Social class quotes ( pages 1 and 2 ) Flashcards
What does the phrase ‘No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle’ signify?
It underscores how those who are impoverished must rely on the upper class for aid.
It indicates Scrooge’s lack of generosity and ignorance towards the plight of the poor.
Context : links to Malthusian theory, where people believed the food supply wouldn’t be able to catch up with the rising population. The upper class hoarded their supplies whilst the lower class suffered
“ Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk’s fire was so very much smaller”
use of “very much smaller” places focus on the poor working conditions faced by bob cratchit
noun “clerk’s” dehumanises the working class, stripping their identity
upper class only viewed the lower class as a source of cheap labour
What belief does Scrooge express with the statement ‘You’re poor enough’?
Scrooge believes that money and happiness are directly linked, implying you cannot have one without the other.
As fred is middle class, referring to him as ‘poor’, demonstrates the extent of unawareness for the plight of the poor
“ Don’t be angry uncle… Dine with us “
It underscores Fred’s kindness and generosity, contrasting with Scrooge’s miserly attitudes.
He acts as a direct antithesis of Scrooge
Dickens uses Fred as a role model for the upper class to demonstrate that they have to ability to be benevolent
What does Scrooge’s question ‘And the Union workhouses?’ imply?
conjunction “and” underscores Scrooge’s belief that there are several opportunities for aid for the lower class, reflecting his ignorance of their real suffering.
Scrooge is apathetic about the plight of the poor and believes paying tax is enough.
Dickens utilises this to highlight the upper class’s ignorance
“ I can’t afford to make idle people merry”
It highlights how Scrooge believes poverty is self-inflicted and not circumstantial.
the use of the phrase “I can’t afford” Is ironic as Scrooge does have the ability to aid those in destitution, but purposefully chooses not to do so, underscoring his miserly nature
Scrooge acts as a representative of the upper class, Indicating how they were not able to feel sympathy for the poor and avoid aiding them
What does the phrase ‘They had better do it, and decrease the surplus population’ link to?
It links to the Malthusian theory.
Upper class believe they are superior and should,d have the right to thrive, whilst the lower class suffer
“ come in, - come in and know me better”
It demonstrates a form of acceptance available to all social classes through Christmas.
The use of the phrase “know me better” is also indicative that anyone can partake in Christmas despite their social class and even Scrooge, a miser
What does ‘Not very well off, but pervaded by a remarkable cheerfulness’ imply?
-the use of the terms ‘remarkable cheerfulness’ emphasises that social class and wealth does not get in the way of the grocer and his wife being in an abundance of happiness despite their financial situation.
-this also highlights a stark difference between scrooge who is of higher social class but still extremely miserly, and the grocer and his wife who are able to find joy while being impoverished
What does the phrase ‘There was nothing they wouldn’t have cleared away or couldn’t have cleared away’ illustrate?
-the use of the terms ‘wouldn’t and ‘couldn’t demonstrates the sheer effort fezziwig’s family put into making others feel at home despite their high social class and wealth which contrasts Scrooge’s solitary and confined attitude
What does ‘A man out of his wits’ suggest about the upper class’s views?
-the use of the phrase ‘out of his wits’ is indicative of the views of the upper class, as Scrooge does not believe that being kind and affectionate is ordinary behaviour.
“Out contract is an old one”
-the use of the noun ‘contract’ suggests financial connotations which emphasises the rich viewing marriage and relationships as an exchange.
What does ‘The mother and daughter laughed heartily’ convey?
-the use of the adverb ‘heartily’ is demonstrative that people are able to find true happiness despite their social class and financial situation which is comparative to Scrooge’s miserly behaviour.
“They were not a handsome family, they were not well dressed … but they were happy greatful, pleased with one another.”
-the use of the asyndetic list in “happy,greatful, pleased” shows the extent of their happiness which they achieved through being with each other which highlights the contrast between the wealthy such as scrooge, who is unable to find joy even with immense wealth, and the impoverished familles who are extremely cheerful
