a christmas carol Flashcards
(35 cards)
1
Q
what are the 5 pieces of context?
A
CIRT1
Charles dickens and the poor
Industrial revolution
Religion
Thomas Malthus
1834 poor law
2
Q
context - industrial revolution
A
- immense change between 1760 - 1840
- it was a change from farming to factories - changed London from a rural state to an industrial state of factories and machines
- this was also known as the ‘progressive era’ as Britain was seen as the pinnacle of excellence and a symbol of progression - Britain was gaining domestic and foreign power throughout the world
- the industrial revolution meant that the class divide was exacerbated with the lower classes being subject to dangerous and dehumanising conditions
- dickens is critical of the industrial revolution and the overzealousness of money that was a by-product of the revolution - he was particularly scathing of the idea that Britain being the pinnacle of excellence when it neglected the most vulnerable
3
Q
context - charles dickens and the poor
A
- dickens was extremely empathetic towards the poor and their suffering. As dickens himself grew up in poverty, he first hand experienced the mistreatment and exploitation of the poor.
- critic G.K. Chesterson characterised Dickens as “the spokesman of the poor”
- A christmas carol was written by Dickens in response to the Report of Children’s Employment Commission which covered the dehumanising and exploitative conditions children were subject too in the Victorian era.
- Dickens first wrote a pamphlet to try and spread awareness about the plight of the poor. He then turned this into a novella as he was aware that his fictional tales would galvanise more support for the poor as it would reach a larger readership.
- the cratchits and tiny tim’s death are characters that dickens has constructed to carry this message about the exploitation of the poor. Bob was exploited by Scrooge, his superior in the workforce, whilst tiny time was left to die due to neglection he faced from society.
4
Q
context - thomas malthus
A
- influential british economist
- malthus believed that poverty was an inevitable consequence to the increasing population
- famine and poverty, he saw, were unavoidable, as due to an increasing population, it meant an increase in food demand
- dicken’s political diatribe can be seen as an anti-malthusian tale. he directly indicts the Malthusian idea of scarcity of supplies through the ghost of christmas present who sits on a pile of food and symbolises abundance.
5
Q
context - 1834 poor law
A
- 1834 ‘the new poor law’ was introduced which caused the introduction of the workhouses
- the poor were sent to workhouses, which were intended to be there to provide shelter and food for the poor in exchange for work
- they were hubs of squalor which exploited the poor, splitting up families and making young children work in these belligerent conditions
- 145,000 people died each year working in the workhouses an around 10% of people admitted to the workhouses, would die. this including young children as young as 4 or 5.
- he first hand experienced the belligerent conditions and aimed to criticise the humanity of such laws. he uses scrooge’s ignorance to replicate the ignorance of the upper class towards the poor: “are there no prisons? Or the union workhouses?”
6
Q
context - religion
A
- Victorian society was extremely religious, and it foundations were built on these very beliefs.
- redemption is instrumental in christianity - God provides individuals with redemption when sin has been confessed
- salvation = the salvation of mankind from jesus due to his resurrection - jesus returned to save mankind from its sins
- the 7 deadly sins were seen as the root of all evil: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth
- 7 deadly sins evident in scrooge : greed, gluttony, wrath
redemption and salvation is pivotal in scrooge’s transformation. his redemption and salvation is seen in stave 5 when he i reborn into a “baby”, showing how he has been redeemed from his sins and given another chance.
7
Q
scrooge - dickens’ intentions
A
- dickens crafts an allegorical novella with a didactic purpose, aiming to convey a message about the virulent consequences of avariciousness and frugality in society.
- he criticises the upper classes for their apathy toward the poor and their complicity in perpetuating dehumanising laws and social structures through ignorance
- dickens communicates to his upper-class reader the important role of repentance and compassion increasing both personal and societal moral redemption. by holding up a mirror to his readership, he prompts them to introspect and assess whether their attitudes perpetuate social injustice or contribute to social reform.
- in stave 1, dickens deliberately portrays scrooge as deeply entrenched in his misanthropic attitudes, highlighting his transformative journey by Stave 5. By depicting Scrooge as a microcosm of the upper class, Dickens demonstrates the potential for change and personal growth, even in individuals with the most entrenched immorality.
- ultimately, dickens emphasises that social reform can be achieved when society is guided by principles of generosity and empathy.
8
Q
Scrooge quotes
A
- “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner” (stave 1)
- “he seized the extinguisher-cap and by a sudden action pressed it down upon its head” (act 2 )
- “yellow” “wolfish” “scowling” (stave 3 - ignorance and want shown by ghost of christmas present)
- “I will live in the Past, the Present and the Future. The spirits of all Three shall strive within me” (stave 4)
- “quite a baby” “merry as a schoolboy” (stave 5)
9
Q
scrooge - “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner” (act 1 ) analysis
A
- themes - selfishness/materialism, social justice, religion
- the asyndetic listing - highlights his selfish and avaricious character. It portrays Scrooge’s immoral characteristics as ongoing, casting him as an unrepentant “sinner”
- the use of 7 negative adjectives mirrors how there are 7 deadly sins, known as cardinal sins, which were seen in the bible as the root of all evil. As the foundations of Victorian morality was religion, the parallels between scrooge and the sins are used by Dickens to highlight how the rich, symbolised by Scrooge, are more inclined towards moral transgression than the poor.
- dickens implicitly critiques societal structures, such as the 1834 poor law, which were ironically designed to address the perceived sin and laziness of the poor.
- verbs “squeezing” and “wrenching” connotes a struggle : this illustrates how Scrooge struggles to see the detrimental consequences of his frugality and thus, his role in perpetuating social inequality.
- alternatively, the undertone of a struggle is used by Dickens to illustrate how the avariciousness of the upper classes directly causes a struggle for the impoverished.
link to other themes:
- regret/redemption: dickens constructs scrooge initially as a quintessential Victorian miser, embodying the archetype of a villain. However, this depiction serves to emphasise his journey of growth and transformation into a regretful and actively virtuous member of society.
10
Q
scrooge - “he seized the extinguisher-cap, and by a sudden action pressed it down upon its head” (stave 2) analysis
A
- themes: supernatural, redemption
- verb “pressed” and adverb “sudden” : the aggressive verb “pressed”, combined with the adverb “sudden,” delves into scrooges immersion in deeply suppressed emotions. He reacts irrationally out of sheer panic, anticipating the prospect of confronting these stifled memories from his past.
- this ethereal figure serves as more than a symbol of scrooges past; it symbolises the supernatural intervention necessary for scrooge’s spiritual awakening. he wants to place the restrictive ‘cap’ upon its head in a futile attempt to evade the necessity of confronting his own humanity and the repercussions of his actions.
- *symbolism of the ghost: the ghost presented with iridescent imagery as it has a “bright clear jet of light”. This symbolism suggests that the ghost aspires to illuminate both the literal and metaphorical darkness in Scrooge’s life through revelation and reflection.
- the ghosts illumination of the past and its interconnected nature to the present, offers scrooge the chance to embark o a pathway of redemption. However, his attempt to cover the ghost with the ‘cap’ signifies his reluctance to embrace this opportunity for redemption.
link to other themes:
- kindness : the introduction to the supernatural eventually catalyses a change in scrooge as he becomes to shatter his insular views and begins to see the transformative power of empathy and how this can break the relentless cycle of unjust poverty.
11
Q
scrooge - “yellow” “wolfish” “scowling” (stave 3 - ignorance and want shown by Ghost of Christmas present)
A
themes - selfishness/materialism, social justice, regret/redemption
- *Ignorance and want are allegorical characters who aim to highlight the unjustified abuse of children as a result of the callous and apathetic attitudes of the upper class.
- *image of yellow - the colour ‘yellow’ serves as a stark reminder of the physical sickness and malnutrition endure by neglected children, a consequences of societal neglect and individuals’ obliviousness to social injustice.
- the encounter between scrooge and these marginalised children illuminates that their poverty and suffering are directly caused by the affluent members of society, epitomised by characters like scrooge, whose covetousness outweighs their compassion.
- *animalistic imagery - there is a feral and animalistic portrayal of the children as they’re described as “scowling” and “wolfish”. this animalistic image highlights how poverty dehumanises individuals, stripping them of their humanity and reducing them to less than an animalistic state of being.
- alternatively, dickens employs scrooge, an extension of the ignorant wealthy, to encounter the dehumanised poor, illustrating that the only remedy to societal ills is for the rick to acknowledge their role in perpetuating poverty and dehumanising the impoverished. this catalyses scrooge’s redeption
- this notion is exemplified in scrooge’s repentence in stave 3, evident in his use of imperatives like “tell me if Tiny Tim will live”, showcasing his desperate attempt to reverse his ignorance towards the plight of the destitute, recognising his humanity amidst a society that has treated them in an animalistic way.
link to other themes:
- religion: as the ghost of christmas present is presented in a god like omniscient war, it illustrates the transformative power of religion and how it is inextricably linked to morality. By bringing an individual back to the foundational teachings of christianity, it creates spiritual enlightenment which allows individuals like scrooge to become champions of social justice.
- supernatural and kindness: the introduction to the supernatural catalyses a change in scrooge as he becomes to shatter his insular views and begins to see the transformative power of empathy and how this can break the relentless cycle of unjust poverty.
12
Q
Scrooge - “I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The spirits of all Three shall strive within me” (stave 4) analysis
A
- themes: selfishness/materialism, supernatural, religion, regret/redemption
-* religious allusions: the concept of “three” could be a biblical allusion to the three different aspects of God within the holy trinity: the father, the son and the holy spirit. This could emphasise how the three ghosts almost acted as incarnations of God himself - relaying a moral and religious message that penetrated deeply within scrooge. - when he speaks of them striving “within me”, it signifies his internalisation of their moral teachings and his desperation to be given the opportunity to embark on the path of salvation and redemption (save from sins)
- *justaposition between ‘past, present and future’: the juxtaposing passages of time serve as a symbolic reflection of the stark contrast between Scrooge’s former avaricious self and his transformation into a person dedicated to redemption, moral and spiritual enlightenment.
- the passage of time also emphasises his realisation of how his attitude in the “past” and “present” was not only perpetuating his “solitary” existence, but also contributed to the systemic oppression and exploitation of the vulnerable in society.
13
Q
scrooge - “quite a baby” “merry as a schoolboy” stave 5
A
- themes: selfishness, religion, regret/redemption, social justice
- *infantile language: scrooge’s infantile self-descriptions indicates his rebirth as he brands himself as a “baby” and a “schoolboy”. As both connote innocence and youth, scrooge is showcasing how through his repenting for his sins, he has now regained his youthful innocence and ability to see the world through an untainted light - he now views it through compassion, kindness and benevolence.
- as being a “baby” is the start of life, this signifies that scrooge has been reborn as he has gone from a selfish “old sinner” back to the most innocent form of human life - had the ultimate rebirth.
- *christian ideas of rebirth;the concept of rebirth holds significance in christianity, symbolising a spiritual renewal and connection with God. This is deeply intertwined with the belief in Jesus Christ’s rebirth, which offered salvation to humanity
- similarly, scrooge’s own rebirth may hold the promise of salvation and relief for the less fortunate, as he assumes a paternal role akin to a “second father” to Tiny Tim, embodying compassion and generosity toward those in need.
link to other themes:
- kindness/family: through scrooge’s portrayal as a microcosm of the upper class, dickens illustrates the easy potential for personal transformation and redemption. By depicting Scrooge’s transformation from avarice to altruism and genuine compassion, dickens showcases the possibility of catalysing positive change within society simply by replacing selfishness with empathy and kindness.
14
Q
the ghosts - dickens intentions
A
- dickens crafts the ghosts as vehicles fo rconveying his condemption of the ignorance and callousness prevalent among the materialistic upper classes. Thus, the ghosts serve as Dickens’ mouthpiece, delivering a powerful message advocating for compassion and societal reform.
- each ghost introduces a comical and entertaining element, enabling dickens to subtly yet effectively depict the corrosive impact of greed and apathy. however, through scrooge’s transformation, dickens utilises the ghosts to show the potential for reversing this damage. they serve as symbols of positive social chnage, highlighting the possibility of societal transformation and social justice.
- time and change serve as important motifs introduced by dickens in his allegorical novella through the ghosts. these motifs are used to illustrate the interconnection between the past, present, and the future, and their influence on the trajectory of societal progress or decline.
15
Q
marley quotes
A
“I wear the chain I forged in life… I made it link by link” (stave 1)
“Mankind was my business” (stave 1)
16
Q
marley - “I wear the chain i forged in life… I made it link by link” (stave 1)
A
- themes: selfishness/materialism, supernatural, religion, regret/redeption, social injustice
- *symbolism of chains - as chains are made of link, which are all interconnecting, this is alike to how Marley is warning scrooge that his covetousness and abandonment of compassion for others, are interconnected to his anguish. Marley is symbolic of the eternal consequences of the pursuit of materialism - in his life on earth he shunned poverty, indulging in his avarice, thus in the afterlife he experiences spiritual poverty.
- moreover, the chain symbolises restriction and entrapment. Through Marley “dragging” the chain, his chain is a conceit for the restricting and eternal consequences of being parsimonious and perpetuating social injustice.
- *personal pronoun: the use of the personal pronoun “I” implies that Marley acknowledges with remorse the consequences of his own personal and selfish pursuit of material wealth, leading to his eternal and spiritual damnation.
- he serves as a cautionary tale not only to scrooge but also to readers consumed by avarice, highlighting that redemption is inaccessible for those who prioritise materialistic pursuits over altruism.
17
Q
marley - “mankind was my business” (stave 1) analysis
A
- themes: selfishness/materialism, social injustice, regret, kindness/family
- *economical language: the economical language dominating both scrooge’s and marley’s dialogue serves as a critique pf society’s obsession with material wealth and the relentless pursuit of profit. Marley serves as Dickens’ first mouthpiece, articulating the priority of a collective social conscience and compassion over materialistic concerns such as ‘business’ and money
- this juxtaposition highlights the irony of individuals like scrooge, who conflate material wealth with societal value. moreover, it foreshadows the grim fate awaiting scrooge if he fails to learn from the eternal punishment of marley: being reduced to mere economic terms upon his death.
- *syntax: in terms of syntax, “mankind” precedes “business”, indicating the hierarchical order of values that Scrooge, and by extension society, should priorities.
- marley’s spiritual and eternal punishment serves as a catalyst not only for the sole purpose of change but also for the realisation that compassion should always rake precedence over materialism.
18
Q
ghost of christmas past quotes
A
- “it was a strange figure - like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man” (stave 2)
- “bright clear jet of light” “purest white” (stave 2)
19
Q
ghost of christmas past “it was a strange figure- like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man” (stave 2) analysis
A
- themes: supernatural, kindness/family, regret/redemption
- *juxtaposition between “child and “old man”: is metaphorical for scrooge. He appears physically alike to an “old man” as he is branded an “old sinner”, yet is vulnerable and isolated akin to how he was as a “child”
- this contrast also underpins the interconectedness of time, emphasising that the past inevitable shapes the present and influences the future. By revisiting Scrooge’s childhood, the ghost aims to catalyse a regression in him, prompting a return to his former compassionate self and setting him on a path to redemption.
- *context about time and age: the mixture of both youth and age was a fascination within the victorian era - their emphasis on the youth of children caused a parallel interest to those in their older age.
- by presenting the ghost as an amalgamation of youthfulness and old age, dickens captures the fascination of his readership allowing him to use the juxtaposing depiction to emphasise the motif of time throughout the novella. This motif, personified through the ghosts of past, present and future, is also used to illustrate the timelessness of the message of moral growth, compassion and redemption.
20
Q
ghost of christmas past - “bright clear jet of light” “purest white” (stave 2) analysis
A
- themes: supernatural, religion, regret/redemption
-* motif of light: the motif of light permeates the novella, illuminating characters such as the ghost of Christmas past, the ghost of Christmas present, and Fred, all of whom play a role in encouraging scrooge’s transformation. - “light” evokes images of hope and radiance, symbolising how the ghost is a beacon of enlightenment, tasked with illuminating scrooge’s path towards moral awakening and personal transformation. The ghosts’ purpose is to reveal to scrooge the potential for a hopeful and joyous existence if he chooses the path of redemption.
- *“purest” celestial image: “purest white” creates a celestial image of heaven and purity from sin. As the ghost wears a “tunic” of this colour, it is suggestive that his aim is to resurface Scrooge’s repressed memories and emotions in order to purify him from his previous sins so he is ready to access heaven.
- this celestial symbolism serves a dual purpose: it foreshadows scrooge’s spiritual journey towards moral transformation and redemption while also emphasising the theme of forgiveness. Dickens suggests that nobody is beyond redemption, regardless of their past sins, salvation and forgiveness can be found.
21
Q
ghost of christmas present quotes
A
- “glowing torch, in shape not unlike plenty’s horn” (stave 3)
- “if he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population” (stave 3)
22
Q
ghost of christmas present - “glowing torch, in shape not unlike Plenty’s horn” (stave 3)
A
- themes: selfishness/materialism, social injustice, supernatural
- *symbolism of “plenty’s horn”: The latin term for Plenty’s horn, ‘cornucopia,’ symbolises nourishment and abundance. this highlights a message to scrooge about the mindset that causes social inequality: there is an abundance of resources to be shared, and societal neglect and malnourishment are unjustifiable in a world of plenty.
- this serves as a direct critique of Malthusian views, which disregard the plight of the poor and destitute as inevitable, yet the ghost shows that there is ample wealth to alleviate their suffering if shared equally.
- *motif of light: as the ghost holds the emblem of the torch, intensifying the recurring motif of light, it signifies both the physical and symbolic illumination that scrooge will undergo.
- this illumination reflects the ghost’s supernatural omnipotence, intended to reveal and illuminate the detrimental impacts of social neglect and avarice. through the cratchits, symbolic of the exploited poor, the ghost aims to awaken scrooge to the abundance of resources physically that should be shared in society, as well as the emotional abundance of compassion and benevolence.
23
Q
the ghost of christmas present - “if he be like to die, he had better do it an decrease the surplus population.” (stave 3) analysis
A
- themes: selfisheness/materialism, social injustice, regret/redemption, kindness/family
- *repetition: the ghost repeats scrooge’s earlier quote from stave 1, emphasising his callous neglect and ignorance towards the plight of the lower classes. through scrooge’s adoption of malthusian ideology, poverty and starvation are heartlessly dismissed as inevitable outcomes of a “surplus population”
- the ghost, a symbol of abundance and equality, repeats it back to illustrate the inhumanity inherent in such a apathetic and ignorant perspectives, compelling readers to confront the moral implications of societal indifference towards the suffering of the less fortunate.
- *plosives: plosives litter the speech with “doe”, “better do” and “decrease”, the harshness of the plosives accentuates the harsh callousness of upper class views towards the destitute.
- This belligerence, as the ghost later shows Scrooge, causes the exploitation and victimisation of the innocent in society- children.
24
Q
ghost of christmas yet to come quotes
A
“shrouded in a deep black garment” (stave 4)
“it was a worthy place!…overrun by grass and weeds” (stave 4)
25
ghost of christmas yet to come - "shrouded in a deep black garment" (stave 4) analysis
- themes: selfishness, supernatural, religion, regret/redemption
- *symbol of death: as it is "shrouded in a deep black garment" this is reminiscent of the grim reaper, a symbol of death tasked with collecting souls- the Ghost creates an ambiance of foreboding and finality. the deathly undertones serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of Scrooge's past immoralities and the urgency of his need for repentance.
- this visual parallel suggests that scrooge's prospects for redemption have dwindled, and he now faces an unavoidable journey towards is ominous demise by the "inexorable" hand.
- *image on 'black': the dark ominous image created by black juxtaposes the motif of light seen in the chost of christmas past and present. this is suggestive that scrooge's bleak and ironically 'solitary' death is imminent - scrooge longed for a 'solitary' existence and now the ghost is solemnly showing him the consequences of his selfish and isolated existence.
the archetype of the menacing,faceless ghost haunting scrooge serves to illuminate the gravity of his misanthropy. this dark and malevolent supernatural presence symbolises the justly forceful intervention needed to catalyse his transformation.
26
ghost of christmas yet to come - "it was a worthy place!...overrun by grass and weeds" (act 4) analysis
- themes: selfishness/materialism, social injustice, religion
- *decaying semantic field: the use of terms like "overrun" and "grass and weeds" creates a semantic field of decay, serving as a mocking commentary on Scrooge's life. Ironically, the vitality and life of the surrounding plants highlight his own insignificance. This serves as a criticism of his materialistic existence, suggesting that he has become even more insignificant than the decaying plants surrounding his grave.
- through the ghost's portrayal of Scrooge's proleptic death, Dickens emphasisies the dire consequences of neglecting one's moral and civic duties, suggesting that such neglect will inevitably lead to eternal neglect and oblivion in death.
- *exclamative sentence: the exclamatory sentence of "a worthy place!" serves as a form of karmic retribution, where scrooge's frugal and miserly existence is met with just punishment. This message, delivered by the menacing ghosts, imbues the scene with a hellish undertone, evoking a sense of divine justice.
- in the victorian era, readers would find solace in scrooge's punishment due to their strong religious beliefs - eternal damnation and divine judgement was a deeply ingrained fear in society. Thus, scrooge's rightful punishment reinforces the cautionary tale that excessive covetousness and materialism will ultimately lead to divine condemnation.
link to other themes:
- regret/redemption: the sight of his neglected and isolated grave intensifies scrooge's urgent longing for redemption, serving as a stark reminder of his neglectful and dehumanising treatment of the lower classes.
27
bob cratchit/the cratchits - dickens' intentions
- dickens' scathing critique of the systemic injustices within victorian society is personified through blind gratitude the lower classes, like bob, feel towards those who exploit and oppress them.
- in dickens' allegorical novel, he dispels the idea that wealth is synonymous with superiority. thus, he constructs bob and the cratchits to symbolise morality and communal values, reinforcing that despite their lack of material wealth they possess moral superiority.
- bob is a microcosm of the exploited poor. dickens crafts his character as inherently benevolent, yet subjected to immense unjust suffering, to humanise the struggles of the working classes and prompt readers to consider societal misconceptions regarding poverty.
28
bob cratchit/the cratchits quotes
"clerk" (stave 1)
"i'll give you Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!"
"my little, little child! cried Bob."My little child!"
29
Bob cratchit/the cratchits - "clerk" (act 1) analysis
- themes: selfishness/materialism, social injustice/poverty
- *lack of an identity: bob cratchit, initially referred to simply as the "clerk" in stave 1 which is symbolic of the dehumanisation and marginalisation experienced by the working class during the Victorian era.
- the deliberate omission of his name shows the societal attitude that stripped the poor of their individuality, reducing them to mere cogs in the machinery of an industrialising society.
- *symbolism: bob's anonymity highlights the motif of social inequality and the power dynamics between the upper and lower classes - he is under the oppressive thumb of scrooge, a ruthless embodiment of capitalist greed.
- thus, he is perceived as a faceless member of the exploited poor who unfairly faced prejudicial treatment due to stereotypes of laziness and being viewed as economic burdens.
link to other themes:
- religion: bob's proximity to the foundations of morality, and by extension, religion, shines through despite his lack of material wealth. despite being overlooked by the upper echeleons of society, his commitment to providing for his family, even at the expense of his own well-being, demonstrates a greater adherence to religious principles than the self-serving avarice shown by individuals like scrooge.
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the cratchits/bob cratchit - "I'll give you Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!"(stave
themes: selfishness/materialism, social injustice/poverty, kindness/family
- connotations of "founder": connotes creatership, reflecting how Bob perceives scrooge with a quasi-divine reverence (features of being god-like), granting and blessing him with the ability to afford what he deems as luxuries. this is reinforced through his gratitude towards a "goose", using the superlative "rarest" despite the irony this was a cheap bird that replaced turkey in the victorian era.
- this quote from Bob explores the disheartening reality where the destitute, like Bob, feel indebted and blindly grateful to those who exploit them, highlighting Dickens' scathing critique of the systemic injustices within Victorian society.
- *exclamative sentence: Bob epitomises the power of true wealth. Despite their meagre materialistic possessions, their fervent gratitude is emphasised by the exclamative sentence. thus, bob and the cratchits symbolise morality and communal values, challenging the idea that material wealth equates to moral superiority.
links to other key themes:
- religion: bob's proximity to the foundations of morality, and by extension, religion, shines through despite his lack of material wealth. Despite being overlooked by the upper echleons of society, his commitment to providing for his family, even at the expense of his own well-being, demonstrates a greater adherence to religious principles than the self-serving avarice shown by individuals like scrooge.
- supernatural: dickens uses the ghosts as instruments of his social critique. by revealing bob cratchit's family through the eyes of a spirit, dickens shatters the upper-class readership's ignorance and obliviousness. this supernatural intervention exposes the stark contrast between the cratchits' benevolent spirit and the audience's potential prejudices against the working class.
31
bob cratchit/the cratchits - "my little, little child!" cried Bob "My little child!" (stave
themes: selfishness/materialism, social injustice/poverty, kindness/family
- *repeated adjective: the recurring adjective "little" evokes an image of fragility and innocence, emphasising how vulnerable children like Tiny Tim often fall victim to the relentless cycle of poverty. This repetition allows Dickens to emphasise the harsh realities and repeated exploitation faced by the most defenceless members of society, highlighting the urgent need for social reform.
- dickens provides a solution to the perpetual cycle of poverty - the development of a collective social conscience. through scrooge's transformation into a compassionate fatherly figure, symbolised by his role as a "second father" to Tiny Tim, Dickens suggests that societal unity and empathy can alleviate the neglect and suffering experienced by the poor.
- *indicts malthusian views: the portrayal of Tiny Tim as angelic, coupled with Bob's kindness, exacerbates the damaging effects of Malthusian views. Despite their morality, they are deemed economic burdens and dismissed as "surplus population", yet they are subject to real and unjust hardships.
- bob is a microcosm of the exploited poor. Dickens crafts his character as inherently benevolent, yet subjected to immense unjust suffering, to humanise the struggles of the working classes and prompt readers to reconsider societal misconceptions regarding poverty.
link to other themes:
- supernatural: dickens uses the ghosts as instruments of his social critique. By revealing Bob Cratchits' benevolent spirit and the audience's potential prejudices against the working class.
- regret/redemption: scrooge's witnessing of the immense unjust suffering endured by the lower classes, propels his redemption. He begs "Tell me if Tiny Tim will live" to the ghost, illustrating how the solution to breaking the perpetual cycle of poverty is the development of compassion and empathy.
32
Fred dickens' intentions
- dickens portrays fred as a foil to scrooge, contrasting their attitudes in stave 1. Fred's character serves as a benchmark for scrooge's moral rebirth, enabling readers to gauge the depth of his positive transformation in relation to fred's inherent morality.
- dickens purposefully refrains from vilifying fred, using him as a representation of upper-class individuals capable of morality and compassion. thus, dickens suggests that morality is not limited to social class, but rather inherent within individuals. however, for those upper-class members who fail to exhibit traits akin to Fred's, dickens implies that it is necessary to undergo a spiritual and moral rebirth.
33
fred quotes
1. "all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled" (stave 1)
2. "his offences carry their own punishment, and i have nothing to say against him." (stave
34
fred- "all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled" (act 1) analysis
- themes: selfishness/materialism, kindness/family, regret/redemption
- *motif of light: dickens employs a motif of light, embodied by characters like Belle, the Ghost of Christmas Past, and even Fred. light often signifies hope and enlightenment in the novella.
- fred, with his "glowing" and "sparkling" characteristics, embodies this motif and becomes a beacon of hope for Scrooge's redemption. unlike the ghosts who directly confront scrooge's past, fred's magnanimous and compassionate nature offers a gentler path - a hopeful example scrooge might choose to emulate.
- *foil to scrooge: fred serves as a foil to scrooge, highlighting his misanthropic and miserly tendencies. the motif of light stands in stark contrast to the darkness and cold depicted around scrooge in stave 1, evident through "darkness is cheap" and "frosty rime"
- this juxtaposition between the characters' contrasting natures serves to emphasise scrooge's remarkable transformation by stave 5. fred's character serves as a benchmark for scrooge's moral rebirth, allowing the reader to measure the extent of his positive change.
35
fred - "his offences carry their own punishment, and i have nothing to say against him" (stave
- themes: religion, selfishness/materialism, kindness/family, regret/redemption
- biblical allusions: fred's use of the word "punishment" suggests a deeper understanding of morality. He recognises that scrooge's immoralities are not his to judge, but rather a matter for a higher power.
- this aligns fred with a sense of divine order, further solidifying his portrayal as a paragon of virtue and the epitome of a moral pious citizen. by refusing to condemn scrooge and leaving space for divine justice, fred embodies benevolence, compassion, and a strong moral compass.
- *embodiment of forgiveness - fred embodies the virtue of compassion towards his uncle, despite scrooge's evident misanthropy and parsimomy, consequently embodying the theme of forgiveness.
- dickens purposefully refrains from vilifying fred, using him as a representation of upper-class individuals capable of morality and compassion. thus, dickens suggests that morality is not limited to social class, but rather inherent within individuals. however, for those upper-class members who fail to exhibit traits akin to fred's, dickens implies that it is necessary to undergo a spiritual and moral rebirth.
