A Christmas Carol Character summaries Flashcards
1
Q
Scrooge represents…
A
- Represents avarice (extreme greed), cold logic and the negative effects of isolation.
- After being forced to transform, he becomes a symbol of the Christmas spirit in Stave Five.
- He is a dynamic character (a character who changes).
2
Q
The Cratchit family symbolise…
A
- Symbolise Victorian poverty, cheerfulness in adversity (difficult situations), togetherness, and Christmas spirit.
- Bob shows pity for Scrooge, and provides a contrast to Scrooge’s isolation and meanness.
- Tiny Tim is an emblem for noble poverty, he accepts is disability without complaint.
3
Q
Fred represents…
A
- Represents compassion, forgiveness, and the power of family. He serves as a contrast/foil to Scrooge.
- Epitomises the concept of goodwill - he refuses to be discouraged by his uncle’s misery.
- People (such as the Cratchits) speak highly of Fred and his generosity, in contrast to how they speak of Scrooge.
- Fred shows that Scrooge has chosen isolation and shows forgiveness to Scrooge, welcoming him in Stave Five.
4
Q
The Ghosts are…
A
Are supernatural mechanisms, directing Scrooge on a journey of reflection and redemption.
5
Q
The Ghost of Christmas Present represents…
A
Represents goodwill, plenty and the festival of Christmas.
- He is the symbol of abundance (plentifulness of the good things of life). He holds a cornucopia (a horn of plenty).
- While he wears a scabbard, it does not contain a sword and is neglected, symbolising peace.
- He represents Christmas, saying that he has “More than 1800” brothers (each Christmas since Christ).
- When Scrooge declares that this is a ‘tremendous family to provide for’ the ghost is angry because Scrooge’s only concern is the cost of this festival of goodwill.
6
Q
The Ghost of Christmas Past is a symbol…
A
- Symbol of childhood, truth and enlightenment.
- Forces Scrooge to reflect on painful memories of childhood and his youth in order to properly understand who he has become.
- The bright light which emanates from his head represents truth.
- The cap which Scrooge uses to try to extinguish the light is a symbol of shameful human desires and ignorance.
7
Q
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come…symbolises
A
- Symbolises a catastrophic future for mankind.
- Echoes the figure of the ‘Grim Reaper’, or death, in his description.
- His silent characterisation and ominous atmosphere create the idea of an unknowable and threatening future.
- He makes the final decision to show mercy towards Scrooge - “The kind hand trembled” when pointing to the grave - and completes his redemption or “reclamation”.
8
Q
Fezziwig is…
A
Is Dickens’ model for how the wealthy classes should behave - “shaking hands with every person individually” - no judgement or division of classes. In a time of economic turmoil, everyone is invited to celebrate Christmas.
