Social class Flashcards
(7 cards)
Overview
Dickens uses ‘A Christmas Carol’ as vehicle to refute the false belief that social class determines the moral ibre and Intrinsic value of an individual. Scrooge, who is part of the wealthy upper class, appears to be entirely unfeeling, disinterested in others and fixated on hoarding his money. His nephew Fred, who is arguably part of the same social class, is presented as endearing and compassionate with a belief in the importance of time spent with family. Those in the poverty stricken lower classes, such as the Cratchit family, are shown to be hopeful, compassionate and contented in the company of one another despite their precarious financial situation. Dickens had first-hand experience of the mistreatment of those from lower classes having lived in the Victorian era and witnessed the stark divide between social classes at the time.
Beginning quotes
“No beggars Implored him to bestow a trifle”
“Don’t be angry uncle. Come! Dine with us”
“And the Union workhouses?”
“I can’t afford to make Idle people merry”
Middle quotes
“Not very well off, but pervaded by a remarkable cheerfullness”
“They were not a handsome family … but they were happy greatul, pleased with one another”
“Its feet,observable beneath the ample folds of the garment, were also bare.”
“You would deprive them of their means of dining every seventh day, often the only only day on which they can be said to dine at all.”
“Such a goose.”
“As good as gold”
Ending quotes
“Old Scratch has got his own at last, hey?
“and the whole quarter reeked with crime, with filth, and with misery”
“It calico ain’t good enough for such a purpose, It isn’t good enough for anything”
“He went to church, and walked about the streets, and watched the people hurrying to and fro, and patted children on the head, and questioned beggars…”
‘leaping from his stool … and therefore I am about to raise your salary!”
Beginning opening
At the beginning of A Christmas Carol, Dickens presents social class as deeply divided, highlighting the isolation of the wealthy and their lack of compassion for the poor. Through Scrooge’s dismissal of charity, Dickens critiques the upper class’s indifference and challenges the morality of a society that neglects the less fortunate
Middle opening
As the novella progresses, Dickens contrasts material poverty with emotional richness and uses the Cratchit family’s warmth and gratitude to highlight the dignity and moral strength of the lower class
Ending opening
As the novella comes to a close, Dickens reveals the true cost of social inequality through vivid depictions of poverty. While scenes of misery highlight society’s neglect of the poor, Scrooge’s transformation shows that compassion and social responsibility can bridge the divide between classes.
