed too desperate for her attention, he decided to take a different route so it would seem like a pure accident that he had ran into her. Walking through a short alleyway, he braced himself for Estella but instead came upon another lady. She was beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful woman Pip had ever seen and the sight of her left him speechless. Catching sight of Pip, she smiled.
“My dear sir, would this happen to be the office of Mr. Jaggers?" she asked.
“Certainly," Pip replied, "But unfortunately he is absent at the moment"
“That is willfully ill-timed, could you happen to direct me to Newgate?” she asked.
“If I may ask, by what means does a beautiful lady such as yourself have any manner in Newgate?” Pip replied, intrigued.
“I have some personal matters to attend to. Would you be so kind to accompany me? I shall certainly require a gentleman’s escort to such a precarious place.”
Remembering his past experiences at Newgate, he decided it was probably best for him to accompany her and happily accepted.
As they walked towards Newgate, they pleasantly chatted about London and their surroundings. Her name was Polly Toodle, the only daughter of a well-known trading merchant who had disappeared a year ago in the deep seas, leaving her all of his large fortune. As Pip listened to her, he became more and more fascinated with her. Still not certain about her business about Newgate, a place filled with dirty, scum criminals, he was certain about several things, she was definitely not simple and plain. She carried herself with such dignity and poise and yet such an air of kindness surrounded her that it was impossible not to be attracted to her.
Alice
As Pip came out of the Mr. Jagger’s office, he saw Estella’s coach. Stopping in his tracks, he saw Estella climb out of the coach, in her poised form, her back towards him. Pip’s heart raced, she was as beautiful as ever and a tiny part of him hoped that she was here to see him.
Checking his self for any irregularities, he hurriedly walked towards her. Fearing he seemed too desperate for her attention, he decided to take a different route so it would seem like a pure accident that he had ran into her. Walking through a short alleyway, he braced himself for Estella but instead came upon another lady. She was beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful woman Pip had ever seen and the sight of her left him speechless. Catching sight of Pip, she smiled.
“My dear sir, would this happen to be the office of Mr. Jaggers?" she asked.
“Certainly," Pip replied, "But unfortunately he is absent at the moment"
“That is willfully ill-timed, could you happen to direct me to Newgate?” she asked.
“If I may ask, by what means does a beautiful lady such as yourself have any manner in Newgate?” Pip replied, intrigued.
“I have some personal matters to attend to. Would you be so kind to accompany me? I shall certainly require a gentleman’s escort to such a precarious place.”
Remembering his past experiences at Newgate, he decided it was probably best for him to accompany her and happily accepted.
As they walked towards Newgate, they pleasantly chatted about London and their surroundings. Her name was Polly Toodle, the only daughter of a well-known trading merchant who had disappeared a year ago in the deep seas, leaving her all of his large fortune. As Pip listened to her, he became more and more fascinated with her. Still not certain about her business about Newgate, a place filled with dirty, scum criminals, he was certain about several things, she was definitely not simple and plain. She carried herself with such dignity and poise and yet such an air of kindness surrounded her that it was impossible not to be attracted to her.
Alice
Dickensian Character
Name: Ms.Possichins
Ms.Possichins is a middle class woman, and does not have a good reputation in her community. She is quiet, and shows no interest in socializing with others. She is rude to anyone that tires to befriend her,and looks angry allt he time. however people don't know that Ms.Possichins lost her three best friends ina fire 17 years ago. She was an orphan, and her three best friends had been not only her friends, but her family, and they had all disappeared from her life in moments. She now fails to see the point in making friends, in fear that they may disappear. She is scared to become emotionally attached toanyone, even though she constantly finds herself feeling extremely lonely. Although people think otherwise, she is actually a very nice lady. On her psare time she volunteers at homeless shelters, and donates all her excess money to charity.
At first glance, Ms.Possichins is not a very beautiful woman. She did not have long, silky, straight beautiful hair, and she was not tall or slim. She did not wear elegant or colorful clothing, and did not care for her appearance or what people thoguht. Although she was a middle class woman, she was not married so she often had more than enough money to buy things for herself, but she never did. She always wore black or grey long sleeved turtlenecks, and a long black pencil skirt that hung loosely on her hips. She often looks down at her feet when she is walking through large crowds, or talking to someone.
Ms.Possichins sells produce in the small village near the town that Joe lives in. Joe often visits her to buy produce especially now since Mrs.Joe is unable to do these household chores. Although Ms.Possichins does not like to admit it, she sometimes has relatively lengthy conversations with Joe, which is unsual for her to do with a customer. hower she enjoys Joe's serenity and kindness. Joe may become friends with her over time, especially since now that Pip is gone, he doesn't have much company in the small town. When Pip comes back, perhaps Joe will introduce Ms.Possichins to Pip.
Joe: "Pip, meet Ms.Possichins, she is a companion of mine."
Ms.Possichins: "Um, nice to meet you Pip."
Pip: "Hello, How do you know my Joe?"
Ms.Possichins: "We are frien-- I mean, we sometimes converse during the day."
Pip: "Well, thats nice. Joe must get lonely in this small shabby town now that I have found my place in London"
Ms.Possichins: "Yes, Joe seems to visit my produce store more often now"
Pip: "You own a produce store? Well, I guess that is a sufficient job for a woman of your.. class."
Ms.Possichins is a middle class woman, and does not have a good reputation in her community. She is quiet, and shows no interest in socializing with others. She is rude to anyone that tires to befriend her,and looks angry allt he time. however people don't know that Ms.Possichins lost her three best friends ina fire 17 years ago. She was an orphan, and her three best friends had been not only her friends, but her family, and they had all disappeared from her life in moments. She now fails to see the point in making friends, in fear that they may disappear. She is scared to become emotionally attached toanyone, even though she constantly finds herself feeling extremely lonely. Although people think otherwise, she is actually a very nice lady. On her psare time she volunteers at homeless shelters, and donates all her excess money to charity.
At first glance, Ms.Possichins is not a very beautiful woman. She did not have long, silky, straight beautiful hair, and she was not tall or slim. She did not wear elegant or colorful clothing, and did not care for her appearance or what people thoguht. Although she was a middle class woman, she was not married so she often had more than enough money to buy things for herself, but she never did. She always wore black or grey long sleeved turtlenecks, and a long black pencil skirt that hung loosely on her hips. She often looks down at her feet when she is walking through large crowds, or talking to someone.
Ms.Possichins sells produce in the small village near the town that Joe lives in. Joe often visits her to buy produce especially now since Mrs.Joe is unable to do these household chores. Although Ms.Possichins does not like to admit it, she sometimes has relatively lengthy conversations with Joe, which is unsual for her to do with a customer. hower she enjoys Joe's serenity and kindness. Joe may become friends with her over time, especially since now that Pip is gone, he doesn't have much company in the small town. When Pip comes back, perhaps Joe will introduce Ms.Possichins to Pip.
Joe: "Pip, meet Ms.Possichins, she is a companion of mine."
Ms.Possichins: "Um, nice to meet you Pip."
Pip: "Hello, How do you know my Joe?"
Ms.Possichins: "We are frien-- I mean, we sometimes converse during the day."
Pip: "Well, thats nice. Joe must get lonely in this small shabby town now that I have found my place in London"
Ms.Possichins: "Yes, Joe seems to visit my produce store more often now"
Pip: "You own a produce store? Well, I guess that is a sufficient job for a woman of your.. class."
Dickensian Character
Her name: Tabitha Wopsle
Avatar Maker
Introduction to Story: When Pip is told that Mr. Wopsle has become an actor, he is also told that Mr. Wopsle's daughter Tabitha (who also has a roman nose) was the one who got him into it. When Pip and Herbert go to see Hamlet, Tabitha plays Gertrude (terribly), at which Herbert laughs, because Gertrude is Hamlet's mother, but Tabitha is Mr. Wopsle's daughter. Herbert points it out to Pip to try to cheer him up, but Pip remains in a sour mood. After the performance, Mr. Wopsle and Tabitha run into Pip and Herbert, and Tabitha takes an interest in Pip. Pip, however, is still mulling and pays little attention to her.
Description passages:
At which time Gertrude, the mother of Hamlet, came onstage.
Herbert nudged me, and whispered, “Hey Pip, that there must be Wopsle’s daughter!”
Herbert’s theory was well-founded, for the first thing that one noticed about the actress was the enormous roman nose that, to Pip, seemed to cover up her entire face.
“Good! Hamlet!” She exclaimed. “Cast… thy nighted colour off! And… let thine… eye look a- look like a friend! On Denmark! Denmark…”
She was not a very good actor, and it was a wonder she had been deemed adequate to work in acting business at all. She had a high, soft voice, which faltered and stuttered as she said her lines. Blue eyes, thin lips and light brown hair were all present on her head, but the feature that took up the most space was her gigantic nose.
“Mr. Wopsle and Mr Pumblechook has previously praised her as a wonderful actor…” said Herbert to me, hoping to get a response.
“Indeed. It seems that she is not so.” Said Pip blankly.
“Yeah. I guess not.”
[…]
“What a surprise, gentlemen!” Exclaimed Mr. Wopsle, evidently delighted to have caught up with Herbert and myself.
"Why... hello there... my name is Tabitha, Tabitha Wopsle! Pleasure to meet you." With the last words, her voice faded to an unconfident whisper.
"Nice to meet you, Tabitha!" Herbert greeted her, invigorated by the sheer hilarity of the previous performance. He nudged me to get me to say something.
"Nice to meet you."
"Why, you must be Pip!" Her face brightened up as she turned to him. "Mr. Wopsle has told me a deal... about you." Once again, the volume of her voice faded at the end of her sentence, which reminded me of the days in school, when a student would answer a question without confidence in their answer
"Has he now." I responded.
~ Fraser
Avatar Maker
Introduction to Story: When Pip is told that Mr. Wopsle has become an actor, he is also told that Mr. Wopsle's daughter Tabitha (who also has a roman nose) was the one who got him into it. When Pip and Herbert go to see Hamlet, Tabitha plays Gertrude (terribly), at which Herbert laughs, because Gertrude is Hamlet's mother, but Tabitha is Mr. Wopsle's daughter. Herbert points it out to Pip to try to cheer him up, but Pip remains in a sour mood. After the performance, Mr. Wopsle and Tabitha run into Pip and Herbert, and Tabitha takes an interest in Pip. Pip, however, is still mulling and pays little attention to her.
Description passages:
At which time Gertrude, the mother of Hamlet, came onstage.
Herbert nudged me, and whispered, “Hey Pip, that there must be Wopsle’s daughter!”
Herbert’s theory was well-founded, for the first thing that one noticed about the actress was the enormous roman nose that, to Pip, seemed to cover up her entire face.
“Good! Hamlet!” She exclaimed. “Cast… thy nighted colour off! And… let thine… eye look a- look like a friend! On Denmark! Denmark…”
She was not a very good actor, and it was a wonder she had been deemed adequate to work in acting business at all. She had a high, soft voice, which faltered and stuttered as she said her lines. Blue eyes, thin lips and light brown hair were all present on her head, but the feature that took up the most space was her gigantic nose.
“Mr. Wopsle and Mr Pumblechook has previously praised her as a wonderful actor…” said Herbert to me, hoping to get a response.
“Indeed. It seems that she is not so.” Said Pip blankly.
“Yeah. I guess not.”
[…]
“What a surprise, gentlemen!” Exclaimed Mr. Wopsle, evidently delighted to have caught up with Herbert and myself.
"Why... hello there... my name is Tabitha, Tabitha Wopsle! Pleasure to meet you." With the last words, her voice faded to an unconfident whisper.
"Nice to meet you, Tabitha!" Herbert greeted her, invigorated by the sheer hilarity of the previous performance. He nudged me to get me to say something.
"Nice to meet you."
"Why, you must be Pip!" Her face brightened up as she turned to him. "Mr. Wopsle has told me a deal... about you." Once again, the volume of her voice faded at the end of her sentence, which reminded me of the days in school, when a student would answer a question without confidence in their answer
"Has he now." I responded.
~ Fraser
Great Expectations Film Adaptations: A Comparison
The two movie versions of Great Expectations have some striking differences as well as similarities. The first version is extremely loyal to the original text, with the dialogue taken directly from the book. The second version takes substantial liberties with the text; the dialogue is original, and the opening consists of Pip being chased instead of being surprised in the cemetery. The styles of the two versions were also completely different. The first movie was presented in a linear, straightforward format; events proceed in chronological order, and the shots are either still or very smooth. The second version is presented in a different manner entirely; the beginning shows Pip meeting the convict, but this quickly changes. It cuts instead to Pip running home; the subsequent action of the book is then interspersed with Pip’s memories of the encounter. The second version is also light on dialogue; most speech is in the form of a monologues: Mrs. Joe’s tirade against Pip, and the convict’s interrogation of Pip. However, the two are similar in characterization; Pip is a frightened small boy, and Mrs Joe is an angry matriarch. However, the convict in the second version seems much more desperate. The convict in the first version is calmer, and merely sneaks up on Pip and threatens him for food and a file. The second version of the convict seems almost rabid, reiterating the fact that he is hungry, and chases Pip down to the cemetery.
- Rein Otsason
The Classwork from last class which i couldn't post
The two film versions were only similar by virtue of them both being enactments of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. The content was almost the same, and the characters were the same, but still, this is only due to them both being depictions of the book. One version was done by children around grade 8 for a school assignment, and the other one was made by a professional crew and aired on BBC. The technical aspects of the BBC version were obviously much better than the children's version; a major problem that I have with the children's version is that they only used a single shot, and a single camera angle for each scene. Although the BBC version was pretty "cheesy", in the way that it was introduced, it was in every way a higher quality production than the children's version. One could criticize OR commend the children's version on using the exact lines from the book, while the BBC version had a more original script.
These didn't really influence the way that I now read the book, but the children's version made me take it less seriously. The BBC version reinforced my vision of the setting a little bit, though.
~Fraser
These didn't really influence the way that I now read the book, but the children's version made me take it less seriously. The BBC version reinforced my vision of the setting a little bit, though.
~Fraser
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Alice
Although the two film version were very different in presentation, the content was essentially the same. Both versions describe Pip's encounter with the Convict and the subsequent events and offer similar portrayals of Mrs. Joe and Pip. In both versions, Mrs. Joe is harsh and offer unkind critisms of Pip and Pip is presented as a young, innocent boy, has a soft voice and doesn't speak up very often. However the second version portrays Joe as more of a kind, caring man and more of a father figure to Pip whereas the first version shows Joe as more of a impartial friend or a brother. The character representation, overall effect and dramatisation was better in the second film since it was professionally made. The second version with far more selective with their dialogue and used it to illustrate certain aspects whereas the first took almost all, if not all directly from the book. The first version also presented events in more or less a chronological order versus the second version which offered alternating scenes such as when Pip gets the food for the convict there are flashbacks of Pip's encounter with the convict.
After watching these films, I am able to picture the setting a lot more vividly. Before watching the films, I could never imagine how the different places in the town were all located in relation to one another and now I also understand more specifically what kind of a setting Pip is coming from. It also gives me a sense of how young Pip is at the beginning of the book and how old he is as he grows throughout.
Although the two film version were very different in presentation, the content was essentially the same. Both versions describe Pip's encounter with the Convict and the subsequent events and offer similar portrayals of Mrs. Joe and Pip. In both versions, Mrs. Joe is harsh and offer unkind critisms of Pip and Pip is presented as a young, innocent boy, has a soft voice and doesn't speak up very often. However the second version portrays Joe as more of a kind, caring man and more of a father figure to Pip whereas the first version shows Joe as more of a impartial friend or a brother. The character representation, overall effect and dramatisation was better in the second film since it was professionally made. The second version with far more selective with their dialogue and used it to illustrate certain aspects whereas the first took almost all, if not all directly from the book. The first version also presented events in more or less a chronological order versus the second version which offered alternating scenes such as when Pip gets the food for the convict there are flashbacks of Pip's encounter with the convict.
After watching these films, I am able to picture the setting a lot more vividly. Before watching the films, I could never imagine how the different places in the town were all located in relation to one another and now I also understand more specifically what kind of a setting Pip is coming from. It also gives me a sense of how young Pip is at the beginning of the book and how old he is as he grows throughout.
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