Christmas Carol Quotes Flashcards
I wear…
“I wear the chain I forged in life.”
Analysis: Marley’s ghost explains that his greed and selfishness in life have led to eternal suffering. The chains symbolize the burden of his sins.
Themes: Consequences of one’s actions, morality, and the need for repentance.
I am as…
“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy.”
Analysis: emphasize Scrooge’s newfound sense of freedom, joy, and innocence. These contrasts starkly with his earlier miserly demeanour, giving the reader a clear sense of his transformation.
Themes: redemption, joy, and renewal, showcasing Scrooge’s transformation into a lighter, happier, and more compassionate person.
A solitary..
“A solitary child, neglected by his friends, is left there still.”
Analysis: This moment reveals Scrooge’s lonely childhood, helping to explain his hardened demeanour. It evokes sympathy for him
Themes: Isolation, the impact of the past, and the shaping of character
This boy is…
“This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both.”
Analysis: The ghost introduces Scrooge to the allegorical figures of Ignorance and Want, symbolizing society’s neglect of the poor and uneducated.
Themes: Social critique, poverty, and the dangers of neglecting societal issues.
If they would rather…
“If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”
Analysis: Scrooge’s cold, utilitarian view of the poor highlights his lack of compassion and humanity.
Themes: Social responsibility, inequality, and the Victorian attitudes toward poverty that Dickens critiques.
A golden…
“A golden idol has displaced me.”
Analysis: Symbolizes Scrooge’s worship of wealth. foreshadows Scrooge’s regret and eventual redemption, as he later realizes the emptiness of his life without love and connection.
Themes: Love versus greed, loss, and the corrupting power of wealth
Hard…
“Hard and sharp as flint”
Analysis: ‘Hard’ suggests Scrooge lacks warmth, empathy and compassion. ‘Sharp’ suggests pain implying Scrooge hurts the people around him. ‘Flint’ suggests there is a potential spark of warmth in Scrooge.
Themes: Misanthropic, Isolation , Redemption
Solitary as…
“Solitary as an oyster”
Analysis: Oysters have a tough exterior and are closed from others. Emphasises how Scrooge has chosen to isolate himself. When forced open there is something precious to be discovered.
Themes: Misanthropic, Isolation, Hidden inner-quality
