Great Expectations

Journal Topics

ExpectationsWho in your life has expectations for you (parents, siblings, grandparents, coaches, mentors, etc.)? What are their expectations for you? Are their expectations consistent with what you expect of yourself, or do you expect something different?

LiesHave you ever told a big lie to your family or friends? Why did you tell the lie? How did others react to it?

New OpportunityIs it best to pursue every new opportunity that presents itself, or is it a better idea to stay in familiar territory? Can you think of any personal examples or historical examples to support your opinion?

Showing GratitudeShould a successful person show gratitude to the people who helped him or her along the way?

Loyal FriendWhat are the qualities of a loyal friend? Should a friends loyalty have limits?

Fitting InDescribe a time or place where you felt you did not fit in. What happened? Why did you feel like an outsider?

Best FriendDescribe one of your best friends. Why are you close? What are the most important qualities in a friend?

Family EmbarrassmentDescribe a time in your life when a family member embarrassed you. How old were you? What happened? How do you feel about the situation now?

Unwise LoveHave you ever had a friend who loved someone unwisely? Describe the situation. What advice did you give them? Why do you think they were so attracted to someone who was not good for them?

Unexpected MoneyIf you received a large inheritance, or if you won the lottery, how would you spend your money?

PretendingDescribe a time in your life when you have pretended to be something that you are not. Why did you do this? Was it useful?

SecretsHow good are you at keeping secrets? Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10. Explain your rating.

DisappointmentHave you ever believed you were going to get something but instead found yourself disappointed with the results?

End of NovelWhat changes would you make to the end of the novel? Would you make any changes to rest of the text?

Favorite and Least Favorite CharacterWho was your favorite character? Who was your least favorite character?

Great Expectations in SchoolMost students complain about reading Great Expectations because of its length and complexity of characters. Now that you have finished the book, do you think freshman should continue to read it? Why or why not?