A Christmas Carol: Children Flashcards
What allegorical figures appear under the Ghost of Christmas Present’s robe? (Stave Three)
Two children described as “wretched, abject, frightful, hideous, miserable”
What are the names Dickens gives to these two allegorical children? (Stave Three)
Ignorance and Want, a boy and a girl
What warning does the Ghost of Christmas Present give about the boy (Ignorance)? (Stave Three)
“Doom is written on his brow, unless the writing be erased”
How does Dickens use these allegorical children to deliver social commentary?
They represent the consequences of society’s neglect of the poor and uneducated
How does Dickens connect Scrooge’s attitude to these allegorical children? (Stave Three)
Scrooge asks “Have they no refuge or resource?” echoing his earlier dismissal of the poor to workhouses
What does Tiny Tim symbolise in the novella?
Innocence and the vulnerability of children in Victorian society
How does Tiny Tim’s physical disability function in the narrative?
It highlights the precariousness of life for poor children and creates emotional impact
What famous line is Tiny Tim associated with? (Stave Three)
“God bless us, every one!”
How does this line reflect Tiny Tim’s character despite his circumstances?
It shows his generous spirit and goodwill despite poverty and illness
How is Scrooge’s childhood presented in the novella? (Stave Two)
As lonely and isolated; he was left at school during holidays, reading alone
What books did young Scrooge find comfort in? (Stave Two)
“The Arabian Nights” and “Robinson Crusoe”
What does this detail about young Scrooge’s reading suggest about his character?
That he escaped into fantasy worlds, suggesting both imagination and isolation
How does the Ghost of Christmas Past describe Scrooge’s childhood self? (Stave Two)
As a ““solitary child
What effect does seeing his childhood self have on the adult Scrooge? (Stave Two)
He feels “a pang of tenderness” and regret
What does the vision of his younger self reveal about the development of Scrooge’s character?
That his miserliness stems from childhood neglect and emotional wounds
How does Dickens use the Cratchit children to contrast with Scrooge’s childhood?
They have warmth, love and togetherness despite poverty, while Scrooge had material provision but emotional neglect
How many Cratchit children are there?
Six children (Peter
How does Peter Cratchit attempt to elevate the family’s status? (Stave Three)
By wearing his father’s collar and trying to look professional
What does this detail about Peter suggest about children in Victorian society?
The pressure on children to contribute to family finances and assume adult responsibilities early
How does Martha Cratchit’s late arrival on Christmas Day affect the family? (Stave Three)
It creates dramatic tension and shows how much each family member is valued
What does Scrooge witness about Belle’s children? (Stave Two)
They are numerous, loving, and tumultuous in their play
Why is this vision particularly painful for Scrooge? (Stave Two)
It shows him the family life he might have had if he hadn’t chosen money over love
What does Dickens reveal about Scrooge’s relationship with his father through his childhood scenes? (Stave Two)
That his father was cold and unloving toward him
How does Fan (Fanny) differ from Scrooge in her attitude despite sharing the same upbringing? (Stave Two)
She remained loving and joyful despite their difficult childhood
