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, Malthusian.
Another idol…
“Another idol has displaced me… A golden one.”
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
External heat…
“External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge”
Analysis: Highlights his emotional detachment and indifference to the world around him. It emphasizes that he is impervious to both warmth and cold, symbolizing his isolation and bitterness, which sets the stage for his eventual transformation
Themes: Redemption, Misanthropic, Isolation
I can’t…
“I can’t afford to make idle people merry, I want to make a profit.”
Analysis: Reflects Scrooge’s prioritization of wealth over human connection and compassion. It underscores his belief that generosity is a luxury he cannot afford, revealing his selfishness and the harshness of his worldview.
Themes: Oppression of poor, Corruption of wealth, Malthusian
