A Christmas Carol Quotes - Ebenezer Scrooge Flashcards
Whys: 1
Through Scrooge’s callous façade and hard demeanour, Dickens highlights the formative impact of childhood experience, demonstrating how neglect in childhood inevitably shapes the next generation of adults and stressing the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
How is Scrooge described in the quote about being a ‘tight-fisted hand at the grindstone’?
Said by Narrator in stave 1
Scrooge is portrayed as miserly, greedy, and cruel.
The use of asyndeton (list of adjectives without conjunctions) emphasizes his negative traits.
What literary devices are used in the description ‘Hard and sharp as flint’?
Said by narrator in stave 1
Simile and metaphor.
This highlights Scrooge’s emotional coldness and isolation. The unopened oyster suggets secrecy
What does Scrooge mean by wishing every ‘idiot’ with ‘Merry Christmas’ should be boiled in pudding with a stake of holly?
Said by scrooge in stave 1
It expresses his extreme hatred for Christmas through hyperbole.
The irony lies in the use of Christmas symbols (holly and pudding) to describe punishment.
What does Scrooge’s statement about the poor reflect?
“If they would rather die they had better do it”
Said by Scrooge in stave 1
A heartless, utilitarian view of the poor.
This reflects Malthusian economic attitudes.
What rhetorical question does Scrooge use to dismiss charity?
‘Are there no prisons?’ in stave 1
Rhetorical question - This is meant to mock those seeking charity.
What is Scrooge’s catchphrase that dismisses Christmas?
‘Bah! Humbug!’ in stave 1
This exclamation emphasizes his disdain for the holiday.
What does Scrooge mean when he says, ‘There’s more of gravy than of grave about you’?
Said by Scrooge in stave 2
He jokes about the ghostly vision being caused by food.
This is a pun playing on the words ‘gravy’ and ‘grave.’
What does Scrooge claim about others businesses?
‘It’s not my business.’
Said by Scrooge in stave 3
This justifies his selfishness and shows his obsession with business which blinds him to human connection.
What does Scrooge’s wealth signify according to the quote about it being of no use?
“His wealth is of no use to him.”
It highlights his hoarding of wealth without generosity.
Said by fred in stave 3
This reflects Dickens’s critique of greed.
How does Bob Cratchit refer to Scrooge during the feast?
As ‘Mr. Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!’
Said by bob cratchit in stave 3
This is ironic, as Scrooge is known for his stinginess but despite that, Bob toasts him
What does Scrooge express regret over with the phrase ‘I wish…but it’s too late now.’?
Belle regrets that scrooge chose wealth over love
Said by belle in stave 4
The ellipsis suggests emotional hesitation.
What does Scrooge plead when he says, ‘Spirit! Remove me from this place!’?
He is overwhelmed by his past.
Said by scrooge in stave 4
This exclamation shows his distress.
What does Scrooge acknowledge when he states, ‘I am not the man I was’?
He acknowledges his transformation.
Said by scrooge in stave 4
The repetition emphasizes his change.
How does Scrooge describe his feelings after redemption?
As light as a feather, happy as an angel, merry as a school-boy.
Said by scrooge in stave 5
These similes convey his joy.
What dramatic change does Scrooge announce regarding Bob Cratchit’s salary?
‘I’ll raise your salary.’
Said by scrooge in stave 5
This contrasts sharply with his former cruelty.
What does Scrooge vow about Christmas?
‘I will honour Christmas in my heart.’
Said by scrooge in stave 5
This metaphor represents his internal change and vow to maintain generosity.
What does Scrooge mean by saying, ‘The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me’?
He accepts the lessons from the ghosts.
Said by scrooge in stave 5
This personifies the spirits as active forces in his life.
What commitment does Scrooge express when he says, ‘I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future’?
His commitment to change.
What does Scrooge question when he says, ‘Why show me this, if I am past all hope?’?
He expresses desperation for redemption.
Said by scrooge in stave 4
This rhetorical question underscores his hopelessness.
What does Scrooge exclaim at the end of his transformation?
‘A Merry Christmas to everybody!’
Said by scrooge in stave 5
This exclamation shows his newfound energy and enthusiasm.
What does Scrooge mean by ‘A great many back-payments are included in it’?
He makes amends by donating.
This is ironic, as he previously scorned charity.
What does the quote about Tiny Tim signify?
That he did NOT die, showing Scrooge’s kindness changed Tim’s fate.
Said by narrator in stave 5
This contrasts with earlier predictions of Tim’s death.
How is Scrooge described after his transformation?
As good a friend, master, and man as the city knew.
The repetition of ‘as good’ reinforces his redemption.
What does it mean when it says, ‘His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.’?
Scrooge finds true happiness.
This personification of his heart emphasizes his joy.
What does it mean when it states, ‘Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more.’?
He exceeds expectations in his generosity.
Said by narrator in stave 5
The hyperbole ‘infinitely more’ exaggerates his good deeds.
What is said about Scrooge’s legacy?
“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.”
Said by narrator in stave 5
This hyperbole suggests he embodies the ultimate Christmas spirit.
