Dear salpal-ga,
This catchphrase is a misquote from Great Expectations by Charles
Dickens. It is used by the character Joe Gargery.
Chapter 56
" 'Which dear old Pip, old chap,' said Joe, 'you and me was ever
friends. And when you're well enough to go out for a ride -- what
larks! ' [...] "Pip," said Joe, appearing a little hurried and
troubled, "there has been larks. And, dear sir, what have been betwixt
us--have been." "
http://www.enotes.com/expectations-text/73779
Chapter 3
"I knew my way to the Battery, pretty straight, for I had been down
there on a Sunday with Joe, and Joe, sitting on an old gun, had told
me that when I was 'prentice to him regularly bound, we would have
such Larks there!"
http://www.enotes.com/expectations-text/73725
Chapter 27
"He wishes me most particular to write what larks. He says you will
understand. I hope and do not doubt it will be agreeable to see him,
even though a gentleman, for you had ever a good heart, and he is a
worthy, worthy man. I have read him all, excepting only the last
little sentence, and he wishes me most particular to write again what
larks." "
http://www.enotes.com/expectations-text/73749
You will see in these articles how it is used in discussions on the
book and Dickens.
"What larks, Pip
Rereadings: Alison Light finds Great Expectations a surprisingly
uplifting novel, despite its bleak portrayal of the class system [...]
What larks, as Joe says, what larks."
http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,12084,795752,00.html
"Dickens wrote of Mr. Dick and his kite, of "what larks!" Pip and Joe
Gargery shared, of such incalculables as Tom-All-Alone's and the
Marshalsea."
http://www.salon.com/books/today/2002/06/06/june06/
"Wemmick?s courtship of Miss Skiffins is also a delight. ?What larks?, as Joe says.
Joe Gargery is one of our favourite characters, and we were indignant
on his behalf at Pip?s behaviour towards him when Pip fancies himself
a gentleman and Joe beneath him. Joe is unfailingly kind to Pip,
protects him as far as he can from the wrath of his sister, Joe?s
wife, and takes care of Pip even when we feel that Pip?s ungrateful
behaviour make him undeserving, and even when Pip feels himself to be
undeserving. Joe?s gentle dignity impressed us when he realised that
he was an embarrassment to Pip, and the loving care he gave Pip when
he was ill touched us. We were pleased that Joe found happiness with
Biddy in the end, and felt that it served Pip right when he found that
he could not come back and marry her, having ignored her for so long."
http://readers.penguin.co.uk/nf/Document/DocumentDisplay/0,,P100000044_RPT,00.html
I hope this answers your question. If it does not, or the answer is
unclear, then please ask for clarification of this research before
rating the answer. I shall respond to the clarification request as
soon as I receive it.
Thank you
answerfinder
Search strategy
Recognised the phrase as most likely coming from Great Expectations.
"what larks" pip dickens
://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=%22what+larks%22+pip+dickens&btnG=Search&meta= |
