ACC - Fred Quotes Flashcards
Intro paragraph
- Dickens uses the character of Fred to show upper class readers
- the importance of Christian values benevolence, altruism, compassion, patience
- Fred juxtaposes Scrooge’s parsimonious greedy nature
- spreads generosity and kindness
- brings fulfilment and contentment to his own life
- foil character to scrooge
- criticises societal values of materialism and individualism
- exposes “more money = greater happiness” false capitalist ideology
- implores readers to value human connection and kindness above pursuit of wealth
Dickens uses the character of Fred in his novella ‘A Christmas carol’, as a vehicle to show his Upper-class readership the importance of the Christian values Fred epitomises; benevolence, altruism, compassion, and patience. Fred juxtaposes Scrooge’s parsimonious and greedy nature, as he spreads generosity and kindness to others, while bringing fulfilment and contentment to his own life. Through Fred’s presentation as a foil to Scrooge, Dickens criticises the societal values of materialism and individualism the upper-class Victorians embody, exposing the false ideology of capitalism that ‘more money equates to greater happiness’, imploring his readers to value human connection and kindness to others above the pursuit of wealth.
“Merry Christmas …”
“A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!” cried a cheerful voice’
- depicts Fred as a role model in Christianity, embodying the merry spirit of Christmas.
- spreading Christmas ‘cheer’ and joy to others around him.
“handsome…”
“All in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome”
- The lexical choice ‘glow’ connotes light and is linked with purity and hope.
- Through the use of the adjective ‘handsome’, Dickens introduces Fred as a morally virtuous character
- alluding to the Victorian pseudoscience of physiognomy; a good looking person has positive attributes.
“scrap…”
“though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good,”
- scrap diminishes its value
- Fred doesn’t view money as everything
- criticises Scrooge’s materialistic capitalistic mindset (foil character to Scrooge)
“dine…”
“Come! Dine with us tomorrow.”
- No sense of dejection, persistent seeking to form a relationship
“want nothing…”
“I want nothing from you; why cannot we be friends?”
- He shows no sense of dejection when being rejected, persistently seeks out a relationship with his uncle
- being pure hearted and optimistic, aiming to gain nothing from the relationship.
Fred’s cheer and purity juxtaposes Scrooge’s materialistic and capitalistic ‘money is everything’ nature, criticising the upper-class attitudes Scrooge’s character represents.
“approving…”
“Looking at (Fred) with approving affability!”
- ‘affable’ implies a person is good natured and friendly, suggesting Fred radiates positivity and compassion, so much so the spirit could sense it.
“say against him…”
“I have nothing to say against him.”
“I couldn’t be angry with him if I tried.”
-The lexical choice ‘nothing’ is firm, strongly implying he is steadfast in his beliefs, and greatly values and respects his uncle, despite Scrooge rejecting his every offer of affection and kindness.
-The verb ‘couldn’t’ reiterates this, suggesting his is rooted firmly in his principles.
“chance every year…”
“I mean to give him the same chance every year,”
-Despite Scrooge humiliating him and insulting him, Fred is forgiving and values their familial relationship - reminds the Christian readers that a true Christian is forgiving and merciful, always aiming to extend their happiness and joy to others.
Bob about Fred “gentleman…”
“he is the pleasantest-spoken gentleman you ever heard” “it was quite delightful”.
- adjectives ‘pleasant’ and ‘delightful’ imply their conversation touched Bob Cratchit, as Fred spoke with sincerity.
- Bob is of a much lower class than Fred, and the fact Fred is genuinely sympathetic and loving towards Bob would have shocked the upper class readership, as they wouldn’t have dared to interact with the lower class.
-The interaction between Fred and Bob Cratchit reminds the readers that everyone is human and should be treated equally, and Tiny Tim’s ‘death’ highlights that everyone is equal in death.
“let him…”
“Let him in!… Wonderful games, wonderful unanimity, wonderful happiness!’
- exclamation suggests Fred is excited and ecstatic upon hearing Scrooge has decided to join them for Christmas.
- Despite anything Scrooge has said to him in the past, Fred was instantly willing to forgive him.
overarching Fred message (conclusion)
Through Fred’s character, Dickens conveys one overarching message – the life of a true believer is filled with compassion for others no matter their status in the material word, and devotion to the Christian faith. A life in which you will be content does not need money, but simply kindness. A content, religious life leads to a prosperous one in the afterlife.
shake arm…
‘It is a mercy he didn’t shake his arm off ‘-
Fred is forgiving
