Materialism and Wealth Flashcards
How does Dickens present attitudes towards wealth?
- Through Scrooge in act 2, who points out there is nothing as ‘‘hard as poverty’’ yet the ‘‘pursuit of wealth’’ is one of the things people ‘‘condemn’’ the most
How does Dickens describe other spirits in puragtory?
'’m—-‘’ because they wanted to ‘‘i——-‘’ but had ‘‘l—– t– —– f——’’
'’misery’’ because they wanted to ‘‘infere’’ but had ‘‘lost the power forever.
Here, Dickens highlights that material things and physical comfort are unimportant, challenging the concept of materialism. Instead, he presents the idea that spiritual values, such as helping those around you, are more essential and beneficial from both a moral and religious standpoint.
How is Dickens’ viewpoint reinforced in Stave 3?
his wealth is ‘‘n- —- to h—’’
His viewpoint is reinforced in Stave Three when the Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to Fred’s Christmas party.
Fred observes that Scrooge’s materialistic pursuits of wealth are of “no use to him” as he doesn’t “do any good with it (his money)”.
Here Dickens outlines that as materialism doesn’t benefit anyone, it is purposeless and should be abandoned, solidifying its portrayal as a worthless concept within the novella.
How is Marley used to highlight the unfavourable effects of wealth?
His chains were made up of ‘‘c———, k—-, p—–’’
’‘cash-boxes, keys, padlocks’‘
Semantic field of money highlights how it’s Marley’s misuse of wealth which has caused him to become trapped in purgatory. He has created his own chains through his materialistic attitudes and ignorance towards those suffering.
Through this, Dicekns presents a didactic lesson for readers, perhaps causing them to understand how a fixation with wealth caused the downfall of a person.
What effect does wealth have in relationships in ACC?
'’e—–’’ and ‘‘g——’’
lack of noble ‘‘as——-‘’
the breakdown of the relationship between Scrooge and Belle. Belle tells Scrooge that she is leaving him due to his “eager” and “greedy” attitude towards money.
She recognises that he no longer has any noble “aspirations” as “gain” is what “engrosses” him. This highlights that the deterioration of their relationship is a direct consequence of Scrooge’s fixation with wealth.
Who is used to present the positivty of wealth?
How?
'’h—’’ and ‘’——–’’
Scrooge recognises that Fezziwig uses his money to make people “happy”. He ensures that the working conditions in the warehouse instil a sense of “pleasure” in his employees.
Consequently, Scrooge acknowledges that it is not the amount of money a person has which is important but the happiness that they can create because of it.
Dickens uses this character as an example that it’s possible to be both wealthy and moral
What changes about Scrooge’s attitudes towards money by the end of the novella?
repetition of ‘’—-‘’
his ‘‘o– h—- l—–’’
In the final stave, Scrooge also uses his money to benefit those around him.
He makes a donation to the charity collector from Stave One and sends a turkey to Bob Cratchit’s house for Christmas dinner.
Following these altruistic (selfless) actions, the narrator repeatedly uses the word “good” to describe his character. This shows how Scrooge has been able to use his wealth to become a better person.
The Narrator reinforces this by revealing that his “own heart laughed” suggesting that he is content and happy. This ultimately presents the idea that wealth can be used to honour spiritual values in order to develop into a better person.
