Family Flashcards
As a vehicle to…
To promote his belief that familial bonds are integral for happiness and are superior to materialism, regardless of wether the bonds are genetic or not.
Initially point
Initially, Scrooge is presented as being absent of family, just as he was at a child, however this time it is intentional, and is reflected by his meeting with Fred whereby he neglects the familial bonds.
Initially… (quote 1) How does Scrooge respond to being invited to Christmas dinner by Fred?
“Keep Christmas in your way, and I’ll keep it in mine”
-Scrooge dismisses Fred’s invite to join him for Christmas which emphasises the fact that his isolation is self-inflicted
Initially… (quote 2) what phrases does Scrooge repeat to show is unwillingness to establish familial bonds?
“Good afternoon” and “Bah humbug”
Through the repetition of these two phrases, Scrooge’s reluctancy to re-establish familial bonds is exposed. This is why Scrooge is isolated, not because he has no family but because he prioritises monetary gain and chooses to purposely isolate himself, so that he can pursue it.
However as the text develops point
The importance of family is portrayed through the Crachit family who all work together in order to support each other and provide each other with happiness as a result for their increased appreciation of each other. They act as the ideal family who Dickens wishes to promote
However… (quote 1) how does Bob Cratchit respond to Martha not attending Christmas dinner
“Not coming! Said Bob with a sudden declension in spirit”
This was Bobs response to Martha Cratchit missing Christmas dinner and it shows just how important family is to him because the thought of not having one of his six children massively damaged his spirits.
However… (quote 2)- how did Bob respond to seeing Martha
“Hugged his daughter to his hearts content”
- his response further emphasises the importance of family, and his loving embrace of her emphasises his appreciation of his family
- Bob acts as the complete antithesis of Scrooge who completely dismisses his family
Ultimately… (quote 2) what quote shows Scrooge’s new found relationship with Tiny Tim ?
“He was a second father”
-Scrooge became like a second father to Tiny Tim which represents his new found appreciation of familial bonds, even though it is not genetic.
Ultimately… (quote 1) how does Scrooge respond to spending Christmas with his family?
“Wonderful unanimity, wonderful happiness”
-this is Scrooge’s response to spending Christmas with his family. It brings him a sense of euphoria which promote Dickens message that family is vital for happiness and joy, especially within an increasing capitalist mid 19th century society
Ultimately point
Scrooge learns that family is vital to happiness and that family extends beyond biological bonds,as shown through his relationship with Tiny Tim. Dickens does this perhaps so that society can reform and rebuild familial bonds between people in order to help those in society who are in dire need of it
