A Christmas Carol - Characters Flashcards
(17 cards)
How is Scrooge presented as isolated?
“As solitary as an oyster” the simile shows he is a misanthropic person who is hidden away and closed off from the world considering oysters are at the bottom of the ocean, far away from everything else, with a hard shell protecting it. This comparison highlights Scrooge’s detachment from others emphasised by the fact it was written during Christmas which is a holiday which brings people together.
“Took his melancholy dinner in his usual melancholy tavern” this descriptive sentence reflects Scrooge is a person of habit and routine. The repetition of “melancholy” emphasises the sadness and loneliness in his life. Scrooges surroundings of dullness, sadness and loneliness mirror his inner emotional state.
“Black old gate” represents how Scrooge is trying to separate himself from the world and shut out human connections. “Black” has connotations to darkness, sadness and negativity which mirrors scrooges emotions. The gate around his house shows Scrooge’s closed off and unwelcoming life.
How is Scrooge presented as regretful?
“There was a boy singing a Christmas carol at my door last night. I should have given him something” demonstrates a shift in scrooges character as he is reflecting and is aware of his uncharitable actions. Considering he is thinking back to that moment implies he feels sorrow for the boy and disappointment in himself.
“Hung his head” illustrates Scrooge is experiencing shame and guilt. The physical gesture indicates Scrooge is feeling embarrassed by what he has seen, but also he is self-aware and recognising his wrong doings and is feeling remorseful for them.
“Show me no more” the demand shows Scrooge is feeling distressed by watching the impacts his past actions, he is overwhelmed, fearful, guilty and regretful by being confronted with the potential future which awaits for him if he doesn’t change. He is realising how serious his actions were.
How is Scrooge presented as selfish/greedy?
“His clerks fire so very much smaller” indicate how Scrooge priorities money over the comfort and well-being of others and how he is so stingy he doesn’t even want to use up worthless items such as coal for a fire. This reveals Scrooges emotional coldness and lack of compassion. It also shows Scrooge doesn’t see Bob as deserving
“No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle” illustrates Scrooges uncaring nature to the suffering of others. “Trifle” refers to a small amount of money, showing Scrooge is unwilling to given even the smallest amount to charity, highlighting his lack of empathy and his emotional detachment from the need of the less fortunate.
“Squeezing, wrenching” vividly describe Scrooges physical and emotional tightness. These adjectives convey the sense of holding onto something harshly, reflecting the idea of Scrooge being unwilling to give and be charitable to others. The intensity of these adjectives imply strong feelings of needing to retain possession, Scrooge has a fear of loosing his valuables/money as he is attached and unwilling to let them go.
How is Scrooge presented as cold-hearted?
“ as hard and sharp as flint” this simile describes Scrooge as harsh and cold. Flint is a stone that is difficult to break which symbolises Scrooges stubbornness and lack of warmth or generosity as well as his emotional detachment. This description about Scrooge emphasises how unapproachable and coldhearted Scrooges.
“No warmth could warm” this highlights Scrooges emotional coldness and lack of empathy. Warmth typically represents comfort and kindness which implies no amount of kindness or love can penetrate his hardened closed off heart by positive feelings which reinforces the idea of his character being distant and coldhearted to the world around him.
How is Scrooge presented as transformed?
Stave 1 “ nobody ever stopped him in the streets” stave 5 “ “a Merry Christmas to you!” This shows Scrooges transformation of him being avoided and isolated to someone who is kind and socially engaged with the world. This transformation could be connected to how the Novella was set during Christmas, which encourages the spirit of Christmas which Dickens believed brings people closer. The exclamation mark from Scrooge in stave 5 implies Scrooges emotional transformation as he now has enthusiasm, genuine joy and excitement to talk to others and be more open.
Start - skies foggy, end - skies clear, the pathetic fallacy is suggesting Scrooge is now more open to learning new things as it and isn’t closed off in his own mind. The fog at the start symbolises how Scrooge was clouded by greed and isolation, however he is now open and understanding to others. This reflects his emotional awakening and how he has overcome his old ways, he now sees the world in a new way with a better future ahead.
“ I am as light as a feather” this simile implies Scrooges sense of freedom, joy and relief after his transformation. It shows that he’s no longer weighed down by his greed, negative ways and isolation. He now feels carefree and lighthearted.
“ walking with his hands behind him” this shows Scrooge is now open to opening his heart and being vulnerable, as well as his generosity and willingness to connect with others. This shows he’s not only emotionally transformed but he’s also physically transformed making him look more approachable and welcoming towards others, he is willing to show off his transformation.
‘Ebenezer’ links Scrooge with God and God’s generosity and help which could suggest there was hope his character would develop and change for the better and be redeemed.
How is the Cratchit Family presented as used to show money doesn’t matter?
“Slow potatoes bubbling up, knocked loudly at the saucepan-lid to be let out and peeled” illustrates a picture of business in the household and how even the potatoes are eager to be apart of the meal, emphasising the families cheerfulness and appreciation to simple pleasures. The personification “knocked loudly” suggests a sense of urgency and desire to be free, mirroring the Cratchits struggles. The use of “slow” highlights the family’s persistence despite their limited resources.
“Rejoiced”, “screaming”, “danced”, “exalted” these adjectives reveals the Cratchits overwhelming joy and excitement, and they are able to find these emotions in what little they have, highlighting their love and unity as a family. Even in poverty they can still experience moments of joy with enthusiasm from their sense of togetherness.
How is Bob Cratchit presented as treated unfairly?
“Dismal little cell” reflects the idea of how Scrooge is disregarding the well-being of Bob, but Bob was forced to work in those conditions, which mirrors why Dickens wrote a Christmas Carol which was due to poverty and social inequality as he wanted society to change because he had experienced poverty as a child so he knew what it felt like, he hoped and wanted compassion from the higher classes towards the lower classes.
“ the clerks fire was so very much smaller” suggest how people in poverty get no empty from the rich and emphasised the theme of social inequality Dickens wanted to show to his readers. The fact that Scrooge is making Bob Cratchits fire so much smaller could be due to how Scrooge is jealous of what warmth Bob has in his life from family even though he is in poverty, and Scrooge is wealthy but so cold.
How is Bob Cratchit presented as grateful?
“ I’ll give you Mr. Scrooge, the founder of the feast!” Reflects Bob‘s willingness to show gratitude for the little he has despite how unfairly Scrooge has treated him, he is still thanking him.
How is Tiny Tim presented as cared for?
“ as good as gold… and better” the simile highlights tiny Tims virtuous nature despite his physical weakness and struggles he still remains kind hearted. “ gold” is seen as valuable so tiny Tim being compared to this emphasises how remarkable his goodness is, and the idea that true wealth comes from love and kindness of the material possessions.
“ kissed” shows how people are grieving for tiny Tim which implies he is loved and cared for, his death has an impact in others
“ signs of someone having been there” highlights the fact he is being watched over snd cared for, no one is abandoning him and he is protected from evil
How is Tiny Tim presented as enjoying life?
“ feebly cried hurrah” implies he is weak and doesn’t have much energy but he’s still able to celebrate and enjoy life as he puts his all into everything and he doesn’t self pity, he also still wants to be involved with the family as he values what he has.
“ God bless us everyone!” Shows his selfless and cares for everyone
How is Fezziwig presented as bright?
“a positive light appeared to issue from fezziwigs calves” illustrates a jolly and kind hearted businessman with generous spirit. The “positive light” indicates his energy and good nature radiates from him, and he brings warmth and cheer to those around him which contrasts with the miserable nature of Scrooge.
“Organ of benevolence” the metaphor describes fezziwig as generous and compassionate. “Organ” refers to a part of the body implying that the kindness and goodwill of fezziwig are not just qualities but they’re deeply ingrained in him, emphasising that he is naturally kind and warm hearted.
How is Fred presented as merry/opposite to Scrooge?
“a Merry Christmas, uncle!” Shows his cheerfulness and kind heartedness despite his uncle being cold and dismissive, this reflects Fred’s generosity of spirit as he chooses to focus on the joy of the holiday rather than Scrooges negative attitude. His greeting also shows his determination to maintain his good nature and offer love and goodwill even when it’s not reciprocated emphasising Freds resilience and his belief in the importance of family and festive cheer.
“ glow” implies his a warm and joyous character and his cheerful and vibrant energy makes people feel comfortable around him. It is also symbolic of his enthusiasm, kindness and lighthearted spirit he brings and gives to anyone, especially towards Scrooges gloominess.
Offers to helpthe cratchits in “ any way” demonstrates his generosity, kindness and sense of compassion. He is willing to offer help and show his selflessness and empathy for others, particularly for those in need. This gesture highlights Fred‘s good hearted nature which contrast to Scrooges indifferent attitude. However Freds offer reinforces his belief in community support and the Christmas spirit.
Dickens wants us to like and see Fred as a role model, Fred act as an allegory for how Dickens believes the wealthy in Victorian society should be
How is ignorance & want representative?
“They are man’s” demonstrates how they belong to mankind, ignorance and want were two key issues in Victorian society and it is humanity responsibility to fix these issues and heal society
“Beware of the both” the ‘ignorance’ means being unaware and oblivious to things and not trying to change it, which represents the rich and the ‘want’ is a need suggesting a lack of something which represent the people in poverty. This implies they are both to be feared, but ignorance poses more of a threat, Dickens is suggesting the ignorant rich must change otherwise the ‘want’ will never be tackled
How is the Ghost of Christmas Past presented?
Higher up - “ uncommon strength” “ hair white” “ crown of its head” forces Scrooge to stay and watch Belle with her family - the adjectives show that the ghost has power and authority over Scrooge and it has a role in guiding Scrooge down the right path and understanding redemption, they are showing that the ghost is strong, wise and its purpose is helping Scrooge change.
Light (contrast to Scrooge) - “ bright clear jet of light” “ purest white” “ lustrous” the adjectives suggest that the ghost is trying to help Scrooge see things clearly about his past actions offering him a chance to reflect and change, its purpose is not to punish Scrooge but to guide him through his darkness and enlighten him. It also suggests a sense of higher authority giving an idea that the spirit is acting in service of greater good.
“ your lip is trembling” “ What is that upon your cheek?” This shows how the ghost has induced emotions from Scrooge to show Scrooge isn’t as cold-hearted as he thinks of himself to be. This helps to prompt Scrooge to consider the lessons of youth and childhood and apply them in his older years.
How is the Ghost of Christmas Present presented?
“cherry voice” “ joyful air” “ jolly giant” “ spirits eyes were clear and kind” portrays the ghost as friendly to contrast sharply with Scrooges cold ways. The spirit represents generosity and joy especially during Christmas season showing Scrooge what he is missing out on. The ghosts’ warmth tries to remind Scrooge of the joy found in giving and sharing with those around him.
“if he’s like to die, he better do it and decrease the surplus population” the repetition of Scrooges words, Dickens is trying to emphasise the harshness of Scrooges perspective of the world, the phrase also links to the Malthusian theory, which Dickens also disagreed with. The echoing the ghost is trying to reveal to Scrooge his cold and selfish mindset towards the suffering.
How is the Ghost of Christmas Yes To Come presented?
“deep black” the imagery evokes darkness, mystery and death which represents the unknown of Scrooges terrifying future and the consequences. The darkness contrasts with the more luminous and visible appearance of the others ghosts, creating a sense of urgency and seriousness for Scrooge to change and an impending doom. The representation of death represents Scrooges potential future if it is not changed will lead to an isolated and in cared for death.
“when it came near him, Scrooge bent down upon his knee” reveals Scrooges deep sense of fear but also respect for the ghost. Scrooges gesture of bending down illustrates a recognition of the ghost authority over his future and acknowledging the seriousness of what his actions have led him to. It is also a visual representation of his growing realisation that he is powerless to change his future unless he alters his ways.
How is Marley presented as used to show impacts of isolation?
“I wear the chain I forged in life” implies he is now carrying the burden of his own greed and selfishness in his afterlife. This is a clear message to Scrooge, who is on a similar path, that he risks that same fate unless he changes his ways. Through this Dickens is also trying to warn his rich and educated readers of how they need to change and help the poor.
Scrooge was his ‘soul mourner’ shows how he now has a torturous afterlife. This reflects the loneliness and isolation Marley experience in life and despite his wealth and success, he didn’t create any relationship meaning no one now respects him, so no one else mourned him once he died. This shows the emptiness in his life. Manley’s solitary death suggests his focus on business led him to neglect from human connections and generosity. This contrasts to the type of life Scrooge is leading to, so this is a warning.
