Fred Flashcards
How is Fred such a contrast to Scrooge and what effect does this create?
He is a foil to Scrooge’s character - they emphasise each other’s key characteristics.
He is warm and friendly (character and physical characteristics)
arrives in the office “all aglow” with sparkling eyes (this creates warm associations to emphasise Scrooge’s coldness)
He values happiness more than wealth. He says Scrooge’s wealth is useless “he didn’t do any good with it” (vs Scrooge who thinks that Fred can’t be happy because he is poor). Shows up Scrooge’s misplaced priorities
Empathetic - barely knows the Crachit family but is “heartily sorry” when Tim dies (contrast to Scrooge who doesn’t care about others at the beginning e.g thinking the poor are fine in prison and workhouses and begrudging Bob Christmas Day off). Highlights Scrooge’s cold-heartedness
**Cheerful ** - he has a pleasant laugh and seems optimistic and jovial. He refuses to argue with Scrooge. He “revels” in “another laugh”. **Contrast to Scrooge’s rudeness **
Generous and kind - determined to include Scrooge in the celebrations and is kind to the Crachits. He welcomes Scrooge into his home despite Scrooge’s behaviour. **Big change from Scrooge’s lack of Christmas spirit and his meanness **
What theme does the chararcter of Fred highlight?
Christmas spirit and Christianity
Dickens portrays him as someone who shows the values associated not just with the Christmas spirit but with Christiantiy (e.g being kind all through the year, being generous and forgiving)
Generous & forgiving - he invites Scrooge to the party despite his past behaviour
including Scrooge, cheerful Christmas humour
2 quotes to illustrate Fred’s character
“I mean to give him the same chance, every year, whether he likes it or not” (about including Scrooge in the celebrations)
“I’ll keep my Christmas humour to the last”
