Fred Flashcards
(13 cards)
Overview paragraph
Dickens uses the character of Fred in A Christmas Carol as a vehicle to highlight the importance of true generosity and kindness. Fred is extremely positive, compassionate and considerate whilst acting as the antithesis of Scrooge’s initial character. Fred embodies the teachings of the Bible, which would resonate with Dickens’ readers as Christianity was the predominant religion in the Victorian era.
Fred cannot fathom that even though Scrooge was much more privileged than most of society, he is not joyous on Christmas. He had an abundance of money, yet was still miserly and miserable.
Rhetorical questions show Fred’s inability to understand Scrooge’s materialistic rejection of Christmas.
Challenges Scrooge’s negative mindset, emphasizing Fred’s belief in the value of joy over wealth.
“What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You’re rich enough.” Stave 1
Fred greets him with kindness and positivity even though he gets none in return this shows his kind nature and how he embodies the Christmas spirit. The repeated use of exclamation marks emphasises his excitement for Christmas.
A merry Christmas uncle! god save you! Stave 1
Fred always sees the good in people, and is consistently sympathetic. He believes that people always have the capacity to change.
“Christmas a humbug, uncle!” said Scrooge’s nephew. “You don’t mean that, I am sure?”
Fred does not look for profit in every situation he is in unlike Scrooge, but instead he values Christmas for what it represents: goodwill, charity and kindness.
Reflects a critique of Victorian materialism, advocating for generosity.
And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket,”
Fred understands that Scrooge’s actions won’t go without consequence, but he refrains from saying unflattering things, showing his compassion despite Scrooge’s behaviour.
“However his offences carry their own punishment, and I have nothing to say against him”
Underscoring of Fred’s good nature, as easy as it is to be angry at Scrooge, he instead takes the warmer, more understanding approach.
choosing understanding over resentment. reinforcing his kindness
“I am sorry for him; I couldn’t be angry with him if I tried”
He doesn’t seek advantage for himself but instead for Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s clerk, he sees his actions as a potential to enact positive change for others. The term ‘Uncle’ indicates that Scrooge is still considered as family despite their difficult relationship.
“if he finds me going there in good temper, year after year, and saying, ‘Uncle Scrooge, how are you?’ If it only puts him in the vein to leave his poor clerk fifty pounds, that’s something;”
the fact that Bob Cratchit has only spoke to Fred once but still remembers and describes the encounter as a joyful experience shows how Fred’s warmth spreads to everyone around him.
‘Bob told them of the extraordinary kindness of Mr. Scrooge’s nephew, whom he had scarcely seen but once’
This tells us that Fred, being the embodiment of Christianity has relit hope in the Cratchit family for a better future
For the sake of anything he might be able to do for us, so much as for his kind way”
even though Fred has never encountered Bob’s wife he still offered his condolences and is willing to help them. This shows his hearty and kind nature
Heartily sorry , he said for your good wife, If I can be of service to you in any way”
what themes does he link to
charity and good will, social class, some family, greed anithesis of scrooge
quote 11
“A Merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!
a sentiment which echoes his earlier interaction with his uncle in Stave 1 however it is now received warmly by Scrooge demonstrating that Fred’s persistence has paid off resulting in reconciliation with Scrooge. Dickens may have repeated such words to bring attention to the potential for change in characters but more so the importance of showing continued kindness towards others.
