Classics Retold

Freemasonry is the oldest and largest world wide men only (fraternal) organisation rooted in medieval stonemason guilds, and focused on moral discipline, charity, and personal improvement.  Members gather in local groups called lodges to build character through shared values like integrity, friendship, respect, and service. Discussions on politics and religion are strictly avoided in formal meetings.  It was originated among medieval cathedral builders in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.  The first official governing body, The Grand Lodge started in London in 1717. The square and compasses are primary emblems, representing fairness, morality, and self control. India also had Grand Lodges, and my native town Calicut also had Grand Lodge by 1886. Dickens uses the term figuratively to refer to an association of equal sufferers: Joe Gargery, the blacksmith and his brother-in-law Pip.

In Chapter 2 of Great Expectations Pip writes about how Mrs Joe was very particular about Tar water.  Dickens is helping to create a modest rural home where simple, inexpensive remedies are used instead of professional medical treatment.  It also contributes to Mrs Joe's character who relies on traditional methods.  Tar water was a medical drink used in 18th and early 19th centuries.  It was made by stirring pine tar into water, allowing it to settle, and then drinking the clear liquid.  People believed it could cure a wide variety of illnesses --- from coughs and cold to stomach problems. The remedy became popular after Irish philosopher and bishop George Berkeley praised it as a near universal medicine. In Dickens time, however, tar water had been already regarded by many as old fashioned, and associated with poor.

In Chapter 2 of Great Expectations Pip writes about his brother-in-law, "his manner always was at squally times."  The word squally comes from squally meaning sudden gust of wind, often account by rain and storm.  Dickens uses this metaphorically to describe Joe Gargery.  During the storms in the household Mrs Joe flies into one of her angry tempers. But Joe behaves like a gentle dog: quiet, submissive, cautious, and patiently wait for the storm to pass.  Squally times is Dickens vivid way of describing periods of domestic turbulence rather than bad weather.  It is one of the earliest indications that Joe is gentle, suffering character while Mrs Joe dominates the household. 

In Chapter 2 of Great Expectations, the expression "avenging coals" refers to burning coals that seems to accuse or punish someone.  The thought to steal food from sister's house to feed the escaped convict  pricks Pip's conscience.  The glowing coals in the fireplace appears to him ready to take avenge for his guilt. Here the coals seem to accuse him.  This is an example of personification: Dickens gives the lifeless coals the human quality of seeking vengeance.  Dickens often uses the physical surroundings to mirror a character's emotions. 

Larceny is the legal term for stealing, specifically the unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to keep it for ever. Moving someone else's property without his permission. There is a plan to deprive the right of the true owner. Larceny does not involve force, it is done without the knowledge of the true owner. It does not involve breaking into a building.  Stealing property of high money value is called felony.  Stealing property of less money value is called petit. Shoplifting of an iPhone is an example of felony. 

In Chapter 2 of Great Expectations, Mrs Joe says to Pip, "what you have been doing to wear me away with fret and fright and worrit, or I'd have you out of that corner if you was fifty Pips, and he was five hundred Gargeys."  Here, fret and fright is not a standard idiom; but these words are paired for their rhythm. This is alliteration; bothwords begin with fr, having same sound and spelling. Other examples of alliteration are "sing a song for sixpence"  and "thick as thieves".  The term "worrit" is a dialect of worry. Dickens uses these alliteration and dialect to make her complaint sound dramatic.