Fred Flashcards
Overview paragraph
Dickens uses the character of Fred in A Christmas Carol as a vehicle to highlight the importance of true generosity and kindness. Fred is extremely positive, compassionate and considerate whilst acting as the antithesis of Scrooge’s initial character. Fred embodies the teachings of the Bible, which would resonate with Dickens’ readers as Christianity was the predominant religion in the Victorian era.
Fred cannot
fathom that even though Scrooge was much more privileged than most of society, he is not joyous on Christmas. He
had an abundance of money, yet was still miserly and miserable.
“What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You’re rich enough.” Stave 1
Fred greets him with kindness and positivity even though he gets none
in return this shows his kind nature and how he embodies the Christmas spirit. The repeated use of exclamation
marks emphasises his excitement for Christmas.
A merry Christmas uncle! god save you! Stave 1
Fred always sees the
good in people, and is consistently sympathetic. He believes that people always have the capacity to change.
“Christmas a humbug, uncle!” said Scrooge’s nephew. “You don’t mean that, I am sure?”
Fred does not look for profit in every situation he is in unlike Scrooge, but instead he values Christmas for what it represents: goodwill, charity and kindness.
And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket,”
Fred understands that Scrooge’s actions won’t go without consequence, but he refrains from saying unflattering things, showing his compassion despite Scrooge’s behaviour.
“However his offences carry their own punishment, and I have nothing to say against him”
Underscoring of Fred’s good nature, as easy as it is to be angry at Scrooge, he instead takes the warmer, more understanding approach.
“I am sorry for him; I couldn’t be angry with him if I tried”
He doesn’t seek advantage for himself but instead for Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s clerk, he sees his actions as a potential to enact positive change for others. The term ‘Uncle’ indicates that Scrooge is still considered as family despite their difficult relationship.
“if he finds me going there in good temper, year after year, and saying, ‘Uncle Scrooge, how are you?’ If it only puts him in the vein to leave his poor clerk fifty pounds, that’s something;”
the fact that Bob Cratchit has only spoke to Fred once but still remembers and describes the encounter as a joyful experience shows how Fred’s warmth spreads to everyone around him.
‘Bob told them of the extraordinary kindness of Mr. Scrooge’s nephew, whom he had scarcely seen but once’
This tells us that Fred, being the embodiment of Christianity has relit hope in the Cratchit family for a better future
For the sake of anything he might be able to do for us, so much as for his kind way”
even though Fred has never encountered Bob’s wife he still offered his condolences and is willing to help them. This shows his hearty and kind nature
Heartily sorry , he said for your good wife, If I can be of service to you in any way”
