Generosity

Question 1

Thesis

Answer 1

In his sledgehammer of a novella, Dickens ellucidates the need for generosity in a society defined by a lack thereof. With the polarising effect of poverty and industrialism, the Victorian London depicted in ‘A Christmas Carol’ is one of merciless indifference to the plight of the poor, overwhelmed with avarice. Through Scrooge’s metamorphosis, the change and equality acts of generosity can bring are emphasised and through vignettes with Ignorance and Want and the Ghost of Christmas Present, the deeply ingrained social problems in Victorian Society as a result of greed and a lack of generosity are explored.

In his sledgehammer of a novella, Dickens elucidates the urgent need for generosity in a society defined by its absence. Set in a Victorian London overwhelmed by poverty and industrialism, A Christmas Carol exposes the merciless indifference of the wealthy toward the suffering of the poor. Through Scrooge’s dramatic metamorphosis, Dickens highlights the transformative power of generosity to bring about personal redemption and social equality. Furthermore, through vignettes such as the allegorical figures of Ignorance and Want and the compassion of the Ghost of Christmas Present, Dickens critiques the systemic greed and moral failings that plague society.

Question 2

CONTEXT: Charities

Answer 2

In Victorian England, Charities were not as formalised during the Victorian Era; they depended on the support of wealthy individuals (rather than the government). This was a weakness as many did not donate - Dickens addresses the wealthy in his readers to demonstrate the need for generosity in order for good, more effective charity.

Question 3

CONTEXT: The Church and Generosity

Answer 3

• Avarice is one of the 7 deadly sins
• The Church often housed charities and charitable organisations - for some, Charity was viewed as the saving of one’s soul. Others saw that human contact, including with the poor, was a spiritual contact with Christ. This is echoed in Dickens own portrayal of generosity as many times in novella he uses the motif of hands and the idea of rubbing shoulders on the “walks of life”.

Question 4

CONTEXT: Charity and Education

Answer 4

Some charities like Ragged Schools had links to education - Dickens also argues that offering education to the poor could help them in a more permanent, effective way - Dickens himself was a noteworthy Victorian Philathropist.

Question 5

STRUCTURE for ESSAY

Answer 5

1. Scrooge and Malthusian Ideas
2. Ghost of Christmas Present as an emlem of Genorosity
3. Ignorance and Want - quick note about how they represent the moral failings of a society devoid of generosity.
4. Scrooge at the end, and the rich as a paternal role for the poor.