GE, Chapter 05

[Bionic Jean]

Probably both then! Thanks!

[Kim]

Jean wrote: "Can someone explain to me what "Decemberists" are though, please?"

According to the free dictionary, or something like that, it is:

Decemberist:

A participant in the unsuccessful conspiracy to overthrow Czar Nicholas I of Russia in December 1825.

I didn't know there was a conspiracy against the Russian man in charge, but I'll take their word for it.

[Mary Lou]

Jean wrote: "Can someone explain to me what "Decemberists" are though, please?"

I had to look it up, too. Surprisingly, despite the comic coming from Kim, it has nothing to do with Christmas!

a participant in the conspiracy and insurrection against Nicholas I on his accession in December, 1825.

[Mary Lou]

Jean wrote: "Can someone explain to me what "Decemberists" are though, please?"

Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with Christmas, despite it being Kim who posted the comic! I had to look it up - apparently a Decemberist was a participant in the conspiracy and insurrection against Nicholas I on his accession in December, 1825.

[Bionic Jean]

I posted it actually ... but it did make me think of a Christmas connection, which is probably all down to Kim ;)

[Ami]

I'm already torn in regards to the dynamics between Pip and the convict. Again, Pip finds himself in a situation where offering the truth behind his familiarity with the convict would be a redeeming act on his part, but Pip instead remains mum. I thought it curious how the convict notices Pip's silence, and he himself makes a gesture of kindness by telling the authorities he stole the vittles from Mrs. Joe's pantry, thus preventing any further antagonizing for Pip. In the previous section it was mentioned how the convict, who once appeared to be menacing when we first meet him, seemed to be more genuine and gracious towards Pip after a full belly. But what is currently happening between man and child...Is the convict so taken by Pip's act of loyalty, or is he feeling guilty for scaring the tar out of the poor child? Whatever it is, this convict is hawk-like in nature and has his sights, in some shape, on this lost child. I love these small details influencing the psychology of these characters.

[Peter]

Ami wrote: "I'm already torn in regards to the dynamics between Pip and the convict. Again, Pip finds himself in a situation where offering the truth behind his familiarity with the convict would be a redeemin..."

Ami

You are spot on the mark when you mention how the criminal acts to protect Pip from getting in trouble. Perhaps in his life he has seen little or even no kindness ever shown to him.

You mention how much you are enjoying all the small details in this book. Of all of Dickens, I think GE is the most intricate and interconnected. I look forward to reading your next post.

[Mon]

“opening the door to spit stiffly over their high stocks, out into the yard”
What is meaning of the word “spit” here?

[Mary Lou]

Hi, Mon. I assume it means just what we might suppose it does -- expectorating. There was a lot of spitting in the Victorian era, often into spittoons. But I'm guessing that if there had been a doorway close at hand and no ladies about, a soldier type might well just hawk up a loogie and spit it outside. Charming.