Giving Flashcards
Used as a vehicle to…
to promote his belief that giving is integral for happiness and for the success of society as a whole, regardless of wether the giving is monetary driven or wether it is more emotionally based.
Initially point
Initially, giving is presented as a direct way to aid those in society who need it the most, as portrayed by the portly gentlemen.
Initially… (quote 1) what does the Portly gentlemen suggest society should do?
“we should make some slight provision for the Poor and Destitute” - Dickens is promoting giving and altruism as a means of supporting those in society who are not as fortunate. This is also a plead to the largely middle to upper class audience who likely possess the power to help the lower class
Initially… (quote 2) what does the Portly gentlemen say that they are doing
“a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor”
- “few” shows the lack of people who outwardly show their generosity and help those in the mid 19th century society who need it the most .
However as the text develops point
However, as the novella progresses, giving is presented in a more emotional and empathetic light, by Fezziwig and the way in which he gave his employees and the people around him a wholesome experience to enjoy
However… (quote 1) what does Scrooge say about how much Fezziwig spent?
“ he has spent but a few pounds” - Fezziwig represents the ideal employer, he reveals that for a very small sum of money he can provide many with happiness. This exposes the fact that charity and altruism is not limited to the upper class only
However… (quote 2) what does Scrooge say about happiness?
“The happiness is quite as great as if it costs a fortune”
-through the way that Scrooge talks about Fezziwig, he reveals that it seems as if happiness is expensive, but the reality is that the choice to render Scrooge happy is a form of giving in itself
Ultimately point
Ultimately, giving is presented as both monetary driven and as something that is driven by emotion, through Scrooge purchasing the Turkey and him visiting his nephew Fred’s house. It is presented in this way, perhaps so that those in society who possess great amounts of wealth can help those in society who need it, and those in society that just have enough for themselves can aid in a more emotional way
Ultimately… (quote 1) what quote shows Scrooge’s purchase of the turkey?
“He paid for the turkey”
-through Scrooge’s purchase of the turkey, he reveals that those who can donate to a good cause, should do so because not only will it benefit someone else and help better society but it will also improve your own perception of yourself, as we see through the euphoria Scrooge feels in buying the turkey
Ultimately… (quote 2) what quote shows the importance of non-monetary giving?
“Wonderful unanimity, wonderful happiness”
-through this line, it is revealed that monetary giving is not the only way to provide happiness and better society, spending time with your family and being thankful for each other is a form of giving that Dickens argues is as equally important as monetary donations
