ACC Themes

Question 1

Family

Answer 1

Dickens had a large family, but also experienced isolation - he implies that family and relationships are fundamental to humanity, and isolation goes against human nature
“Solitary as an oyster” (about Scrooge)
“I think he loses some pleasant moments/I am sorry for him” (Fred about Scrooge)

Scrooge’s only family is Fred
GoCP shows him on the family he missed out on
“Clothes darned up to look seasonable and Tiny Tim on his shoulder” - Bob

Question 2

Poverty

Answer 2

Poverty of working class is contrasted with Scrooges greed
Highlights the huge problems in society and suggests the rich need to help the poor for the good of all
“Many are in want of common necessities”
Dickens wants the wealthy to use charity and kindness as a solution instead of workhouses
Scrooge:
Beginning - “are there no workhouses?”
End - “I’ll raise your salary and endeavour to assist your struggling family”

Question 3

Redemption

Answer 3

Scrooge transforms throughout the book from sinner —> benefactor (he is used as a construct to encourage redemption)

• proving that change is possible and worth it
• Dickens suggests that those who see the errors of their ways and make genuine changes should be forgiven
  Scrooge
  Beginning - “are there no workhouses?”
  End - “ I’ll raise your salary and endeavour to assist your struggling family” (S to Bob)

Question 4

Time

Answer 4

Time is running out for Scrooge (and Tiny Tim!)
- shows how his actions affect others
The ghosts show how the past, present and future influence us, and that we should live in the present not dwell in the past

Dickens contradicts the theory of “time = money”
- shows that time is precious and should be spent wisely

“Our contract was an old one - it was made when we were both poor” - Belle about Scrooge changing

Question 5

Christmas 🎄

Answer 5

Christmas is something to enjoy and spend with family - this was a relatively new concept at the time
The novella reminds us that we ARE capable of kindness
The fact that the Staves came out around Christmas time encourages the reader to embody the spirit of Christmas
“I have always thought of Christmas … as a good time, a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time” - Fred

Question 6

Supernatural

Answer 6

Popular at the time, this was a lighthearted ghost story - this would grab the publics attention and appeal to them
- clever way to sell his message
The 4 ghosts provide STRUCTURE to the essay, and allow Dickens to easily play with time
The 4 ghosts are a CATALYST for change in Scrooge (proving society is capable of change)
And Ignorance & Want (also supernatural) are used to highlight the change that is needed