Character summaries Flashcards
Scrooge represents…
- Represents avarice (extreme greed), cold logic and the negative effects of isolation.
- After being forced to transform, he becomes a symbol of the Christmas spirit in Stave Five.
- He is a dynamic character (a character who changes).
The Cratchit family symbolise…
Symbolise Victorian poverty, cheerfulness in adversity (difficult situations), togetherness, and Christmas spirit.
- Bob shows pity for Scrooge, and provides a contrast to Scrooge’s isolation and meanness.
- Tiny Tim is an emblem for noble poverty, he accepts is disability without complaint.
Fred represents…
- Represents compassion, forgiveness, and the power of family. He serves as a contrast/foil to Scrooge.
- Epitomises the concept of goodwill - he refuses to be discouraged by his uncle’s misery.
- People (such as the Cratchits) speak highly of Fred and his generosity, in contrast to how they speak of Scrooge.
- Fred shows that Scrooge has chosen isolation and shows forgiveness to Scrooge, welcoming him in Stave Five.
The Ghosts are…
Are supernatural mechanisms, directing Scrooge on a journey of reflection and redemption.
The Ghost of Christmas Present represents…
Represents goodwill, plenty and the festival of Christmas.
- He is the symbol of abundance (plentifulness of the good things of life). He holds a cornucopia (a horn of plenty).
- While he wears a scabbard, it does not contain a sword and is neglected, symbolising peace.
- He represents Christmas, saying that he has “More than 1800” brothers (each Christmas since Christ).
- When Scrooge declares that this is a ‘tremendous family to provide for’ the ghost is angry because Scrooge’s only concern is the cost of this festival of goodwill.
The Ghost of Christmas Past is a symbol…
- Symbol of childhood, truth and enlightenment.
- Forces Scrooge to reflect on painful memories of childhood and his youth in order to properly understand who he has become.
- The bright light which emanates from his head represents truth.
- The cap which Scrooge uses to try to extinguish the light is a symbol of shameful human desires and ignorance.
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come…symbolises
- Symbolises a catastrophic future for mankind.
- Echoes the figure of the ‘Grim Reaper’, or death, in his description.
- His silent characterisation and ominous atmosphere create the idea of an unknowable and threatening future.
- He makes the final decision to show mercy towards Scrooge - “The kind hand trembled” when pointing to the grave - and completes his redemption or “reclamation”.
Fezziwig is…
Is Dickens’ model for how the wealthy classes should behave - “shaking hands with every person individually” - no judgement or division of classes. In a time of economic turmoil, everyone is invited to celebrate Christmas.
What quote shows belle and scrooge’s relationship?
‘our contract is an old one, it was made when we were both poor and content to be so, until in a good season, we could improve our worldly fortune by our patient industry, You are changed, when it was made you were another man
