Context Flashcards
How long ago did Marley die?
7 years ago
What was Thomas Malthus’s beliefs?
He believed that poverty, overpopulation and famine were inevitable. Therefore we should not help the poor because it would only exacerbate the issue.
What did Dickens think about TM?
He was critical of TM’s beliefs. He thought that it lead to a worsening of the dehumanisation of the working class.
What kind of quotes link to TM?
Any quotes that dehumanise the WC/ show that the WC are human/ show consequences of dehumanisation
What were AS and TM?
Economists/ philosophers
What did Adam Smith believe in?
Trickle down economics and laissez faire capitalism
What did Dickens think about AS?
He was critical, UC are miserly and hoard their money which prevents it from trickling down.
What kind of quotes link to AS?
Any quote that shows how the UC are miserly and avaricious
What is the starter sentence for a Christmas Carol?
In his allegorical victorian novella…
How is wealth portrayed in A Christmas Carol?
Wealth is depicted as a corrupting force when hoarded (Scrooge) but as a source of joy when shared (Fezziwig, Fred). Dickens suggests that true wealth lies in generosity and human connection rather than money.
How does Dickens explore poverty in A Christmas Carol?
Poverty is shown through the Cratchits’ struggles and the allegorical figures of Ignorance and Want. Dickens criticizes the indifference of the wealthy and argues that society must take responsibility for the poor.
How does Scrooge embody avarice (greed) at the start of A Christmas Carol?
Scrooge is obsessed with wealth, hoarding money and refusing to share it, even denying charity collectors. His love of money over human relationships isolates him, reinforcing Dickens’s critique of greed.
How is altruism (selflessness) presented in A Christmas Carol?
Characters like Fred, Fezziwig, and Bob Cratchit embody selflessness. They show kindness without expecting anything in return, demonstrating the joy that comes from generosity and compassion.
How does Dickens contrast family and isolation in A Christmas Carol?
Scrooge isolates himself from family and society, whereas Fred and the Cratchits find joy in togetherness. Dickens highlights the warmth of family bonds as a key part of happiness.
How does Dickens present redemption and transformation in A Christmas Carol?
Scrooge’s journey from misanthropy to generosity showcases redemption as a personal choice. Through the Spirits’ lessons, he realizes his mistakes and embraces transformation.
What is Dickens’s message about the Christmas spirit in A Christmas Carol?
Dickens defines the Christmas spirit as generosity, kindness, and goodwill. Fred and Fezziwig embody this, while Scrooge’s redemption shows that embracing these values leads to joy.
How does A Christmas Carol reflect the impact of the Industrial Revolution?
The Industrial Revolution led to extreme wealth disparity and poor working conditions. Dickens highlights the struggles of the working class through the Cratchits and criticizes capitalist greed.
How did Dickens’s childhood influence A Christmas Carol?
Dickens’s father was imprisoned for debt, forcing young Charles to work in a blacking factory. His experiences with poverty and child labor influenced his sympathy for the poor and social reform themes.
What was London like at the time A Christmas Carol was written?
London was overcrowded, polluted, and deeply divided by class. The poor lived in slums with little access to education or healthcare, while the rich lived in luxury, largely ignoring social issues.
What was the Poor Law, and how is it criticized in A Christmas Carol?
The Poor Law (1834) forced the poor into workhouses with harsh conditions. Scrooge’s line ‘Are there no prisons?’ mocks this system, showing Dickens’s opposition to institutional cruelty.
What were ragged schools, and how do they relate to A Christmas Carol?
Ragged schools were charities offering free education to poor children. Dickens supported them and highlights the importance of education through the figures of Ignorance and Want.
What does the Ghost of Christmas Past represent?
The Ghost of Christmas Past represents memory and regret, forcing Scrooge to confront the choices that led to his isolation and greed.
What does the Ghost of Christmas Present teach Scrooge?
The Ghost of Christmas Present reveals the joy and struggles of others, showing Scrooge the consequences of his neglect and the warmth he could embrace.
Why is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come the most terrifying spirit?
This spirit represents the finality of death and the consequences of Scrooge’s choices. Its silent, grim presence forces Scrooge to change out of fear of a lonely, forgotten fate.
When was A Christmas Carol written and released?
A Christmas Carol was written in 1843 and published on December 19, 1843.
In what historical era was A Christmas Carol written and released?
The novella was written and published during the Victorian era, a time of industrial growth, social inequality, and Christmas revival traditions.
How quickly did A Christmas Carol become popular?
The book was an instant success, selling out its first edition within days and influencing Christmas traditions and charitable attitudes.
