A Christmas Carol Flashcards
List some of the key themes within a Christmas Carol.
Wealth and poverty
Morality
Gratitude
Actions and consequences
Explain how morality is presented within the novella.
Morality- The readers experience the harshness of Scrooge’s treatment towards the poor and how his actions reflect his negative state of mind and seemingly constant pessimistic and grumpy mood. He also doesn’t care for the well being of people he deems “unworthy” simply stating that they should die to “decrease the surplus population” or go to workhouses provided by the government. This uncaring view was shared by many at the time who simply couldn’t empathise with the state of poorer people.
Explain how wealth and poverty is presented within the novella.
Wealth and poverty- We see the stark contrast between the wealth of Scrooge and the stunting poverty experienced by the majority of London’s population. Scrooge doesn’t use his wealth in a caring or humanitarian way unlike many people who might.
Explain how gratitude is presented within the novella.
Gratitude- Ebeneezer is incredibly ungrateful for the lucky situation in which he finds himself. He has money and business connections but also the ability to live without worry of money yet he simply continues to accumulate money and hoard it away with no regard for anyone else who might benefit from his help.
Explain how actions and consequences are presented within the novella.
Actions and consequences- When Jacob Marley visits Scrooge we see the possible consequences of his actions throughout his life. His whole life of keeping his wealth and having a vile attitude towards poorer people could lead Scrooge to an existence of flying forever as a ghost while attached to chains, ledgers and cash boxes.
What is the purpose of Jacob Marley within the novella?
Marley acts a catalyst to encourage Scrooge to change his ways and this triggers his transformation that we witness throughout the novella.
It could be argued that Scrooge only changed because he knew he would suffer if he didn’t and that he had only himself in the equation rather than the people he could be helping.
What do the chains and cash boxes represent?
They are the immoral deeds and actions of the person attached to them and the amount of them represents the number of things they have done.
The chains are also a potential punishment and a warning to Scrooge to change his ways for the good of others and himself otherwise he will be doomed to an existence of suffering.
