5. Great Expectations: (pg.25)

5. Great Expectations: (pg.25): “Mr. Wopsle said grace with theatrical declamation—as it now appears to me, something like a religious cross of the Ghost in Hamlet with Richard the Third—and ended with the very proper aspiration that we might be truly grateful. Upon which my sister fixed me with her eye, and said, in a low reproachful voice, ‘Do you hear that? Be grateful.’”:
King Richard the Third was crowned King of England in 1483. Although Richard has been depicted as a ruthless and murderous King, historians dispute whether or not Richard was responsible for all of the deaths that have been attributed to him. William Shakespeare wrote a play based on Richard the Third; Shakespeare’s play shows Richard as a villain. When Dickens references King Richard the Third and Hamlet, he is most likely referencing the ruthless version of Richard (Shakespeare’s version). Both of these plays depict the downfall of the protagonist due to their greed or desire for revenge. It is ironic that it is Pip’s desire (greed) for a rise in class that leads him to overlook the good parts of his life such as his friendship with Joe. With this passage, Dickens is developing Wopsle’s character by showing his tendencies toward theatrics. This characteristic later leads him to London to pursue acting; it’s funny that Dickens gives Mr. Wopsle a role in Hamlet. Dicken’s writing aids in character development: Pip is longing; Mrs. Joe is bitter and forceful; Joe is kind; Mr. Wopsle is dramatic. Through character development, tone of the story is shown.

“Richard III.” Brittania. 2005. 23 December 2009. http://www.britannia.com/history/monarchs/mon39.html

“The Tragedy of King Richard the Third.” Absolute Shakespeare. 2000-2005. 23 December 2009. http://absoluteshakespeare.com/plays/richard_III/richard_III.htm.