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Social class played a major role in the society depicted in Charles Dickens's Great Expectations. Social class determined the manner in which a person was treated and their access to education. Yet, social class did not define the character of the individual.Many characters were treated differently because of their social class in Great Expectations. Seeing the contrast between how the poor and the rich were treated will give a clearer understanding of how much social class mattered. In chapter 27 when Joe comes to see Pip, he treats Joe in a different manner than before because Joe was now in a lower social class. His feelings about Joe's arrival were "Not with pleasure... I had the sharpest sensitiveness as to his being seen by Drummle." (p. 203). He was afraid that Drummle will look down on him because of Joe's lower class. Not only does Pip treat Joe differently, Joe also treats Pip differently because of their difference in social class. He begins to call Pip "sir" which bothered him because "sir" was the title given to people of higher class. Pip felt that they were still good friends and that they should treat each other as equals. Joe soon leaves and explains his early parting, "Pip, dear old chap, life is made of ever so many partings welded together, as I may say, and one man's a blacksmith, and one's a whitesmith, and one's a goldsmith, and one's a coppersmith. Diwisions among such must come...." (p. 209). He creates this metaphor than he is a common blacksmith and Pip is a goldsmith. This difference in social class had brought upon their separation. Other characters that were also judged by their social class were Magwitch and Compeyson. They were both on trial for the same crime but Compeyson got off easier than Magwitch because of his higher social class. Magwitch describes Compeyson's defense speech, ."..here you has afore you, side by side, two persons as your eyes can separate wide; one, the younger, well brought up... one; the elder, ill brought up... which is the worst one?" (p. 325). The decision of the trial was solely based upon social class appearance. These cases show how much social class really mattered.In Great Expectations, a person's social class determined the amount of education they had. It is important to perceive this relationship between education and social class to clearly understand the importance of social class. A person like Joe who was a common blacksmith had no education at all. Pip, in the early days when he was low class, had a poor education at a small school. The school was not the best of schools, but it's all that the lower class had. The teacher spent more time sleeping than teaching and Pip had learned more from Biddy than from the actual teacher. Even though he had an education when he was low class, his education as a gentleman with Mr. Pocket was much greater. Another example of how social class affects education is the difference of education between the two convicts. Magwitch, born poor and low class had no education at all while Compeyson, born rich was high class and a gentleman with an education. Education is a factor in showing how social class greatly determined people's lives.Even though social class determined many things, it did not establish a person's true innercharacter. Realizing this will play a part in proving that social class did matter in most but not all cases. For example, the lowest class people were Joe, Biddy, Magwitch, and Orlick. Joe and Biddy were very poor but had very good hearts. Joe was always there for Pip and Biddy had moved in to help Mrs. Joe. Magwitch was a dirty convict of the lowest class, but he turned out to be a very caring and generous man. Orlick was low class and his character also turned out to be very low because he was a murderer. The fact that there are both good and cold hearted people in the lower class shows that class has no connection with how people really are. Another example is the richer class. This includes Ms. Havisham, Estella, Herbert, Jaggers, and Wemmick. Ms. Havisham and Estella were both very wealthy but they had no heart and their intentions were to bring hell to all men. While Herbert was the opposite, he was a true friend to Pip and always stayed by his side. Jaggers and Wemmick also in the higher class had supported Pip through his gentleman years. Being aware that not all of the high class were necessarily good people states the fact that class does not determine character. Even though class mattered in most things, this is an example it did not take part in.After exploring how class was associated with the way people were treated, how much education they had, but not with their true character, these facts have become easy to discern. With these points proved, the fact that social class mattered in most but not all things had no doubt become clear in the mind. It is strange how different social class had been back in Pip's days and now. Where will social class lead next?Dickens' personal experiences growing up obviously play a large part in his novel Great Expectations. Seeing his own father sent to debtor's prison and witnessing firsthand his loss of status clearly sharpened his own sense of the differences in class in England. His novel exemplifies the Victorian desire for upward mobility and their fantasy that anyone can rise to higher social status if only they can receive some secret wealth. In the novel, those who work hard and are good at heart end up with situations much improved by the end of the novel (Joe, Wemmick, Herbert, Matthew Pocket, etc...). Conversely, those who are wicked or take advantage of others tend to experience negative consequences, up to and including death (Compeyson, Drummle, Orlick, etc...). The possibility for redemption exists, but a character has to realize the error of their ways before it can be granted (Estella, Miss Havisham, and Pip himself).Pip's personal journey of realization forms the center of the novel. Throughout the story, Pip is exposed to all levels of the class spectrum. His journey takes him from poor blacksmith's apprentice, to the aristocratic realm of Miss Havisham, into the world of amiddle-class London gentleman, back to his humble beginnings, and finally to a prosperous life abroad. Along his journey, he learns a valuable lesson about his own prejudices and harsh judgments of those close to him. While Pip clearly comes to realize the folly of his own prejudice, there is no indication in the novel that he learns a lesson about the injustices of the class system as a whole. Pip seems completely absorbed in the microcosm of his own companions, and never expands his new-found awareness to the larger level.In the beginning, Pip is a caring, thoughtful boy who is largely ignorant of the larger world of class in which he lives. In his innocence, he honestly wishes to help the starving convict he finds in the marshes despite threats against his life. He feels bad for robbing his own house and for the necessity of lying to his sister despite her tyranny over him. It's only when he's introduced to Estella that his sense of class distinction begins to develop. In his naiveté he takes every word she says as fact. He is depressed by the realization that he is "common" and "coarse" and that all those he loves apparently unknowingly possess the same faults. Pip begins to believe that higher status, manners, and wealth are synonymous with one's value as a person. When news of his "expectations" arrives, his ego swells considerably almost immediately. He's sure that his "selection" is a sign of his great personal worth and it makes all the "common" people with which he's always associated seem beneath him. The change in attitude of those in the town toward him only reinforce this, and by the time he's ready to leave his village he wishes to walk to the coach without Joe because he's afraid of the stark contrast between them. While his attitude has definitely changed because of his awareness of class difference, he never seems to expand this belief beyond the circle of people he's already familiar with. He believes he's better than those in his village, but he never extrapolates that belief into a larger context.When he arrives in London, Pip is promptly reunited with Herbert Pocket. Herbert serves as his major role model of a gentleman, and consequently Pip strives to emulate him. Herbert and his father seem to be genuinely good people. Herbert passes on his father's philosophy of gentility which includes refinement of emotion and a good heart. Pip believes that by simply emulating Herbert's behavior he can become a "good" person like him. He initially fails to learn the larger lesson of Herbert's words and instead concentrates on learning manners and increasing his education, thinking that simply acting like a gentleman is all it takes to be a decent person.Pip is an incredibly selfish figure throughout most of the novel. His priorities are clearly misaligned. He wants to learn to be a gentleman because being a gentleman makes him a good person, but he fails to capitalize on seemingly-obvious opportunities to help out those close to him. Pip finds himself in London in a greatly-improved financial situation, he seeks ways to improve his own personal decency through manners and refinement, yet he never spares a thought for the good he could do for his afflicted sister with just a small portion of his income. Just a few pounds would seem a fortune to his sister and Joe, and he never gives them a second thought, concentrating only on himself and those he sees as being more worthwhile. It's as if the residents of his village no longer exist to him. It's this fierce selfishness that never allows him to awaken to the larger problems of class in which he's immersed.It's only when the true source of Pip's upward mobility is revealed that he begins to question his perceptions. When Magwitch is revealed as Pip's benefactor, all his preconceptions about his "selection" and his destiny with Estella are shattered. Instead of having been recognized by an upper-class individual as a truly worthy person, he's been the instrument of a convict's retribution against society. That night, after he's able to ponder his situation, he finally begins to realize the horrible way he's treated Joe. It's only then that he can begin to realign his idea of what makes a person valuable. However, he again spares no thought for the countless other members of the lower class who have undoubtedly been wronged by others just as he has wronged Joe.Eventually, Pip is able to forgive Miss Havisham for her deceptions and his own misfortune. He refuses her offer to financially compensate him and instead suggests she support Herbert's business endeavors. This generous deed comes back to save him by the end of the novel, when he ends up working for the firm his and Miss Havisham's money helped support.Further loosening of his false beliefs in class determining personal worth is evident in his treatment of Magwitch. Initially he views Magwitch as little more than an uncivilized animal. Eventually Pip's feelings toward Magwitch soften to a kind of loving gratitude. He begins to see that a man can be essentially good despite a rough exterior. Pip puts himself through great personal risk and inconvenience in his quest to save Magwitch. Though he fails to get him out of the city, Pip's care of and devotion to Magwitch up until his eventual death is unwavering, even after Pip learns that he will no longer be receiving any of Magwitch's money.The true measure of Pip's journey is the fact that by the end of the novel he can actually feel affection for the convict he viewed as little more than an animal for much of the story. However, despite the fact that he's realized the folly of his own misconceptions regarding those close to him, we never see him view this knowledge as belonging in a larger context. He learns the value of hard work and spiritual earnestness, and his good deeds bring him positive returns, but his realizations do not seem to lead him to an understanding of the fullest impact of class prejudice.Allegorically, Dickens does seem to intend that the reader discern something about the larger context in which Pip's story takes place. The characters within the novel clearly represent the different social levels of England's class society and their actions exemplify the ways in which those classes interact. Pip as a character, however, never comes to see his own experience as indicative of problems on a larger scale.。
Unit 2 lesson 4American social relations美国社会关系美国的社会比其他国家的社会更加非正式，在某些方面，美国社会的特征就是较少的社会差别。
That指societySocial adj.社会的society n.社会Informal adj, 非正式的inform v.通知form n.表格v.组成formal adj.正式的In some ways在某些方面Be characterized by以…为特征Distinction n. 区别; 荣誉; 特质; 卓越;美国人是成就感与“我同其他任何人一样优秀”的感觉的混合体，同时又不太重视个人尊严的习惯，这让其他国家人很难理解Mixture n.混合物sense n.意识，观念place importance on重视Pride n.自尊，骄傲v,以..自豪proud adj.自豪的praise n.赞扬prize n.奖品Along with 与…一道，伴随lack of缺乏dignity n.尊严通常来讲美国人不喜欢被别人看成低人一等的，他们也会为自己遭受的不便而抱怨，还会为自己没有得到公平的待遇而抱怨。
然而，他们也不是很重视自己的荣誉。
In beneral 通常，一般而言，总的来说make a point of 重视，强调Inferior adj.下等的grumble about [grʌmbl]报怨inconvenience n.不方便，麻烦在这一方面，为了更好展示欧洲人和美国人的不同反映，John Whyte 在《美国语言和方式》这本书里给了我们如下的描述。
Illustration n.说明，例证account n.记述有位欧洲的教授曾在美国访问，他有次收到一份在医院接受治疗的账单，实际上他并没有接受过任何治疗。
随附账单还有一封措施很强烈的信件。
Accompany v. [ə’kʌmpni] 陪伴pay v.付款payment n.付款company n.作伴显然是名字出现了差错，但是这位教授的个性及财务方面的廉洁被这种非难彻底地唤醒，他就写了一封措辞强硬的回信（美国人也可能会这么做的）。
精品文档就在这里------------- 各类专业好文档，值得你下载，教育，管理，论文，制度，方案手册，应有尽有----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------美国社会福利制度简介Introduction to social welfare system American发布于 : 2007/11/04 12:58 amPublished: 2007/11/04 12:58 am引用Quote社会福利是日常生活不可或缺的一部分，美国的社会福利制度相当全面完善。
了解美国的社会福利制度，有助于您在移民后合理地利用于自己有利的福利措施，争取和保障自己应有的权益。
Social welfare is an indispensable part of our daily life, America social welfare systemis veryperfect. To understand the America social welfare system, help you after themigration toexploit for their favorable welfare measures, strive for and protect their ownrights.美国现行的社会福利制度是从1936 年社会安全法案(Social Security Act)实行之后，逐步完善起来的。
社会安全法案包含如下几类福利措施：America current social welfare system is from the social security actof 1936 (Social SecurityAct) after the introduction, gradually improve. The SocialSecurity Act contains the followingbenefits:1、联邦社会保险1, the social insurance联邦社会保险是为就职人士设立的，在职或曾经工作过的本人及其家属都可参加，主要包括退休金 (Retirement Benefits) 、抚恤金 (Survivor ’s Benefits)、伤残金 (Disability Benefits) 和医疗福利 (Medicare Benefits) 等。
美国中产阶级经济文化作文英语In the tapestry of American society, the middle class stands as a vibrant and diverse thread, woven through the historical and contemporary fabric of the nation. Thisessay delves into the economic and cultural realities ofthe American middle class, examining its role in shaping American identity, values, and the broader social landscape. Economically, the American middle class hastraditionally been defined by a combination of stable employment, moderate income, and home ownership. This economic bracket has enjoyed a certain degree of financial security, allowing for comfortable living standards and discretionary spending. The middle class has been a driving force in the American economy, fueling consumer demand and innovation. Its members have typically held white-collarjobs in fields such as education, healthcare, and finance, providing stability and growth to these sectors.However, recent economic shifts have presented challenges to the traditional middle-class lifestyle. The Great Recession of 2008 exposed vulnerabilities within the middle class, with many families experiencing job losses,foreclosures, and financial instability. The rise of income inequality and the cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for middle-class families to maintain their economic footing.Culturally, the American middle class has played a pivotal role in shaping national values and identity. It has been a bastion of liberalism, promoting social progress and equality. The middle class has been at the forefront of movements such as civil rights, women's rights, and environmentalism, driving change and progress within American society.Middle-class culture has also been marked by a strong sense of community and social responsibility. Middle-class families have typically valued education, hard work, and upward mobility, passing these values down through generations. They have supported public institutions like schools and libraries, investing in their children'sfutures and contributing to the broader social welfare.However, cultural shifts within the middle class have also been evident. With the rise of technology and social media, middle-class culture has become increasinglyglobalized and diverse. Middle-class families now have access to a wider array of cultural experiences and perspectives, challenging traditional norms and values.In conclusion, the American middle class remains a vibrant and diverse force within American society, shaping both economic and cultural realities. Its members have faced challenges and opportunities in recent years, but their resilience and adaptability have been key to their continued relevance and influence. As the nation continues to evolve, the middle class will play a critical role in defining its future identity and values.**美国中产阶级的经济文化现实**在美国社会这幅丰富多彩的织锦中，中产阶级就像一根充满活力和多样性的线，贯穿于国家和民族的历史与现实之中。
