Bob Cratchit

Question 1

“He tried to warm himself at the candle”

Answer 1

Conveys a lot to the reader about Bob’s characterisation and the cruel treatment he faces at work.

The pitiful verb “tried”, Dickens creates a sense of helplessness. This causes us to sympathise with Bob and acknowledge his powerlessness before Scrooge.

The anticlimactic candle highlights the poor provisions inplace for Bob at the workplace, as he has nothing but a lone candle to warm himself.

Question 2

“I’ll give you Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!”

Answer 2

Dickens exemplifies Bob’s patience and compassion, as he is grateful and good-natured towards his employer regardless of the way he’s treated.

Bob refers to Scrooge with a title elevating his position and attributing importance to him, even though he does not deserve it. Dickens does this highlight the superiority of the rich over the lower-class.

Question 3

“Oh a wonderful pudding!”

Answer 3

This exclamatory remark highlights Bob’s appreciation towards his family and embodies the gratefulness of the cratchits - despite the size of the pudding nobody even “thought” it was “small”

Pudding is an important image as it represents the hard work and unity of the family, although small, it is well received.