A Christmas Carol Quotations Flashcards
“they were not a handsome family…
…but they were happy, grateful and please with each other.” - listing and juxtaposition
Despite their lack of wealth, Cratchits posses emotional wealth and unity.
Dickens personal experience of poverty, means that he was critical of a society that judged by wealth.
“God…
…bless everyone!” - repetition and exclamation
Tiny Tim, radiates hope and innocence, acting as a moral compass.
Dickens uses him to promote empathy and the important message of protecting the vulnerable.
“they were not a…
…handsome family.. but they were happy” - juxtaposition
Joy doesn’t stem from riches but love, wealth doesn’t solve happiness.
Dickens believes in fragility
“this boy is…
..ignorance, this girl is want” - personification and imagery
children represent society’s failures - they are societal diseases.
Ignoring poverty leads to social decay
“yellow, meager…
…ragged, scowling, wolfish” - listing and vivid imagery
appearance is grotesque and dehumanized, forcing the reader to confront brutal effects of poverty.
Reflects the grim realities of dickens childhood, in the London Slums and is used to critique the intentions of the upper class
“Are there no prisons?…
…Are there no workhouses?” - repeated rhetorical questions
dismissive attitude mirrors those in power.
Dickens presents the view as cold and inhumane.
The Poor law amendment act in 1834 - workhouses for the poor which dickens opposed too.
“I will honor Christmas in…
…all my heart and try to keep it all year.” - resolution and irony
Scrooge’s redemption shows change is possible and empathy replaces greed.
Dickens believed in social reform and the power of individuals to better society through compassion.
“not a farthing less…
..a great many back payments are included in it” - irony and metaphor
Scrooge repents by overpaying and “repaying” his social debt to the poor.
Charity is seen as a moral obligation
“He became as good a friend,…
…as good a master, as good a man” - rule of three and repetition
Repetition emphasizes the completeness of Scrooges transformation.
He now uplifts others.
Reinforces Dickens belief that change is possible.
