No Way- he tells them that the poor should go and die then there would be less people in the world. Ideas about purgatory and hell would have been recognisable to the mainly Christian readership at the time - and would have made the allegory more frightening. Fezziwig's office has a large fire which adds to the welcoming atmosphere, offering the reader an additional opportunity to compare it to Scrooge's cold office with the meagre fire. Themes= greed and generosity/Christmas/poverty. Scrooges offences carry their own punishments. "I am sorry for him; I couldn't be angry with him if I tried. Themes= greed and generosity/time. Repetition of 'chuckle' emphasises Scrooge's newfound delight in giving. I defy himif he finds me going there, in good temper, year after year, and saying, Uncle Scrooge, how are you? If it only puts him in the vein to leave his poor clerk fifty pounds, thats something. A merry Christmas to everybody! A description of the school house that Scrooge was left in as a child, by his family. Perfect for those studying the book at school (particularly GCSE students) or simply those wanting to learn more about it.For more in Dr Aidan's 'A Christmas Carol' series:The 10 Most Important Quotes in A Christmas Carol - https://youtu.be/8wpegV4ueYYPicture credits: Grim Reaper: openclipart.comCornucopia: openclipart.com Pre-modified adjectives create a sensory description -they remind scrooge of the delights of generosity and how it will create happiness. The Cratchits are generous and loving in very difficult circumstances. "It was a large house but one of broken fortunes.". The description of the children is designed to shock the reader. Scrooges words to the charity collectors as he refuses to give charity. Stave 3 - the Cratchits A Christmas Carol is a well-loved and commonly read novel that focuses on themes of Christmas and poverty. Whoever the author.Discover new and exciting books to dive into with our Book Explorer Tool. The metaphor shows the are poor but make the best of a bad situation, always smiling and showing they are grateful for what little they have. He doesn't believe it, but when he goes to the window, the street is deserted and dark as nighttime. Of course, these changes seldom happen so quickly in reality and perhaps thats part of the reason that A Christmas Carol does not receive the critical acclaim that you could argue it deserves. Stave 2 - the Fezziwig's party It was a worthy place. Studying Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'? ', 'I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it! Ghost of Christmas Present, Stave 3, he warns that if Scrooge doesn't change himself that "doom" will be in his future. He is described as been so dislike that even the weather is better in that at least it 'comes down' gracefully. Dickens believed in collective responsibility - that the wealthy should take responsibility for helping the poor, specifically through the provision of education and support for children. Dickens was openly opposed to this view and challenges it throughout the novella. This shows that scrooge is only hurting himself by being so money orientated it doesnt affect his family but does himself. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. Scrooge becomes part of two families: Dickens reveals that we are part of not only our blood relatives but also a wider family that of society. Scrooge realises that his love with money is the reason he pushed everyone away. This is a great description, wanders around holding a candle snuffer that looks like a hat. The ghost of christmas present is showing the two children that hide in his cloak and he says that the problems these children portray are the problems of mankind. A description of the ghost of Christmas present. "His eyes sparkled and his breath smocked.". The key theme for Dickens is that money does not lead to happiness, Greed is the single factor that is responsible for the breakup of Scrooge's marriage, 'Another idol has displaced me a golden one', Stave 2: 'The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune', The Cratchit family are used as a depiction of a family in poverty, More than any other time in history there was a huge divide between classes, the lower classes lived in deperate poverty and were in want while the upper classes enjoyed a life of luxury, Stave 1: 'Many thousands are in want of common necessities, sir and many hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts', Scrooge's staff selling off his old goods, Victorian aristocracy were very keen to remain ignorant about the sufferings of the poor. "Quite alone in the world, I do believe.". Fezziwg really represents what Scrooge has and what he could (and eventually does) become. And I know I know my dears, that when we recollect how patient and how mild he was; although he was a little, little child, we shall not quarrel easily among ourselves and forget poor Tiny Tim in doing it. Themes= time/Christmas, "A solitary child, neglected by his friends.". A Christmas Carol is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a stingy, cruel, wealthy, old bachelor.The book opens with a funeral. For characters like Fred and Bob Cratchit, Christmas represents the Christian ideal of goodness and moral prosperity, but Scrooge is at his most miserly when Christmas is mentioned. But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! Themes= greed and generosity/ time. The noun unanimity suggests that he is happy to be involved. ', People with lots of money already are more likely to be greedy for more, not thinking about sharing that money with others effectively. cried Bob. They were a boy and girl. Active Themes "[He called out in a] comfortable,oily, rich. Themes= poverty/family/greed and generosity. Scrooge. This use of listing to describe everything as 'good' helps to demonstrate the far reaching consequences of Scrooge's redemption. said the Spirit, turning on him for the last time with his own words. Whoever the author.Discover new and exciting books to dive into with our Book Explorer Tool. Bitter- "no wind that blew was bitterer than he. The metaphor shows that the school didn't help any student achieve their dreams, instead it destroyed their lives as they could not fulfil their potential. Thus Dickens is ending with the message that we can all change our selfish ways and be a positive influence. I think he wanted to make it accessible to all classes so he could better spread his message. "the phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached", A description of the ghost of Christmas future; he is the darkest of the spirits, a reminder to scrooge of his terrible fate if he fails to learn his lesson. Shows Scrooge's inability to harness any other views that arent his. Dr Aidan, PhD, provides you with the 10 key quotes in Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', along with in-depth analysis, to he. 'He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, he was a second father. "', The ghost of Christmas present focuses greatly on the Crachit family and how, despite their poor financial situation, In the Victorian era, family and family time were extremely important, particularly around Christmas, ' A Merry Christmas to us all, my dears. God save you! You could make a strong argument for this being a tale of redemption. - Scrooge, Is scrooges staple opinion to christmas at the start of stave one, showing off his negative opinions to begin with, this is used to emphasise the change in scrooges character from the beginning to the end. The chains are a metaphor for his punishment for his greedy life. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. 'Long and wound about him like a tail made of cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds and heavy purses.'. Walled in by houses; overrun by grass and weeds. "Business!" the adjective idle reveals scrooge believes the poor are lazy and are to be blamed for their own situation. Whatever the book. 6. He also argues that Time is precious to me. This is most telling of all: whereas the old Scrooge saw little of value beyond his money hole, now he sees the truth that Time itself is precious; and it is, in fact, the most precious thing we. the strength of Scrooge's dismay about hearing his own words repeated back to him is reinforced through the use of the nouns, penitence and grief. ', Stave 5: 'No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold;', Stave 5: 'He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world.'. The words of the charwoman, who disgusts Scrooge, in the rag 'n' bone man's shop reflect the views to which Scrooge subscribed at the start of the novella when he declared that the poor were not his 'business' implying that his only business was himself. Both have religious connotations and suggest a true depth of despair at his previous notions. Stave 3 - the ghost uses Scrooge's words against him Fire symbolizes emotion and warmth. Marleys chains symbolize the mistakes hes made in life and the greed that controlled him. "Every person has a right to take care of themselves. These compare with the bells at the start of the novel, signifying the hellish arrival of Marley's ghost. He looked so irresistibly pleasant, in a word, that three or four good-humoured fellows said, "Good morning, sir. The declarative 'will' conveys certainty showing how urgent it is that Scrooge change. "The noisy little Cratchit's were as still as status". People can change, but Scrooge has thus far been content with his situation. I can't afford to make idle people merry.". In what ways does the text indicate lbn Batutta's social status? Dr Aidan, PhD, brings you the second video. Scrooge has undergone a metamorphoses - he has literally been reborn as a new man. The dying fire at the beginning of the novel symbolizes Scrooges lack of either. The 10 Most Important Quotes in A Christmas Carol - https://youtu.be/8wpegV4ueYY'The Ghosts' in A Christmas Carol - https://youtu.be/15HiKFCMEyk'Scrooge' in A Christmas Carol - https://youtu.be/c2x9wiRRFQYQuick, relaxed, and informative, Dr Aidan's Guide to Literature aims to make literature accessible to everyone. Stave 5 - pathetic fallacy "I am light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. It also explains why he becomes hard and sharp like a flint, later on. Arguably, this is the most famous quote from A Christmas Carol. In this quote, Dickens describes London as a dark and dangerous place. Themes= Christmas/greed and generosity/family. We see when Scrooge is presented with the poor children (Want and Ignorance) how instinctively and perhaps despite his character that he is compelled to want to help. Studying A Christmas Carol? "Crown of its head there sprung a bright clear jet of light." Description of the Ghost of Christmas Past, Stave 2, this ghost is much less scary than Marley which symbolises the innocence of childhood. A merry Christmas to everybody! The childhood innocence has been 'shrivelled' and 'twisted' showing the ill effects of their treatment. So while he did not invent these particular traditions many people credit him with popularizing them. God bless us!, At the time people rid themselves of any guilt by blaming the poor for the fact they were poor. The noun 'contract' reflects the language of business - reflecting the change that Scrooge has undergone. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dog-days; and didnt thaw it one degree at Christmas. With key quotes \u0026 analysis, this video provides an ideal format to gain a greater understanding of this novella in a matter of minutes. a squeezing, wrenching . The list of verbs, gives the spirit a threatening air- this is compounded by the fact that he does not speak to scrooge at all. Underline the verb phrase in each sentence. 'No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; Golden sunlight; Heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells. 'A Christmas Carol' Key Quotations Stave 5 Analysis Term 1 / 5 "I am light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. Scrooge will avoid spirits for the rest of his life geddit? Does this line support or contradict the speaker's statement in the final stanza, "Nothing really happened"? "Are there no prisons?" * The use of pathetic fallacy shows that he is in direct opposition to anyone who tries to help him. 'This boy is ignorance.most of all beware the boy"-Stave 3-Ghost of Christmas present Metaphor. Key quotes from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The boy is ignorace - the lack of education and the girl is want - the lack of money. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He greets Scrooge with a drink that makes him feel good: the milk of human kindness though one could be forgiven for seeing an alcoholic connection and then takes him on a tour of Christmases around the country. My life tends that way, now., Bob Cratchit about Tiny Tims grave: I wish you could have gone. This is the image of rich men who are shown to ridicule Scrooge after his death.The rich are presented as unfeeling and callous- their physical ugliness reflects the lack of generosity in their spirits. ``Are there no workhouses? The reader does not know that Tim has died, so Dickens foreshadows his death through the use of the simile. All rights reserved. The word 'business' reflects Scrooge's earlier response to the portly gentlemen. Then write the form of that verb Oh, glorious, glorious! Everyone is entitled to be a little happier on Christmas, and the Ghost of Christmas Present helps them to be so. Stave 5 - Scrooge's reaction to discovering it is not too late Scrooge hung his head to hear his own words and was overcome with penitence and grief. Scrooge, showing that through the visits of the different ghosts he began to change more and more, as in stave two his "lip was trembling", but now he is having "a violent fit of trembling". I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. () The famous phrase Humbug really means either shame or hoax. Belle "Our contract is an old one. Scrooge's language has been formal and official: here he is informal, natural and joyous. In Victorian times, most of the readers would have been christian and would therefore heap additional judgement on Scrooge who needs to repent. Though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it! ', Stave 1: 'that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellowmen, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. These cover themes like wealth, poverty, Christmas, and kindness. This is fitting because it is traditionally colder at Christmas but also because the cold is an apt metaphor for Scrooges personality. If he had been, he'd have had somebody to look after him when he was struck with Death, instead of lying gasping out his last there, alone by himself.'. Dickens creates sympathy for the poor, through the Crachit's and their tight knit family. Click the card to flip Flashcards Learn Test Match Created by AIC-CREATOR-TD Terms in this set (36) But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear your company and do it with a thankful heart', Stave 1: 'He tried to say 'Humbug!' About Scrooge: As solitary as an oyster., External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge., If they would rather die, said Scrooge, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population., Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it., Marleys Ghost: Mankind was my business., Marleys Ghost: I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate., There was a boy singing a Christmas Carol at my door last night. Christmas is now a time for family, friends and feeling good. I can't afford to make idle people merry. So, therefore, we should take responsibility for being a positive influence. Then, choose the verb form that agrees in number with the subject. It is really in this Stave that Dickens brings to life the Christmas that we all know and love today: the food, the presents, the games, the snow, and good feeling, the parties and generosity. Bob said he didnt believe there ever was such a goose cooked., About Tiny Tim: If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die., Bob Cratchit: Ill give you Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast., About Ignorance and Want: This boy is Ignorance. That being said the fact that Marley is suffering damnation suggests that he too led a similar path to Scrooge. scientist; is. Partially because of the nature of its main character. He listens for the church bell but when it comes, it strikes twelve. The idea that we are all 'fellow passengers' serves to emphasise the idea of the transience of life - we are all going to die some day so we are more similar than we are different. "If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population." Bob Crachit and the Cratchit Family Quotes, A Christmas Carol- The Ghost of Christmas Pre, 'An Inspector Calls' Key Quotations Analysis, myPerspectives: English Language Arts, Grade 7, myPerspectives: Grade 10, Volume 2 California Edition, myPerspectives, English Language Arts, Grade 8, California My Perspectives English Language Arts, Grade 9, Volume Two. But I have made the trial in homage to Christmas, and. Why show me this, if I am past all hope! For the first time, the hand appeared to shake. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy., Scrooge says to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: I am prepared to bear you company, and do it with a thankful heart., Two Business Colleagues: Its likely to be a very cheap funeral, said the same speaker; for upon my life I dont know of anybody to go to it., Scrooge to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: I see, I see. I am not the man I was', When Scrooge sees the name on the gravestone, he realises that time for change is limited, The ghost of Christmas past shows Scrooge some memories that may have been lost to time, Stave 2: 'each one connected with a thousand thoughts, and hopes, and joys, and cares long forgotten', Stave 4: 'Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of things that May be, only? Scrooge listened to this dialogue in horror he viewed them with a detestation and disgust. Stave 3 - Scrooge's willingness to learn In Victorian times, the deceased were usually dressed in their best clothes for burial but here, Scrooge's clothes after death have been removed and sold for money. However, it could also be argued that ignorance reflects the lack of education of the poor. Below one can explore the themes, symbols, and more that appear throughout the novel. Stave 4 - the final ghost Stave 2 - Belle's husband tells Belle about seeing Scrooge. Himself. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Stave 1 - Marley's ghost is distressed at Scrooge's suggestion that he was a 'good man of business'. It has harsh imagery and the symbolism of cold, shows he is lacking Christmas spirit. Stave 1 - description of Scrooge's house The Christmas Spirit By Section Stave One: Marley's Ghost Stave Two: The First of the Three Spirits Stave Three: The Second of the Three Spirits Stave Four: The Last of the Spirits Stave Five: The End of It By Character Ebenezer Scrooge Bob Cratchit Fred Jacob Marley The Ghost of Christmas Past The Ghost of Christmas Present There is no doubt . A solitary child, neglected by his friends is left there still - Scrooge sobbed, This shows scrooges lack of companionship and support even since a child this could show why scrooge became so money obsessed, I have always thought of Christmas a good time. Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. Dickens uses these characters to challenge popular preconceptions that the wealthy had about the poor - preconceptions which led to support for the poor law and the workhouses. Stave 5 - Scrooge walks the streets enjoying the company of others. There is a very real suggestion that Scrooge knows that the people are describing him. Fred represents the spirit of Christmas and carries Dickens' message about collective responsibility and how we should treat one another. Dickens, therefore, is attacking the Malthusian capitalist theories. uses long and short clauses to show how busy they are. Scrooge can see the error of his ways and then acts accordingly to become a better person. Oh, glorious. No wind that blew was bitterer than he, no falling snow was more intent upon its purpose, no pelting rain less open to entreaty. GCSE (9-1): Literature: A Christmas Carol: Key Quotes: Key Quotes with Analysis 4.7 (15 reviews) Term 1 / 36 'Sole' (stave 1) Click the card to flip Definition 1 / 36 repetition - Isolated, lonely. "The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it costs a fortune.". 'a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner! It is this love that consoles him in stave 4 when Tiny Tim is shown to be dead, a long with the memories of Tiny Tim as a patient and loving boy. ", 'A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. Themes= family/time/poverty. ", "there's a cold within him" that "froze his old features", sociable- "wonderful party, wonderful games, wonderful unanimity". Th onomatopoeia here makes the bells sound particularly noise -and yet Scrooge sees them as 'glorious' which is suggestive of noises from heaven. Without the ghost of Christmas future, Scrooge wouldve been unlikely to change. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. Analysing the evidence "I am sorry, with all my heart, to find you so resolute. Stave 4 - in the rag 'n' bone man's shop enthusiastic- "a merry Christmas uncle. But it does share a lot of gothic conventions. I am not the man I was. ', "Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.". The use of the word 'alone' is repeated showing again that selfishness will lead to a life of loneliness. How to revise from this guide You should be spending at least 30-60 minutes a week revising for English Literature from this point onwards, aiming to learn 5-7 key quotes for each character. Bovey, Lee-James "A Christmas Carol Quotes " Book Analysis, https://bookanalysis.com/charles-dickens/a-christmas-carol/quotes/. ', 'Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts". The noun phantom has negatives connotations in contrast to the more positive spirits - once again, warning scrooge of his fate if he doesn't change his ways. The ghost of Christmas yet to come is a symbol of the effect that memories have on someone as they age. The verb forged shows skill and effort- Marley spent his whole life's time and effort in his greed so is suffering the consequences. The last line of A Christmas Carol is God bless us, everyone. Its spoken by the well-loved character Tiny Tim. The tone is impatient as he does so. Scrooge learns how little generosity creates a lot of happiness. Glorious! It is through your support of visiting Book Analysis that we can support charities, such as Teenage Cancer Trust. In what ways did Louis XV differ from Louis XIV? Dickens uses Scrooge to show the extent of change that is possible in a small amount of time. The Christmas Spirit I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time the only time when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers. This brightly\underline{\text{brightly}}brightly lit room will be perfect for my art studio. Im sure you will all e familiar with the one percent statistic. The Fezziwigs throw a party and treat everyone the same - no matter their status. '', Stave 3 - the ghost uses Scrooge's words against him when he asks where there is refuge for the children, ignorance and want. Studying 'A Christmas Carol'? If you watch any of the adaptations of A Christmas Carol Tiny Tim is almost always one of the loveable characters and with good reason. This quote is trying to say that Marley should've cared more about the people rather than his business - Marley, This opposes to the way that he conveyed his feelings to everyone at the start of the novel this shows his change and how he improved by the end, Therefore I am about to raise your salary, This shows a strong change in scrooges character as at the start of the novel with the 2 gentleman he was not willing to donate any money to them and now he is raising Bob Cratchits salary, This shows Tiny Tim's appreciation of Scrooge even when his mother doesnt think that scrooge deserves the praise, Another idol has displaced me a golden one. I am as giddy as a drunken man., Scrooge was better than his word. 4 major themes of this novel are forgiveness, the influence of the past, greed, and poverty. Whatever the book. ', 'secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The repetition of the adjective 'good' reinforces this idea. Dickens is very clever in his use of dialogue in this section of the story as the Ghost of Future Yet To Come shows Scrooge the people that are talking about his death. Foul weather didnt know where to have him. The speaker is clearly fed up with Scrooges behaviour and wants him to get to the end of his journey and realize his mistakes as soon as possible. The use of nature with a type of plant typically seen around christmas time makes scrooges comment even more menacing saying that they should kill him with the very thing that is giving him happiness in that certain period.- Scrooge If they would rather die, they had better do it and decrease the surplus population. Stave 3 - Christmas at Fred's A Christmas Carol (Key Answers) Chapter 1 1. "The cold within him froze his old features", Early description of scrooge. Tiny Tim's comment is generous in spirit, seeing his disability positively as it will remind others of the true meaning of Christmas by allowing them to think of Jesus on Christmas day. Stave 4 - in the rag 'n' bone man's shop ", cynical- "what's Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money", Isolated- "secret and self-contained, and solitary like an oyster. Hallo!". It could also show that, as it has been so long since he was happy, he finds it difficult to describe. Like an oyster, he keeps himself to himself, hidden beneath a hard shell that he uses to protect himself from the world. "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ), phrases like holding a candle for someone mean to remember them, while candles are used in c. Scrooge finishes the stave by putting out the candle, which shows him symbolically putting down his past leaving behind the resentment he has harboured at having lost his childhood to neglect. The synonyms 'alone' and 'by himself' emphasise again the loneliness of the life he has chosen. The gothic was a popular genre in the Victorian age and would have seemed fitting for a ghost story to Victorian readers. It is too much linked to his miserly ways thus suggesting that the learning is not finished yet. However, these are two children that he has no control over. 'A lonely boy was reading near a feeble fire'. In many ways the vision works like memory can do: it changes depending on perspectives or moods. A merry Christmas to everybody! The happiness he gives is quite as great as if it costs a fortune. Gone are the puritanical values that banned Christmas, and, also, to a large degree, gone as well are the memories of Christmas as a serious and religious celebration of the birth of Christ. But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! Stave 3 - description of Mrs Cratchit Here, Scrooge is talking about Fezziwig and how he uses his wealth to lift others up. Stave 1 - why the portly gentlemen are collecting for the poor Scrooges changing attitude is never better highlighted than in his initial responses to the three ghosts. This has a double meaning both as a sympathetic term of endearment and also the fact that thanks to Scrooge the man is literally poor. These morally repugnant, ugly people are simply treating Scrooge the way he treated others and he is horrified. Imagery of warmth has symbolism of generosity, compassion and forgiveness- Fred always makes a effort with scrooge. However, some of the scenes are to help develop Scrooge's character and add backstory. Marley tells scrooge he is responsible fro his punishment- he is suffering the consequences for his actions. "Cherry cheeked apples, juicy oranges, luscious pears.". Fan is portrayed with affection - and her term of endearment shows that Scrooge has known affection.