ACC - social inequality / poverty

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

A Christmas Carol is a powerful allegorical novella written in 1843, exploring the human transformation of the protagonist, Scrooge. Dickens presents social inequality as a damaging and unjust feature of society, using the structure of the ghostly visits to expose the divide between the rich and the poor and to encourage compassion and change.

Question 2

Paragraph 1 - cratchit family

Answer 2

The Cratchit family are used to highlight the struggles of the working class. Despite Bob’s hard work, the family lives in poverty, shown through their “threadbare clothes” and the fact that they “had but fifteen ‘bob’ a week.” The use of specific detail here emphasises how little they have, despite their effort and dignity. Yet, they remain loving and joyful, which contrasts with Scrooge’s wealth and misery. Dickens uses this contrast to criticise a system which allows vast social inequality, prioritising profit over compassion.

Question 3

Paragraph 2 - ignorance and want

Answer 3

Dickens also uses the allegorical figures of Ignorance and Want to symbolise the consequences of neglecting the poor. The children are described as “yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling,” a list that evokes horror and pity from the reader. The Ghost of Christmas Present warns that “on his brow I see that written which is Doom,” suggesting that ignoring these children—and what they represent—will lead to society’s downfall. This moment is structurally placed at the end of the ghost’s visit to shock both Scrooge and the reader, reinforcing the urgency of addressing inequality.

Question 4

Paragraph 3 - Scrooge’s death and tiny tim

Answer 4

Finally, the businessmen’s reaction to Scrooge’s death reveals the emptiness of wealth without humanity. They speak of his funeral with indifference, saying, “It’s likely to be a very cheap funeral,” showing that his riches earned him no respect. In contrast, the Cratchits mourn Tiny Tim deeply, despite having nothing. This juxtaposition highlights the injustice of a society that values money over people and suggests that true worth lies in kindness, not class.

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

In conclusion, Dickens presents social inequality as a destructive force that devalues human life and divides society. Through contrasting characters, symbolic figures, and a carefully structured narrative, the novella urges readers to recognise and challenge injustice with empathy and action.