A christmas carol - Bob cratchit Flashcards
“He tried to warm himself at the candle”
“He tried to warm himself at the candle” This is interesting as it conveys a lot to the reader about Bob’s characterisation and the cruel treatment he faces at work. By using the pitiful verb “tried”, Dickens creates a sense of helplessness. This causes us to sympathise with Bob and acknowledge his powerlessness before Scrooge. Furthermore, the anticlimactic “candle” highlights the poor provisions in place for Bob at the workplace, as he has nothing but a lone candle to warm himself. Dickens follows this line with the blunt and matter-of-fact: “he failed”. This illustrates the nonchalant attitude that many of the rich held towards the appalling working conditions of the lower class.
“I’ll give you Mr scrooge, The founder of the feast”
“I’ll give you Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!” By including this toast to Scrooge despite the terrible way he treats Bob, Dickens exemplifies Bob’s patience and compassion, as he is grateful and good-natured towards his employer regardless of the way he is treated. It is also interesting to note that Bob refers to Scrooge with a title (“the Founder of the Feast”) elevating his position and attributing importance to him, even though he does not necessarily deserve it. It could be argued that Dickens does this to once again highlight the superiority of the rich over the lower-class, as even in his apparent absence Bob gives Scrooge a sense of respect and honour.
“Oh a wonderful pudding”
This exclamatory remark highlights Bob’s appreciation towards his family and embodies the gratefulness of the Cratchits - despite the size of the pudding nobody even “thought” it was “small”. Once again, this presents Bob and the Cratchits as an idealised representation of the lower class. The pudding is an important image as it represents the hard work and unity of the family, although small, it is still well received.
context
During the Victorian era the word ‘bob’ was often used as a slang word for ‘shilling’. Therefore, it could certainly be argued that there is greater meaning behind Dickens’ choice for Bob Cratchit’s name. This is highlighted when he draws attention to it by the pun “Bob had but fifteen ‘Bob’ a-week himself”. Perhaps this is to serve as a constant reminder of how little Bob earns, or may be to represent the importance and power of money over the lower classes - so much so that it can alter life and death. This is seen in the case of Tiny Tim who, without Scrooge’s help, would have died.
