Great Expectations

People say we always reach for the stars, but, unfortunately, have unrealistic expectations is a surefire way to finish disappointed. The problem stems partly from the kind of stories we are hearing more and higher. Ariel gets the prince (as opposed to transform sea foam), Sherlock Holmes catches the bad guy (as opposed to falling off a cliff to his death), and the Beast turns into a fellow human (rather than having to shave his descendants and Belle).

Therefore, whenever stories come not accede to this convention, we can not help but take note. Take, for example, the classic Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. This is the story of a boy of six years, Pip, who, as you can deduce, has ambitions far beyond what is reasonable for the humble station in life. Pip grows alongside Estella, a fledgling companies pint future that is waaay out of his league and - consequently - irresistible to him.

In his idealism, dreams Pip through the ranks, amassing a private fortune, and return victorious - Prince Ali-style Ababwa - too woo his ladyfriend. Remarkably, he will actually two to three on the forehead with the help of a convenient, mysterious, anonymous benefactor oh-so-Dickens. Who is on the wrong side of the law. Although you can not hit partial victory Pip (what with him still being up, nineteenth-century Europe and all), its fantastic opportunity not count for much in the long term. After all, wealth is not good without the girl - especially if you blow it all to be a man of fashion.

After several years of separation (in this case be spoilers), Pip meets Estella finally only to discover that a) her first husband (now deceased) was a violent man who left her anxious, b) she has remarried a doctor, and c) it is still officially available. The end. (However, to avoid spoiling the weekend someone, Dickens also wrote an alternate who will end megahappy much as you want. It was, after all, 1861.)

All alternatives except for the appearance of cautionary tale Great Expectations is pretty bold for its time. Of course, we're probably more familiar with the twentieth century take on American history known as The Great Gatsby . Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925 - just four years before the crash heard around the world - he embodies the ideal of self-made man, illustrates the versatility of worldly success, and gives new meaning to the word "failure. "

Instead of an idealistic Pip is Jay Gatz, one of the most ambitious and driven in the literature. Like PIP, Gatsby has no money or status. Or common sense enough to fall for someone of his social circle. To win the heart of her childhood sweetheart upper crusty, Daisy, Gatsby starts to make a name (and pocket change) for himself. Miraculously enough, he succeeded with the help of - what else? - A mysterious benefactor others by selling alcohol illegally during the 1920s , Gatsby quickly lands himself a new name, an alter ego, a manor, and the party scene best money can buy.

Do not give anything to be there, but things do not go according to plan Gatsby, either. As Estella Daisy is married to a violent shock (this time, very much alive - and hit), which also makes available to Gatsby than ever. Worse, instead of DITC.