Sigh, disappointment. The feeling that we all get when we are let down. When something does not end up being as we expected (like I discussed in an earlier post). In Chapter 20 and 21 of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Pip is delivered to his new master and new home. Pip arrives at Mr. Jaggers workplace, only to find it is not the most glorious of jobs, and that Mr. Jaggers is not especially liked. After spending the day observing Mr. Jaggers, Pip goes to Bernard’s Inn, only to find that it is a broken down establishment instead of the classy hotel he once imagined. I can empathize with Pip, as I have been disappointed before. For example, last night. I had cancelled on a friend to go with my family to a neighborhood holiday party. There was supposed to be a horse-drawn carriage, the Clauses, and hot chocolate. My family of seven changed into winter clothes because it was twenty-two degrees, and as you can imagine, that took a long time. We all loaded in the car only to drive there and discover the celebration was not until next Saturday. I was disappointed because all day I had been looking forward to it, similar to Pip. Pip had been waiting months for the day to come, meaning he had months to fantasize. Pip and I both felt the sting of disappointment.
Although I do not enjoy disappointment, I do think it is a key way to grow as a human. In the moment, disappointment causes anguish and anger. After recovering and realizing that the let down was not a big deal, a new appreciation for life is created. Instead of taking small things for granted, it is easier to notice what we have to be thankful for and what we should cherish. Disappointment leads to reflection, which leads to deeper thinking and analyzing. I do not think that disappointment is necessary to life, but I definitely think that it builds character and makes a better human being.
Bring Honor to World Lit 