Usable quotes (ACC) Flashcards
(19 cards)
“Are there no prisons? … And the Union workhouses?”
Scrooge coldly rejects charity, suggesting the poor belong in institutions. Reflects harsh Victorian Poor Law attitudes and Malthusian thinking — Dickens criticises the lack of compassion among the wealthy.
“Decrease the surplus population.”
Scrooge echoes Thomas Malthus, who believed overpopulation among the poor was a problem. Dickens exposes the cruelty of this view, showing its inhumanity through Scrooge’s early beliefs.
“Solitary as an oyster.”
Describes Scrooge’s emotional isolation and hardness. Dickens links this to the loneliness of wealth in Victorian society and the dangers of shutting oneself off from human connection.
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
Scrooge promises transformation. Dickens promotes Christian values like repentance, kindness, and keeping the spirit of Christmas (generosity, empathy) alive every day.
“He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man.”
Describes Scrooge after his transformation. Dickens shows that redemption is possible and being a good person is more important than wealth — a message for Victorian moral values.
“Bob held his withered little hand in his, as if he loved the child…”
A tender moment showing the love between Bob and Tiny Tim. Dickens uses the Cratchits to evoke sympathy and highlight the humanity of the poor, often ignored in Victorian society.
“They were not a handsome family… but they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another.”
The Cratchits’ joy contrasts with their poverty. Dickens praises moral richness over material wealth, challenging Victorian social attitudes that equated worth with money.
“This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both.”
The Ghost of Christmas Present warns that neglecting the poor leads to ignorance and suffering. Dickens warns that child poverty and lack of education are society’s greatest threats.
“Mankind was my business.” – Marley
Marley regrets caring only for money in life. Dickens warns against greed and promotes social responsibility, aligning with Christian values of charity and compassion in Victorian England.
“Hard and sharp as flint.”
Describes Scrooge’s harsh personality early in the novel. Dickens uses this simile to emphasise his emotional coldness, linking to the lack of empathy shown by many wealthy Victorians.
“Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.”
Symbolises Scrooge’s miserly nature. Darkness also represents ignorance and emotional coldness, reflecting Dickens’ critique of greed in Victorian society.
“A solitary child, neglected by his friends.”
Shows Scrooge’s sad, lonely childhood. Dickens suggests that emotional neglect can shape a person, encouraging empathy for Scrooge and challenging Victorian neglect of children.
“Another idol has displaced me… a golden one.”
Belle criticises Scrooge for valuing money over love. Dickens uses this moment to condemn how materialism destroys relationships, a warning to capitalist Victorian readers.
“Scrooge was the Ogre of the family.”
Tiny Tim’s family joke about Scrooge’s cruelty. Dickens uses this to highlight how the poor view the wealthy who treat them unjustly, encouraging reform.
“If they would rather die… they had better do it.”
A brutal early quote from Scrooge that echoes Malthusian ideology. Dickens shows the inhumanity of ignoring the poor and the need for social responsibility.
“God bless us, every one!”
Tiny Tim’s innocent and inclusive blessing. Dickens uses Tim to symbolise hope, compassion, and Christian morality, appealing to Victorian readers’ emotions and faith.
“A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!”
Fred’s cheerful greeting reflects Dickens’ ideal of Christmas as a time for kindness and connection. Fred contrasts with Scrooge’s coldness and shows the power of family and festivity.
“Scrooge hung his head to hear his own words.”
Scrooge begins to feel guilt and recognise the cruelty of his past views. Dickens uses this as a turning point in Scrooge’s redemption, promoting the idea of moral growth.
“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel.”
Scrooge’s joyful transformation. Dickens uses positive similes to emphasise the freedom and joy that come from compassion and generosity, central to the novella’s moral message.
