Scrooge Stave 3

Question 1

Key points about this stave:

Answer 1

Most overt attack on Thomas Malthus

Question 2

‘Prodigiously loud snore’

Answer 2

At this point Scrooge is still sleeping soundly, although hue has shown some signs of agitation, his conscience is still clear, showing his detachment from the outside world.

Question 3

‘Violent fit of trembling’

Answer 3

Previous quote (‘Prodigiously loud snore’) is juxtaposed, perhaps now the ghosts are in fact taking a greater mental toll on Scrooge.

Question 4

‘Turkeys, geese, game…’

Answer 4

Allusion to the Fezziwigs’ Christmas.

This hyperbolic description of Christmas shoe the potential of Scrooge’s wealth and all he is able to have.

Question 5

‘A tremendous family to provide for’

Answer 5

Reversion of his disdain, again we see the tight fisted Scrooge of stave 1.

Question 6

‘Profit by it’

Answer 6

Scrooge even uses language of money when speaking about moral gain.

Question 7

‘House fronts looked black enough’ / ‘dirtier snow upon the ground’

Answer 7

• Industrialism
• As soon as innocent white snow touches these grounds it becomes tainted. Much like the poor- when they step into poverty there seems to be no escape.

Question 8

‘Half thawed, half frozen’

Answer 8

Weather, perhaps a reminder of Scrooge’s coldness.

Question 9

‘He said that Christmas was a humbug’

Answer 9

Here, Fred attacks Scrooge’s view of Christmas, dickens seems to be suggesting that people with these views deserve to be mocked.

Question 10

‘Growled and grunted’

Answer 10

Animalistic way to describe Scrooge, again reference to his dehumanisation- he is so miserable and detached he is non-human.
- Harsh ‘g’ sound reflects his cold personality.