We kick off class with a film which is always a bonus and even better, it is comparable with the assigned reading. Between the novel Great Expectations and the film High Hopes (1988), I find that they possess many similarities in terms of themes in spite of differences in characters and plotlines. For Mike Leigh’s film, he had a very straightforward and realistic portrayal of life. Although High Hopes was not quite my cup of tea, I appreciated his style and was able to understand the significance of social and cultural systems.
The clashes between the different backgrounds of each character whether it be age, gender, social, or economic form a parallel with Charles Dickens’ novel. For Pip from Great Expectations and Valerie from High Hopes, theses characters find themselves in lower class systems and go throughout their respective narrative recognizing the difference between socioeconomic classes. In short, Pip and Valerie have these “great expectations” and “high hopes” with life but unfortunately get let down. For example, Pip constantly desires to return to Satis House and experience a wealthy life gifted by Miss Havisham. But, he is forced to unhappily be an apprentice at the village blacksmith’s forge instead of his dream to be a gentleman. Valerie, portrayed rather dramatic, has high hopes by attempting to blend in with the higher socioeconomic class. Always wanting to dress up and see what the lives of the Boothe-Braines are like, Valerie tries to climb the social ladder. For both works, life does not work out the way one typically wants but everybody simply live amongst each other regardless of socioeconomic class.
Hey Teresa,
ReplyDeleteI had a similar approach to how I viewed Pip and Valerie, both characters did not care for others as long as they felt good about themselves. Ultimately, it was their downfall. As you mentioned life does not turn out they way they liked regardless of their capital. I also appreciate your honestly.