Isn’t it funny how sometimes you get an idea from a book and all of a sudden, that same thought seems to be everywhere?
Great Expectations is a tale of disdain towards one’s own roots and the terrible consequences of it. Pip becomes a perfect example of the “One day I’ll fly away” motto, wishing to get away from a home he doesn’t consider worthy of himself, then feeling embarrassed by his humble origins and avoiding any contact with the people and places that would have been his natural destiny. Yet his luck is completely reversed afterwards and it’s too late that he realizes he was never above the ones who loved him, rather beneath them.
Sweet Home Alabama takes this sort of story and makes a romantic comedy of it, but its plot is based on a similar idea -except much simpler and corny. Girl has a husband, girl goes to the big city to become successful, girl becomes sophisticated and wants to marry sophisticated successful guy, girl goes back to her small dusty village, girl realizes she’s alright with the village people, village husband gets girl back.
It all comes down to being proud of who you are and where you grew up. Etiquette does not make some people worthier than others, nor does money, nor knowledge, for that sake. There is nothing more pathetic than feeble dreamers who cry inside their languid minds for a better life they believe they were made for -romantic wishes that consume these Madame Bovarys and drain their life away are a venomous form of pride.
Go see the world, if you must. Go fight for your great expectations and get to the top if that’s your aim. But never dare push those who have supported you away. Never dare despise what they are.
