Quotes Flashcards
“As solitary as an oyster”
Shows Scrooge is alone due to his morose nature, that he is misanthropic and isolates himself. Contrasts to later similes in Stave 5 after his redemption. However, oysters contain pearls which perhaps links to Scrooge’s ability to change and hidden persona within.
“Darkness is cheap and Scrooge liked it”
Emphasises his avaricious behaviour, that he is willing to spend his time in dark, glacial conditions to save money. Could link to a metaphorical darkness that surrounds Scrooge, how his settings reflect his character of being dark and cold.
“I have always thought of Christmas time […] as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time”
“Although it has never put a scrap of silver or gold in my pocket I believe it has done me good and will do me good and I say God bless it!”
Fred, Stave One - stark contrast to Scrooge’s own views of Christmas, that it is a “poor excuse to pick a man’s pocket every 25th of December” (again shows his avaricious nature). Fred is described as “all in a glow”
“The happiness he gives is quite as great as if it costs a fortune”
Scrooge, Stave Two - describing Fezziwig, the antithesis of Scrooge as an employer. Scrooge has fond memories, implying his misanthropic personality is merely a persona, linking to the idea of being an “oyster” with a pearl deep within.
“Another idol has displaced me […] a golden one”
Belle during flashback, Stave Two - shows Scrooge’s self-inflicted confinement and avaricious nature has taken priority over his own social relationships. This event should have acted as a catalyst yet it drove Scrooge down the path of solitude.
“There was nothing very cheerful in the climate or the town and yet there was an air of cheerfulness abroad”
Stave Three - Theme of Christmas - shows even in derelict areas, Christmas cheer is present and alleviates the struggles. Dickens stresses the importance of Christmas as a time of social equality and empathy.
“Tell me if Tiny Tim will live”
Scrooge, Stave Three - Theme of redemption - Scrooge’s use of an imperative contrasts his earlier cautious speech towards the spirits, showing his newfound care for Tiny Tim, an overarching empathetic nature due to his lack of paternal bond. The verb “live” as opposed to “die” also contrasts his earlier statement “if they had rather die, they had better do it”
“The only emotion that the ghost could show him, caused by the event, was one of pleasure”
Stave Four - Scrooge demands to see who cared about his death, only to realise that the only emotion tied to his death was happiness. This shows the effects of greed, that Scrooge’s avaricious nature has resulted in others’ resentment towards him.
“He frightened everyone away from him when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead”
Stave Four - effects of greed - Scrooge’s misanthropic nature and isolation from society has lead to a resentment towards him, and in death the lower class profited off him, much like he profited off of them during his lifetime (irony). Links to “no beggar implored him to bestow a trifle”
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year”
Scrooge, Stave Four - Redemption - Scrooge promises to change his ways and adopt a more generous approach to society. Modal auxiliary verb “will” suggests his plea and desperation; he is certain he will help, showing his change.
“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel”
Scrooge, Stave Five - contrasts earlier similes - Dickens uses the same lexical techniques to emphasise Scrooge’s redemption. Scrooge is elated to find he has a second chance, and now experiences human emotions.
“It sent a pang across his heart”
Stave Five - Scrooge now feels responsibility for his former actions. He acknowledges his mistakes and reconciles with the charity workers. Here, he is a metaphor as to how the rich can change for the better and it is not too late.
“I’ll raise your salary, and endeavour to assist your struggling family”
Scrooge, Stave Five - Redemption - Scrooge starkly contrasts his former statement “you’ll keep Christmas by loosing your situation!” to Bob. “Struggling family” implies Scrooge has become aware of the poor’s plight, he acts as a microcosm for the rich becoming aware and losing their apathy and ignorance in order to alleviate the suffering of the lower classes.
