7. Great Expectations (pg. 44)

7. Great Expectations (pg. 44): “There was a fiction that Mr. Wopsle “examined” the scholars once a quarter. What he did on those occasions was to turn up his cuffs, stick up his hair, and give us Mark Antony’s oration over the body of Caesar.”:
Dickens makes a reference to Shakespeare's famous speech in his play, Julius Caesar. The above line “followed by Collins's Ode on the Passions” makes a reference to an English poet who lived from 1721- 1759. Dickens describes Mr. Wopsle's character by making allusions to Shakespeare and other famous poets highlighting Mr. Wopsle’s tendencies toward drama. Dickens may have referenced Julius Caesar because it shares common themes with Great Expectations. The themes of friendship and honor relate to both works. If one was familiar with the play they could make connections and understand what Dickens is trying to portray more clearly. Dickens ultimate message of the book is that it is better for one to be a good person than to be a high class gentleman. Being rich is not how you will find happiness.

“Julius Caesar.” The Literature Network. Jalic Inc. 2000-2009. 26 December 2009. http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/julius_caesar/10/.

Carnell, Ron. “William Collins.” Passions for Poetry. 1998-2006. 26 December 2009. http://www.netpoets.com/classic/biographies/017000.htm