How does Magwich's Return Affect our Theme Statements?

Starting with the theme statements they wrote for homework (Link to the last class) is a great way to prepare ourselves for the reading today. To begin, students will read their theme statement to their neighbor. After I will ask if anyone wants to share theirs with the whole group, or if there are any questions, but I won't collect the work because they are going to add to this assignment for homework tonight.

All of Pip's dreams are crushed in this chapter, when his convict returns and reveals himself as Pip's benefactor. It is also the last chapter in the second stage of his Great Expectations, and therefore a good time to start thinking about the overall message of this novel (RL.9-10.2). Focusing on theme now encourages more purposeful reading for the final stage.

We will read this chapter popcorn style (RL.1-10.10). The individual reading can read a single paragraph or a few, whatever he or she is comfortable with, and then they pass the reading to someone else, who repeats the process. They are comfortable enough with the language now to read in this format without taking double the amount of time necessary. We will stop intermittently to answer questions and clarify reading. For instance, it will be important to stop and consider how Pip treats the convict throughout the chapter, especially when the convict burns Pip's money in the fireplace, and why he is unhappy to hear the convict's news.