Social Responsibility Flashcards
(10 cards)
Thesis
Social responsibility is at the heart of A Christmas Carol. Dickens explores the moral obligation individuals have toward each other, especially the poor and vulnerable. Through Scrooge’s transformation, Dickens critiques Victorian attitudes towards poverty and advocates for a more compassionate and socially responsible society.
Contextual link
Victorian England was marked by extreme social inequality. The Industrial Revolution widened the gap between rich and poor. The Poor Law (1834) reflected society’s harsh treatment of the impoverished, which Dickens condemned. A Christmas Carol was a didactic novella aimed at inspiring social change.
‘Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?’ Stave 1 - Scrooge’s initial attitude
• Analysis: Scrooge’s rhetorical questions reveal his callous disregard for the poor. Dickens uses irony to critique the heartlessness of the upper classes.
• Terminology: rhetorical question, irony, semantic field of institutions (prisons, workhouses), social Darwinism.
Contextual Link: Scrooge’s views reflect the prevalent belief that poverty was a result of personal failure. Dickens uses Scrooge as a symbol of this harmful ideology.
‘God bless us every one!’
• Analysis: The Cratchits embody the values of generosity, love, and resilience despite their poverty. Tiny Tim’s line is both poignant and symbolic of universal goodwill and shared humanity.
• Terminology: symbolism, pathos, juxtaposition (between their happiness and poverty).
“This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both.”
Analysis: The personification of Ignorance and Want is a powerful allegory for societal neglect. Dickens warns that ignoring social issues will lead to destruction.
• Terminology: allegory, personification, imperative, prophetic tone.
Contextual Link: Dickens was deeply concerned about the lack of education for the poor and the resultant ignorance, which he saw as a threat to society’s future.
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
Analysis: Scrooge’s transformation is complete. He embodies the values of generosity and compassion, committing to a life of social responsibility. The repetition of “I will” emphasizes his determination.
• Terminology: repetition, declarative sentence, transformation motif, redemptive arc.
Contextual Link: Dickens presents Scrooge’s redemption as a model for his readers, encouraging them to adopt similar attitudes of care and generosity.
Marxist Criticism
Dickens critiques capitalism, exposing its dehumanizing effects and advocating for a more equitable society. Scrooge’s change reflects the possibility of reform within the capitalist class.
Christian morality
The novella draws on Christian values of charity, kindness, and forgiveness. Scrooge’s redemption aligns with the Christian idea of salvation.
Allegory for social reform
Scrooge’s journey symbolizes the potential for societal transformation if individuals take responsibility for one another.
Impressive vocabulary to use
• Philanthropy
• Redemption
• Social injustice
• Altruism
• Allegory
• Didactic
• Misanthropic
• Benevolence
• Victorian paternalism
• Metamorphosis
