Theme - Family Flashcards
(23 cards)
The exploration of ‘family’ as a theme within the novella closely ties in with what?
Dickens’ greater agenda to popularise an emotional element to Christmas. Hence, he emphasises the importance of family during the festive time.
What does the exploration of family significant to?
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had nine children together and their family was idealised and perceived to be model. Ideas about family were changing during the Victorian era so readers were more likely to be receptive to Dickens’ presentation of the theme.
How does Dickens emphasises ideas surrounding family?
by exploring them in detail, highlighting the positive effects that family can have while also explaining the negative consequences which could arise due to the absence of family.
How does dickens build on ideas surrounding family
by presenting the theme of family as one which embodies joy, strength and affection. This is an interesting presentation as it could be argued that Scrooge begins the novella as the complete antithesis (direct opposite) to these ideas.
What idea contributed to Scrooge’s initially abhorrent characterisation.
The absence of family
From freds introduction to the novella what does he generate / create (what atmosphere?)
Fred generates a positive atmosphere which affects both Scrooge and the tone of narration. This is first highlighted when he enters Scrooge’s counting-house in Stave One.
What does dickens focus on before Fred enters Scrooge’s counting house?
Dickens focuses on cold, gloomy imagery. When Fred appears at the door, however, he “heated himself” and looked to be in “a glow”, introducing warmth to the stave. This is significant as Dickens previously asserted that even “external heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge” which suggests that Fred’s virtue is stronger than the forces of nature. This may perhaps spotlight the power and value of family.
The exploration of ‘family’ links to what contextually?
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had nine children together and their family was idealised and perceived to be model. Ideas about family were changing during the Victorian era so readers were more likely to be receptive to Dickens’ presentation of the theme.
Dickens emphasises ideas surrounding family by exploring them in what?
by exploring them in detail, highlighting the positive effects that family can have while also explaining the negative consequences which could arise due to the absence of family.
How does dickens build around the exploration of family?
He builds on this by presenting the theme of family as one which embodies joy, strength and affection. This is an interesting presentation as it could be argued that Scrooge begins the novella as the complete antithesis (direct opposite) to these ideas. This introduces the idea that the absence of family may be one of the key factors which contributed to Scrooge’s initially abhorrent characterisation.
From his introduction to the novella, what does he generate? (Stave one when he enter Scrooge’s counting house/ what atmosphere)
Fred generates a positive atmosphere which affects both Scrooge and the tone of narration. This is first highlighted when he enters Scrooge’s counting-house in Stave One.
What does dickens focus on before the arrival of Fred in the counting house - stave one?
Prior to his arrival Dickens focuses on cold, gloomy imagery.
When Fred appears at the door, however, he “heated himself” and looked to be in “a glow”, introducing warmth to the stave. This is significant as Dickens previously asserted that even “external heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge” which suggests that Fred’s virtue is stronger than the forces of nature. This may perhaps spotlight the power and value of family.
Whats an example of Dickens emphasising that it’s Scrooge who isolates himself from his family.
when he refuses Fred’s invitation to “dine” with him on Christmas. It could be argued that this directly links to his downfall, as highlighted by the Ghost of Christmas Present who takes him to Fred’s party. There, he acknowledges that if he had experienced a loving family “years ago” then he might have “cultivated the kindness of life”. This presents the idea that a supportive family is instrumental in the development of a person and so the concept of family should be seen as paramount in society.
Large families like the _______ were prevalent in the nineteenth century?
Cratchits
How does dickens construct the cratchits family?
Dickens constructs the Cratchits to be a relatable presentation of the lower class. He idealises their family by focussing on their unity, happiness and strength despite their financial struggles. This conveys the idea that poverty is not a barrier to happiness.
How does dickens highlight that poverty is not a barrier to happiness?
Dickens highlights this through his description of the household on Christmas day. He details that even the potatoes “knocked loudly… to be let out”, emphasising the joy and excitement of the Cratchit family. Their unity is essential following Tiny Tim’s death, where the reader witnesses the family come together and provide Tiny Tim with a loving funeral.
How does tiny Tim having a loving funeral contrasts to Scrooge’s?
This starkly contrasts Scrooge’s body which lay “unwatched, unwept, uncared for”. The alliteration used here emphasises his isolation, and so highlights to the reader that family is more important than money.
How does dickens emphasis the value of family through minor characters?
This implies that family is so essential that it should be interwoven into everyone’s lives. Dickens makes this apparent during Scrooge’s time with the Ghost of Christmas Present by including subtle comments regarding the importance of family. When he describes the setting, he writes that “all the children of the house were running out into the snow to meet their married sisters, brothers, cousins, uncles, aunts”. The extensive listing serves to further Scrooge’s isolation as it presents the abundance of family as invaluable.
What does Fanny inform Scrooge when he comes home from boarding school?( to do with his dad)
she informs him that their father is now a “kinder” man and that their home now feels “like heaven”.
When Fanny describes Scrooge as a “kinder” what language technique is this?
a powerful simile as it highlights the great power family can have , emphasising its importance. Therefore, when Scrooge glances “anxiously at the door” and “mournfully” shakes his head before Fanny arrives the reader understands that he feels great sorrow at her death.
What effect did Fanny’s absence have on Scrooge?
Her absence evidently had a profound effect on his character, spotlighted by the fact that after he is reminded of her kindness he is “uneasy” and begins to reflect on his relationship with Fred. This is a remarkable change in his character, considering his behaviour in the opening stave, and so it can be inferred that the absence of Fan had negative effects on his personality.
What does Bella reveal when Scrooge is taken to visit her?
That she has been replaced by a “golden” idol. This is a reference to Scrooge’s “passion” and pursuit of money. Dickens presents the idea that Scrooge is in the inclination towards money over relationships as damaged his opportunity to kindle love and start his own family.
What is the magnitude of scrooges loss?(belle)
When he sees belle with her children, prompting him to question what it would have been like to have children who called him father. This pitiful sentiment highlights the regret that Scrooge feels, which implies that he has come to the realisation that family is more important than money.
