social responsibility Flashcards
quote 1
‘We should make some slight provisions for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time’- P11
The phrase “slight provisions” highlights the minimal aid given to the poor, reflecting the Victorian era’s inadequate social welfare system. By acknowledging that the poor “suffer greatly”, Dickens emphasizes the moral duty of the wealthy to take responsibility for society’s most vulnerable, reinforcing the novella’s central message that compassion and generosity are essential for a just and humane world.
quote 1
If they would rather die…. they had better do it and decrease the surplus population’p12
Scrooge’s dismissive attitude towards the poor reflects Thomas Malthus’ theories on overpopulation and scarcity. Dickens uses Scrooge as a symbol of these flawed beliefs, ultimately condemning Malthusian ideology and advocating for social responsibility and compassion.
quote 3
“I wear the chain I forget in life” p20
He takes accountability with the use of the personal pronoun “I” am demonstrating how he has to experience the consequences of his actions
“No rest, no peace. Incessant torture of remorse” p21\
This is representative of a Christian idea of purgatory and is where Marley is demonstrating to Scrooge therefore Dickens demonstrating to the upper class Victorians readership the pain and suffering received if you were to choose to carry on they way they did.
quote 4
Yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish…they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is ignorance. This girl is want.” P65
Dickens skilfully uses the allegorical symbols of Ignorance and Want to teach the fortunate upper class in his society that social responsibility is a moral duty upon all to create an equal and just community that uplifts the poor, encouraging the reader to embrace this message of social reform.
quote 5
“and to Tiny Tim, who did Not die, he was a second father”-
highlighting scrooge’s complete transformation from a miserly, isolated man to a compassionate, fatherly figure and the phrase ‘second father’ demonstrates he took on a loving, parental role highlighting how he now recognises family is a source of wealth and belonging.
