Themes

Question 1

Poverty

Answer 1

• Dickens presents poverty many times in the novella e.g. Cratchits, ignorance and want etc
• Cratchit family conveys an impression of Christmas as a time of generosity and goodwill and despite the fact that the family struggles financially they are deeply appreciative of what they have. They are also used to remind humanity of the lower classes
• Dickens presents poverty as majorly serious through the images of disease and illness and how they are depicted among the poor due to their lack of food and dreadful living conditions. Through the ghosts of Christmas Yet to Come Dickens depicts the devastating consequences of a system in which Tiny Tim could potentially die.
• By the end of the novella Scrooge demonstrates a change of heart towards those less fortunate then him. Scrooge’s first changed his attitude to the poor when he regrets not giving money to the carol singer. Scrooge eventually uses his wealth to improve the lives of others and make society a better place.
• Dickens attempts to ensure SCrooge becomes aware of his own poverty - his lack of kindness and benevolence - to recognise his responsibility to those who are less fortunate than him. Dickens highlights the importane of charity and benevolence but he also illustrates how the poor are not provided with the resources to help themselves. Instead they are reliant on the charity of others

Question 2

Transformation and redemption

Answer 2

• Scrooge has a transformation from a cruel miserly man to one which is benevolent and charitable
• Dickens uses each spirit to teach Scrooge a vital moral lesson and the regret which Scrooge exhibits is necessary for his redemption. Scrooge’s heightened emotions endear him to the reader and illustrate the change in his character. Through the Ghost of Christmas Past Scrooge’s memories become a catalyst for his transformation. Scrooge becomes more emotional and he demonstrates the ability to change early in the novella.
• Through the character of Tiny Tim Scrooge develops his ability to empathise with those who are less fortunate. Tiny Tim plays an important part in inspiring Scrooge’s transformation which is central to the narrative.
• Through the character of Scrooge Dickens conveys a universal message that everyone is capable of change, regardless of how impossible it may seem. Dickens conveys the message that everyone has the ability to show compassion and kindness to others regardless of their social position.

Question 3

Death and loss

Answer 3

• Death and loss are recurring ideas withing A Christmas Carol. Dickens uses these ideas to underscore the permanency of death and to signal to the reader that it is never too late to change.
• Dickens presents images of death to signify the consequences of the unfair capitalist system in which the characters exist. For example the green of Tiny Tim’s burial ground is contrasted with the darkness of Scrooge’s grave. Dickens uses Tiny Tim to highlight the high level of child mortality in the Victorian England especially for those who were poor. Dickens juxtaposes two contrasting images of death: Scrooge’s death and Tiny Tim’s death: Tiny Tim’s death highlights the poor living conditions and malnourished experienced by many poor children.
• Dickens is critical of the unjust capitalist system in which individuals are forced to exit. Dickens aims to encourage others to look after one another and to work towards a society where all members are treated more equally and fairly