Context Flashcards
Victorian era
Dickens was born into a middle-class family and due to this he had the good fortune of being sent
to school, perhaps explaining the reasons behind his value of education. However, his good fortune
of being sent off to school was short lived as his father came into some financial difficulties and
was put in debtors’ prison. It is interesting to note that his father, John Dickens, was a clerk just
like Bob Cratchit
Also, the Cratchit house is based on Dickens’ own home growing up, which may
perhaps explain why the narration is sympathetic towards the Cratchit family and idealises them to
such an extent.
Education - It is clear Dickens would not have been able to become a novelist if he had
never been to school. Dickens’ value of education is a clear recurring theme throughout the
novel, illustrated through his linking of “Ignorance” and “doom”.
Workhouse - It can be argued that the reason ‘A Christmas Carol’ brings to light the dark
side of the workhouses is because Dickens lived very close to them and so would have
been familiar with the stories of people inside. This closeness would enable him to be
empathetic to the plight of the working class
The Industrial Revolution had many impacts on Victorian society such as:
● Overpopulation - MT
‘A Christmas Carol’ was written in a post-Industrial Revolution society, a time where poverty
had become more and more distinct.
