A Christmas Carol Flashcards
Dickens’ intentions with Scrooge
- Dickens crafts an allegorical novella with a didactic purpose, aiming to convey a message about the virulent consequences of avariciousness and frugality in society. He criticises the upper classes for their lack of apathy toward the poor and their complicity in perpetuating dehumanising laws and social structures through ignorance
- Dickens communicates to his upper class audience the important role of repentance and compassion in creating both personal and societal moral redemption. By holding up a mirror to his readership, he prompts them to introspect and asses whether their attitudes perpetuate social injustice or contribute to social reform.
- In Stave 1, Dickens deliberately portrays Scrooge as deeply entrenched in his misanthropic attitudes, highlighting his transformative journey by stave 5. By depicting Scrooge as a microcosm of the upper class, Dickens demonstrates the potential for change and personal growth, even in individuals with the most entrenched immorality. Ultimately, Dickens emphasises that social reform can be achieved when society is guided by principles of generosity and empathy
“Squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner” (Stave 1)
Scrooge
Themes: selfishness, social injustice, religion
The asyndetic listing: highlights his selfish and avaricious character. It portrays Scrooge’s immoral characteristics as ongoing, casting him as an unrepentant ‘sinner’
The use of 7 negative adjectives mirrors how there are 7 deadly sins, which were seen as the root of all evil. As the foundations of Victorian morality was religion, the parallels between Scrooge and the sins are used by Dickens to highlight how the rich, symbolised by Scrooge, are more inclined towards moral transgression than the poor. Dickens implicitly critiques societal structures, such as the 1834 Poor Law, were ironically designed to address the perceived sin and laziness of the poor
‘squeezing’ and ‘wrenching’ connotes a struggle: illustrates how scrooge struggles to see the detrimental consequences of his frugality and thus, his role in perpetuating social inequality
The undertone of a struggle is also used by Dickens to illustrate how the avariciousness of the upper classes directly causes a struggle for the impoverished
Link to theme of redemption/regret: Dickens constructs Scrooge initially as a quintessential Victorian miser, embodying the archetype of a villain. However, this depiction serves to emphasis his journey of growth and transformation into a regretful and actively virtuous member of society
“He seized the extinguisher-cap and by a sudden action pressed it down upon its head” Stave 2
Scrooge
Themes: Supernatural, Redemption
Verb ‘pressed’ and adverb ‘sudden’: aggressive verb combined with rapid adverb delves into Scrooge’s immersion in deeply suppressed emotions. He reacts irrationally out of sheer panic, anticipating the prospect of confronting these stifled memories from his past
The ethereal figure serves as more than a symbol of Scrooge’s past; it symbolises the supernatural intervention necessary for Scrooge’s spiritual awakening. He wants to place the restrictive ‘cap’ upon its head in a futile attempt to evade the necessity of confronting his own humanity and the repercussions of his actions
Symbolism of the ghost: it is presented with iridescent imagery as it has a ‘bright clear jet of light’. This symbolism suggests that the ghost aspires to illuminate both the literal and metaphorical darkness in Scrooge’s life through revelation and reflection
The ghost’s illumination of the past and its interconnected nature to the present, offers Scrooge the chance to embark on a pathway of redemption. However, his attempt to cover the ghost with the ‘cap’ signifies his reluctance to embrace this opportunity for redemption
Links to theme of kindness: The introduction to the supernatural eventually catalyses a change in Scrooge as he becomes to shatter his insular views and begins to see the transformative power of empathy and how this can break the relentless cycle of unjust poverty
Ignorance and Want are shown by ghost of present as “yellow” “wolfish” and “scowling” Stave 3
Scrooge
Themes: social injustice, selfishness, regret/redemption
Ignorance and Want are allegorical character which aim to highlight the unjustified abuse on innocent children as a result of the callous and apathetic attitudes of the upper class
Image on ‘yellow’: serves a stark reminder of the physical sickness and malnutrition endured by neglected children, as a consequence of societal neglect and individuals’ obliviousness to social injustice
The encounter between Scrooge and these marginalised children illuminates that their poverty and suffering are directly caused by these affluent members of society, epitomised by characters like Scrooge, whose covetousness outweighs their compassion
Animalistic image: highlights how poverty dehumanises individuals, stripping them of their humanity and reducing them to less than an animalistic state of being
Alternatively, Dickens employs Scrooge, an extension of the ignorant wealthy, to encounter the dehumanised poor, illustrating that the only remedy to societal ills of for the rich to acknowledge their role in perpetuating poverty and dehumanising the impoverished
This notion is exemplified in Scrooge’s repentance in Stave 3, evident in his use of imperatives like “tell me if Tiny Tim will live”, showcasing his desperate attempt to reverse his ignorance towards the plight of the destitute, recognising their humanity amidst a society that has treated them in an animalistic way
Links to religion: As the ghost of Christmas present is presented in a God-like omniscient way, it illustrates the transformative power of religion and how it is inextricably linked to morality. By bringing an individual back to the foundational teachings of Christianity, it creates spiritual enlightenment which allows individuals like Scrooge to become champions of social justice
“I will like in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me” Stave 4
Scrooge
Themes: supernatural, religion, regret/redemption, selfishness
Religious allusions: the concept of ‘three’ could be a biblical allusion to the three different forms of God within the holy trinity. This could emphasise how the three ghosts almost acted as incarnations of God himself - relaying a moral message that penetrated deeply within Scrooge
When he speaks of them striving ‘within me’, it signifies his internalisation of their moral teachings and his desperation to be given the opportunity to embark on the path of salvation and redemption
Juxtaposition between ‘past’ ‘present’ and ‘future’: serve as a symbolic reflection of the stark contrast between Scrooge’s former avaricious self and his transformation into a person dedicated to redemption, as well as moral and spiritual enlightenment
The passage of time also emphasises his realisation of how his attitude in the ‘past’ and ‘present’ was not only perpetuating his ‘solitary’ experience but also contributed to the systemic oppression and exploitation of the vulnerable in society
“Quite a baby” and “As merry as a schoolboy” Stave 5
Scrooge
Themes: selfishness, religion, regret/redemption, social justice
Infantile language: infantile self description indicates his rebirth as he brands himself as a ‘baby’ and a ‘schoolboy’. As both connote innocence and youth, Scrooge is showcasing how through him repenting for his sins, he has regained his youthful innocence and ability to see the world in an untainted light - he now views it through compassion, kindness and benevolence
As being a ‘baby’ is the start of like, this signifies that Scrooge has been reborn as he has gone from being a selfish ‘old sinner’ back to the most innocent from of human life - the ultimate rebirth
Christian ideas of rebirth: idea of rebirth holds significance in Christianity, symbolising a spiritual renewal and connection with God. This is deeply intertwined with the belief in Jesus’s rebirth, which offered salvation to humanity
Similarly, Scrooge’s own rebirth may hold the promise of salvation and relief for the less fortunate, as he assumes a paternal role akin to a ‘second father’ to Tiny Tim, embodying compassion and generosity towards those in need
Links to theme of kindness/family: Through Scrooge’s portrayal as a microcosm of the upper class, Dickens illustrates the easy potential for personal transformation and redemption. By depicting Scrooge’s transition from avarice to altruism and genuine compassion, Dickens showcases the possibility of catalysing positive change within society simply by replacing selfishness with empathy and kindness
Dickens’ intentions with the ghosts
- Dickens crafts the ghosts as vehicles for conveying his condemnation of the ignorance and callousness prevalent among the materialistic upper classes. Thus, the ghosts serve as Dickens’ mouthpiece, delivering a powerful message advocating for compassion and societal reform
- Each ghost introduces a comical and entertaining element, enabling Dickens to subtly yet effectively depict the corrosive impact of greed and apathy. However, through Scrooge’s transformation, Dickens utilises the ghosts to show the potential for reversing this damage. They serve as symbols of positive social change, highlighting the possibility of societal transformation and social justice
- Time and change serve as important motifs introduced by Dickens in his allegorical novella through the ghosts. These motifs are used to illustrate the interconnection between past, present, and future, and their influence on the trajectory of societal progress or decline
“I wear the chain I forged in life… I made it link by link” Stave 1
Marley
Themes: selfishness, supernatural, religion, regret/redemption, social injustice
Symbolism of chains: as chains are made of links, which are all interconnecting, this is alike to how Marley is warning Scrooge that his covetousness and abandonment of compassion for others are interconnected to his anguish. Marley is symbolic of the eternal consequences of the pursuit of materialism - in his life on earth he shunned poverty, indulging in his avarice, thus in his afterlife he experiences spiritual poverty
A chain also symbolises entrapment and restriction. Through Marley ‘dragging’ the chain, his chain is a conceit of the restricting and eternal consequences of being parsimonious and perpetuating social injustice
Personal pronoun ‘I’: implies that Marley acknowledges with remorse the consequences of his own personal and selfish pursuit of material wealth, leading to his eternal and spiritual damnation
He serves as a cautionary tale not only to Scrooge but also to readers consumed by avarice, highlighting that redemption is inaccessible for those who prioritise materialist pursuits over altruism
“Mankind was my business” Stave 1
Marley
Themes: selfishness, social injustice, regret, kindness/family
Economical language: it dominates both Scrooge and Marley’s dialogue, serving as a critique of society’s obsession with material wealth and the relentless pursuit of profit. Marley serves as Dickens’ first mouthpiece, articulating the priority of a collective social conscience and compassion over materialistic concerns such as ‘business’ and money
This juxtaposition highlights the irony of individuals like Scrooge, who conflate material wealth with societal value. Moreover, it foreshadows the grim fate awaiting Scrooge if he fails to learn from the eternal punishment of Marley: being reduced to mere economic terms upon his death (“cheap funeral” “marketing the corpse”)
Syntax: ‘mankind’ precedes ‘business’, indicating the hierarchal order of values that Scrooge, and by extension society, should prioritise
Marley’s spiritual and eternal punishment serves as a catalyst not only for the sole purpose of change but also for the realisation that compassion should always take precedence over materialism
“It was a strange figure - like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man” Stave 2
Ghost of Christmas Past
Themes: supernatural, kindness/family, regret/redemption
Juxtaposition between ‘child’ and ‘old-man’: metaphorical for Scrooge. He appears physically alike to an ‘old-man’ as he is branded as an ‘old-sinner’, yet is vulnerable and isolated akin to how he was as
a ‘child’
This contrast also underpins the interconnectedness of time, emphasising that the past inevitable shapes the present and influences the future. By revisiting Scrooge’s childhood, the ghost aims to catalyse a regression in him, prompting a return to his former compassionate self and setting him on the path to redemption
Context about age and time: mixture of both youth and age was a fascination within the Victorian era - their emphasis in the youth of children caused a parallel interest to those in their older age
By presenting the ghost as an amalgamation of youthfulness and old age, Dickens captures the fascination of his readership allowing him to use the juxtaposing depiction to emphasise the motif of time throughout the novella. This motif, personalised through the ghosts of the past, present and future is also used to illustrate the timelessness of the message of moral growth, compassion and redemption
“Bright clear jet of light” that was the “purest white” Stave 2
The ghost of Christmas past
Themes: supernatural, religion, regret/redemption
Motif of light: permeates throughout the novella, illuminating characters such as the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and Fred, all of whim play a role in encouraging Scrooge’s transformation
“Light” evokes images of hope and radiance, symbolising how the ghost is a beacon of enlightenment, tasked with illuminating Scrooge’s path towards moral awakening and personal transformation. The ghosts’ purpose is to reveal to Scrooge the potential for a hopeful and joyous existence if he chooses the path of redemption
“Purest” celestial image: ‘purest white’ creates a celestial image of heaven and purity from sin. As the ghost wears a ‘tunic’ of this colour, it is suggestive that his aim is to resurface Scrooge’s repressed memories and emotions in order to purify him from his pervious sins so he is ready to access heaven
The celestial symbolism serves a dual purpose: it foreshadows Scrooge’s spiritual journey towards moral transformation and redemption while also emphasising the theme of forgiveness. Dickens suggests that nobody is beyond redemption, regardless of their past sins, salvation and forgiveness can be found
“Glowing torch, in shape not unlike Plenty’s horn” Stave 3
Ghosts of Christmas Present
Themes: selfishness, social injustice, supernatural
Symbolism of ‘Plenty’s horn’: the latin term for Plenty’s horn, ‘cornucopia’ symbolises nourishment and abundance. This highlights a message to Scrooge about the mindset that causes social inequality: there is an abundance of resources to be shared an societal neglect and malnourishment are unjustifiable in a world of plenty
This serves as a direct critique of Malthusian views, which disregard the plight of the poor and destitute as inevitable, yet the ghost shows that there is ample wealth to alleviate their suffering is shared equally
Motif of light: As the ghost holds the emblem of the torch, intensifying the recurring motif of light, it signifies both the physical and symbolic illumination that Scrooge will undergo
This illumination reflects the ghost’s supernatural omnipotence, intended to reveal and illuminate the detrimental impacts of social neglect and avarice. Through the Cratchits, symbolic of the exploited poor, the ghost aims to awaken Scrooge to the abundance of resources physically that should be shared in society, as well as the emotional abundance of compassion and benevolence
“If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population” Stave 3
The Ghost of Christmas Present
Themes: selfishness, social injustice, regret/redemption, kindness/family
Repetition: The ghost repeats Scrooge’s earlier quote from Stave 1, emphasising his callous neglect and ignorance towards the plight of the lower classes. Through Scrooge’s adoption of Malthusian ideology, poverty and starvation are heartlessly dismissed as inevitable outcomes of a ‘surplus population’
The ghost, a symbol of abundance and equality, repeats it back to illustrate the inhumanity inherent in such apathetic and ignorant perspectives, compelling readers to confront the moral implications of societal indifference towards the suffering of the less fortunate
Plosives: plosives litter the speech with ‘die’ ‘better do’ and ‘decrease’. the harshness of the plosives accentuates the harsh callousness of upper class views towards the destitute
This belligerence, as the ghost later shows Scrooge, causes the exploitation and victimisation of the most innocent in society - children
“Shrouded in a deep black garment” Stave 4
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Themes: selfishness, supernatural, religion, regret/redemption
Symbol of death: it is reminiscent of the Grim Reaper, a symbol of death tasked with collecting should - the Ghost creates an ambience of foreboding and finality. The deathly undertones serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of Scrooge’s past immoralities and the urgency of his need for repentance
This visual parallel suggests that Scrooge’s prospects for redemption have dwindled, and he now faces an unavoidable journey towards his ominous demise by the ‘inexorable’ hand
Image on ‘black’: The dark ominous image created by black juxtaposes the motif of light seen with the ghosts of Christmas past and present. This is suggestive that Scrooge’s bleak and ironically ‘solitary’ death is imminent - Scrooge longed for a ‘solitary’ existence and now the ghost is solemnly showing him the consequences of his selfish and isolated existence
The archetype of the faceless menacing ghost haunting Scrooge serves to illuminate the gravity of his misanthropy. This dark and malevolent supernatural presence symbolises the justly forceful intervention needed to catalyse his transformation
“It was a worthy place!… overrun by grass and weeds” Stave 4
The Ghost of Christmas yet to come
Themes: selfishness, social injustice, religion
Decaying semantic field: serves as a mocking commentary on Scrooge’s life. Ironically, the vitality and life of the surrounding plants highlight his own insignificance. This serves as a criticism of his materialistic experience, suggesting that he has become even more insignificant than the decaying plants surrounding his grave
Through the ghost’s portrayal of Scrooge’s proleptic death, Dickens emphasises the dire consequences of neglecting one’s moral and civic duties, suggesting that such neglect will inevitably lead to eternal neglect and oblivion in death
Exclamative sentence: serves as a form of karmic retribution, where Scrooge’s frugal and miserly existence is met with just punishment. This message, delivered by the menacing ghost, imbues the scene with a hellish undertone, evoking a sense of divine justice
In the Victorian era, readers would find solace in Scrooge’s punishment due to their strong religious beliefs - eternal damnation and divine judgement was a deeply ingrained fear in society. Thus, Scrooge’s rightful punishment reinforces the cautionary tale that excessive covetousness and materialism will ultimately lead to divine condemnation
Links to theme of regret/redemption: the sight of his neglected and isolated grave intensifies Scrooge’s urgent longing for redemption, serving as a stark reminder of his neglectful and dehumanising treatment of the lower classes
