Bob Cratchit / The Cratchit Family Flashcards
Who in a dismal little cell beyond, a sort of tank, was copying letters
Shows Cratchit’s desperation for money as he subjects himself to working in these horrible conditions for a cruel boss. ‘Cell’ suggests Scrooge sees him as little more than a criminal just because of his financial situation
Tried to warm himself at the candle
The pitiful verb ‘tried’ creates a sense of helplessness which causes us to sympathise with Cratchit. The anticlimactic ‘candle’ highlights the poor provisions Scrooge gives him.
Dressed out but poorly in a twice-turned gown, but brave in ribbons
Dickens presents Mrs Cratchit as resilient and hardworking who makes the most of the very little she has. ‘Brave’ shows her optimism despite their financial situation
As good as gold
The simile shows how highly the Cratchits value family as gold has connotations of richness and wealth and it contradicts Scrooge who idolises material wealth. They are grateful and content with everything they have even if it’s not a lot
Bob held his withered little hand in his, as if he loved the child
Bob wholly loves Tiny Tim and fears of his death which is the opposite of Scrooge’s childhood. Tiny Tim’s childhood is shown as the antithesis to Scrooge’s as 1 was rich but alone whilst the other was poor but surrounded by family
I’ll give you Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!
Despite the dreadful conditions Cratchit faces every day at work, toasting to Scrooge highlights his patience and compassion as he is grateful for being employed by Scrooge
Quiet. Very quiet
Abrupt short sentences contrast the busy joyful scenes in Stave 3. No one wants to make any sound. It unnerves the reader and creates an eerie atmosphere
It should be Christmas Day, I am sure she said on which one drinks the health of such an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man as Mr Scrooge
Dickens mirrors the asyndetic listing he uses in the opening stave, allowing Mrs Cratchit to adopt the same powerful tone of disapproval. Therefore, her character is shown to be strong and opinionated, defending her husband against Scrooge’s cruelty
I’ll drink to his health for your sake and the Day’s
Dickens highlights Mrs Cratchit’s Christmas spirit as well as her loving personality. Instead of creating conflict on Christmas, she compromises and agrees,conveying the idea that Christmas should be a time of love and compassion rather than conflict. Dickens may want his readers to emulate this
I wouldn’t show weak eyes to your father when he comes home, for the world. She said in a steady cheerful voice that only faltered once.
This epitomises the strength in her character as despite her sadness, she keeps her composure in front of her children. By outlining that her voice ‘faltered’, Dickens highlights the true sadness of Tiny Tim’s death, causing the reader to sympathise with her. Ultimately, she contributes to the idea that a family should consist of strength, compassion and love
