Ignorance and want Flashcards
(6 cards)
“Scowling, wolfish”
“wolfish”, this zoomorphism expresses how they have animalistic qualities due to how inhuman they’ve been treated and poverty. Society puts responsibility on secondary institutions such as workhouses. The adjectives evoke sympathy due to the reckless state of innocent children. represents the dehumanisation of the poor as society puts the responsibility on institutions such as prisons and the treadmills to provide for the poor
“This boy is Ignorant, and this girl is Want”
This links to the biblical story of Adam and Eve and Eve’s temptation that causes all of mankind to be punished. “Ignorance” links to Dickens’ issue with the ignorant and wealthy. Dickens uses children, the most innocent part of society, to show the extent to which society causes harm. Presents are shown in an impersonal way to show that they are symbolic of the problems in society. Allegories of social problems
“Monsters half so horrible and dread”
Society has created a monster without any consideration for those below them. The poor encompasses and embodies the features of the monsters: hideous and piteous. Represents the industrial poor and victims of extreme deprivation
“The boy is Ignorance […] most of all beware of the boy”
Ignorance is the main driving force, root of the problem. By simply choosing not to be ignorant, we can get rid of the root of the problem and help the poor. Dickens is also chastising the reader in order to make them aware of their ignorance. The Ghost’s warning to “beware the boy” underscores the grave consequences of ignoring the plight of the poor. The phrase implies that failing to address the root causes of poverty, such as ignorance, will ultimately lead to societal collapse and increased crime.
“They are men’s”
Due to the negligence of man (society), the ignorance trait has been created, and the issue of poverty is created by society’s ignorance and greed. Dickens wants society to take responsibility for its actions. The possessive pronoun of “man” implies that ignorance is society’s shared responsibility. This encourages the reader to take more responsibility for other people. Their existence goes in closely with the abandonment of the poor by society
“Wretched, abjected, frightful, hideous, miserable”
Semantic field of horror. Dickens is warning about the disease of ignorance and want in society that could cause disastrous consequences if they aren’t addressed. Expresses Dickens’ view on the pitiful effects of poverty on vulnerable people, especially children. The ghosts are naming some of Scrooge’s characteristics. Helps Scrooge understand he is a part of the problem. Juxtaposition of these adjectives to the traditional view of children as vulnerable creates a sense of shock in the reader.
