A Christmas Carol Historical context (AO3) Flashcards
What was Dickins aim for a Christmas carol
Provoke social reform and in particular begin a national education system.
Why did Dickins want an educational system
To allow those in poverty to escape the cycle of despondency
When was A Christmas carol written
1843
What was happening in the UK during the 19th century
The industrial revolution
What class was Dickins born in
Middle class
What did the middle class life allow Dickins to have
An education
What type of prison did Dickins father go to
Debtors prison
What did working in a factory allow Dickins to experience
The appalling working conditions many of the poor faced in Victorian times
What was the societal impact of the industrial revolution
Overpopulation in the cities because there were more jobs in the cities
Who was Thomas Malthus
An English economist who is known for his essay on the principle of human population
What was Dickins’ view on Malthus
Dickens fundamentally disagreed with Malthus. He argued that there was plenty to go round if the rich were more generous and
shared their wealth.
