Fred Flashcards
He was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked again.
In contrast to Scrooge’s icy imagery, his nephew’s ‘breath smoked’: his breath was hot as he is full of warmth. Unlike the semantic field of cold and misery surrounding Scrooge, Fred brings along with him an enthusiasm that acts as a foil to his uncle.
But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round
Dickens presents Fred in a positive way, seeing Christmas as special and unique. Fred’s happy attitude is a complete contrast of Scrooge, with Dickens hinting through Fred that people need to show kindness to each other. Fred is seen as what Scrooge could be if he was nice, jolly and kind, using his money for good which we see him do at the end. Mouthpiece for Dickens’ view of Christmas
`Don’t be angry, uncle. Come! Dine with us tomorrow.’ / Why cannot we be friends
Despite Scrooge insulting his nephew, Fred constantly tries to break Scrooge out his shell and make him more social by inviting him to dinner ‘year after year’ - very persistent and pitying of his uncle
His nephew left the room without an angry word, notwithstanding.
Scrooge’s nephew is too jolly to be angry on a festive occasion. This reflects Scrooge’s and the nephew’s contrasting personalities.
Hearty laugh / blest in a laugh
Fred is full of goodness with no sarcasm or underlying spite tainting his laugh. It is just pure joy. His happy laugh is immediately recognisable
Bright, dry, gleaming room / Clustered round the fire, by lamplight.
Fred is constantly surrounding by a motif of light and warmth, symbolising innocence and an inherent goodness
I am sorry for him; I couldn’t be angry with him if I tried.
Fred doesn’t want to feel anger towards anyone during Christmas and even feels sorry for Scrooge as Scrooge looses company of people and Fred doesn’t want him to miss out. Fred’s generosity of spirit
Encouraged them in their merriment
As well as being a happy man himself, Fred also passes his joy to others so that everyone may be happy at Christmas
Let him in! It is a mercy he didn’t shake his arm off.
Dickens describes how delighted Fred was to see his uncle Scrooge. He embraces Scrooge so warmly and is finally rewarded for his persistent efforts in reaching out to Scrooge. He welcomes Scrooge with open arms despite their previous grievances, emphasising the importance of supporting and being forgiving towards your fellow man in order to reach a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous society. He doesn’t question Scrooge’s change
Bob told them of the extraordinary kindness of Mr Scrooge’s nephew / For he is the pleasantest-spoken gentleman you ever heard
Dickens portrays Fred as supportive and generous towards Bob and the Cratchit family, in contrast to Cratchit’s employer Scrooge. Through this, Dickens suggests that Christmas values such as good will and generosity create a more unified, supportive society whilst Scrooge’s neglect leads to the death of Tiny Tim. Fred provides brief comfort to the family
