comparison of scrooge and bob crotchit Flashcards
what is an overview of the comparison
the contrasting characters of Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit are pivotal in conveying the novella’s central themes of generosity, compassion, and social responsibility. Through the stark differences in their attitudes, lifestyles, and relationships, Dickens creates a dynamic that underscores the moral lessons of the novella. essay will explore how Dickens uses Scrooge’s miserly, cold-hearted nature in contrast to Cratchit’s warmth, humility, and love for his family to highlight the transformative power of kindness and the need for social reform.
how does Scrooge view money
significant contrasts. Scrooge, a wealthy and miserly businessman, views money as the ultimate goal and source of security. His obsession with wealth is evident when he refuses to give Cratchit, his underpaid employee, a proper wage. Scrooge’s cold-heartedness is encapsulated in his chilling remark, “Are there no prisons? … And the union workhouses?” when asked to contribute to charitable causes. The rhetorical questions suggest his scorn for the poor, while the harsh tone reflects his dehumanising attitude. Dickens employs irony here, as Scrooge, despite his wealth, is morally impoverished, a theme reinforced by the symbol of coldness that surrounds him.
how does bob cratchit view money
In stark contrast, Bob Cratchit, despite his poverty and hardships, values his family and relationships over material wealth. Cratchit’s cheerful response to life, even under adversity, is epitomised in the Christmas feast scene: “There never was such a goose cooked.” The Cratchit family’s gratitude for a meagre feast reveals their appreciation for life’s simple joys. Dickens uses juxtaposition to emphasise Cratchit’s warmth against Scrooge’s coldness, illustrating that wealth does not equate to happiness or moral superiority. Furthermore, the use of the verb “bless” in Tiny Tim’s repeated refrain, “God bless us, every one!”, reinforces the Cratchits’ spiritual richness, contrasting with Scrooge’s moral bankruptcy.
what is scrooges treatment toward his family
Their contrasting attitudes towards family life further emphasise the divide between them. Scrooge is isolated and solitary, having cut off ties with his family long ago. This is evident in the narrator’s description: “Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend and sole mourner.” The repetition of “sole” underscores Scrooge’s self-imposed loneliness, while the semantic field of legality suggests he values relationships only in transactional terms. His disdain for Christmas and family celebrations, such as when he rejects Fred’s invitation with a derisive “Bah! Humbug!”, reveals his emotional detachment and inability to embrace human connection.
how does bob crotchit treat his family
In contrast, Bob Cratchit demonstrates deep love for his family despite his financial struggles. His tender care for Tiny Tim is evident when he carries him home: “‘Why, where’s our Martha?’ cried Bob Cratchit, looking round at the table … and kissing her a dozen times.” Dickens’ use of dialogue and the verb “cry” conveys Cratchit’s joy and familial affection. The contrast between Scrooge’s solitude and Cratchit’s warmth highlights the novella’s moral message: wealth is meaningless without love and connection. The Cratchits’ unity despite their poverty exemplifies Dickens’ idealised vision of the working-class family as a source of moral strength.
how does scrooge treat others
Dickens also contrasts their treatment of others to highlight their opposing moral values. Scrooge is depicted as a man who treats people as mere tools to advance his wealth. This is evident in his treatment of Cratchit, whom he forces to work long hours in a freezing office, begrudging even the use of coal: “Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk’s fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal.” The metaphor of the “one coal” symbolises Cratchit’s dehumanising working conditions and the stark power imbalance between the employer and the employee. Scrooge’s miserliness is further emphasised when he complains about Cratchit taking Christmas Day off: “A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!” Dickens uses hyperbole to expose Scrooge’s cruel and absurd outlook, likening Cratchit’s request to theft.
how does bob cratchit treat others
By contrast, Cratchit, despite his own struggles, remains compassionate and selfless. He displays no resentment towards Scrooge, even proposing a toast in his honour: “I’ll give you Mr. Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!” The irony in this statement is poignant, as Scrooge’s meagre pay barely supports Cratchit’s family. However, the toast underscores Cratchit’s humility and refusal to succumb to bitterness. Dickens uses this moment to reinforce the virtues of forgiveness and gratitude, qualities embodied by Cratchit and his family.
what is the social commentary
The differences between Scrooge and Cratchit serve to underline Dickens’ social commentary on class inequality in Victorian society. Scrooge represents the wealthy elite, who are indifferent to the suffering of the poor, while Bob Cratchit embodies the working class, who endure hardship but maintain their dignity and humanity. Dickens critiques the disparity between the rich and the poor through the symbolic depiction of Scrooge’s cold, empty office and Cratchit’s warm, albeit humble, home. The novella advocates for social reform, as seen through Scrooge’s transformation and newfound generosity.
The Ghost of Christmas Present’s warning—“This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree”—further emphasises the consequences of societal neglect. Dickens uses allegory here to personify societal issues, urging the wealthy to address poverty and ignorance rather than perpetuate them.
what is scrooge’s transformation
The turning point in Scrooge’s character arc, which occurs after the visitations of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, demonstrates the power of compassion and generosity. Scrooge’s transformation is epitomised in his pledge: “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” The use of the modal verb “will” conveys Scrooge’s determination to change, while the metaphor of “honour Christmas” symbolises his embrace of kindness and charity. His redemption is further demonstrated when he becomes a second father to Tiny Tim and raises Cratchit’s salary, exemplifying Dickens’ belief in the potential for personal and societal transformation.
what is the conclusion
In conclusion, the contrast between Scrooge and Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol is central to the novella’s exploration of social justice, generosity, and the importance of human connection. Through their differing attitudes towards money, family, and others, Dickens underscores the necessity of compassion and empathy in creating a better, more just society. Scrooge’s eventual transformation serves as a reminder of the profound impact that kindness and generosity can have, not only on individuals but on the wider community. In this way, Dickens calls for a society where the values of love, kindness, and social responsibility take precedence over greed and indifference.
