Materialsm & Wealth

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Materialism is critique by Dickens, it leads to spiritual emptiness

Wealth can be used positively

Pursuing wealth without generosity causes misery

Question 2

T.H.B.D.I.A.D.T.S.P

Answer 2

They had better do it and decrease the surplus population

Allusion to Malthusian economics
Dickens satirises the idea that economic utility outweighs human life.

Question 3

I.C.A.T.M.I.P.M

Answer 3

I can’t afford to make idle people merry

Dismissing generosity reveals Scrooge’s prioritisation of profit.
Dickens shows how capitalism dehumanises the poor.

Question 4

C.K.P.L.D

Answer 4

Cash boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds

List of material items represents Marley’s life of greed.
symbols of moral imprisonment.

Question 5

M.W.M.B

Answer 5

Mankind was my business

Epiphany that people, should be the focus.
Dickens uses Marley to advocate for human responsibility over gain.

Question 6

A.T.N.P.A.T.N.W

Answer 6

Are there no prisons, are there no workhouses?

Scrooge’s rhetorical questions reveal reliance on inhumane social systems.
Dickens exposes how the rich justify cruelty.

Question 7

S.T.G.P.W.A.U.F.T.T.H

Answer 7

Still, the ghost pointed with an unmoved finger to the head

Silent gesture reflects the finality of death
Reinforces how material success cannot buy redemption

Question 8

A.G.M.B.P.A.I.I.I

Answer 8

A great many back payments are included in it

Scrooge’s attempt at reparation shows his growing awareness
Dickens suggests that true wealth lies in giving

Question 9

R.Y.S.A.E.T.A.Y.S.F

Answer 9

Raise your salary and endeavour to assist your struggling family

Scrooge uses wealth to lift others, reversing his earlier behaviour.
Dickens shows wealth’s redemptive potential when used charitably.