Stave 1 Flashcards
'’tight-fisted hand at the grindstone’’
This vivid description highlights Scrooge’s greed and selfishness. The harsh verbs emphasize his obsessive hoarding of wealth, while “sinner” suggests Dickens’ moral critique of societal greed.
“External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge.’’
Reflects Scrooge’s emotional coldness and isolation. The repeated emphasis on “no warmth” contrasts his character with the festive, warm spirit of Christmas.
“Are there no prisons? … And the Union workhouses?”
Scrooge’s dismissive tone shows his indifference to the poor, reflecting the harsh Victorian Poor Laws and his belief that poverty is a personal failure.
“If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”
A chilling statement that dehumanizes the poor, reducing them to an economic burden. Dickens critiques this inhumane mindset, exposing the moral failings of figures like Scrooge.
“A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!”
Fred’s cheerful greeting contrasts sharply with Scrooge’s dour demeanor. The phrase “God save you” not only conveys goodwill but also introduces the theme of Christian charity, central to the novella. Fred embodies the joy and generosity of Christmas.
“I have always thought of Christmas time… as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time.”
Fred’s speech encapsulates Dickens’s ideal vision of Christmas—a time for compassion, generosity, and human connection. By listing positive attributes, Dickens creates an idealized view of what Christmas represents. Fred’s perspective directly challenges Scrooge’s cynical worldview.
“We should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time.”
The charity collectors highlight the harsh realities faced by the poor during Victorian winters. Their polite and understated language (“some slight provision”) contrasts with the severity of Scrooge’s dismissive response, underscoring his lack of compassion.
“It is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time.”
The repetition of “poor and destitute” and the emphasis on suffering highlight the urgency of their cause. Dickens uses the collectors as moral voices advocating for humanity’s duty to help the less fortunate.
“I wear the chain I forged in life.”
The chain symbolizes Marley’s greed and selfishness during his lifetime. The vivid imagery of a chain “forged” emphasizes that his suffering is self-inflicted. Dickens uses this as a moral lesson: our actions in life have lasting consequences.
“Mankind was my business.”
Marley regrets prioritizing personal gain over helping others. The use of “business” juxtaposes Scrooge’s obsession with wealth against the higher moral obligation to care for humanity.
“You have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate.”
Marley offers Scrooge the opportunity for redemption, emphasizing the novella’s central theme of transformation. The words “chance” and “hope” provide a glimmer of possibility, contrasting with the darkness of Marley’s own fate.
“It was cold, bleak, biting weather: foggy withal.”
The harsh, oppressive weather mirrors Scrooge’s cold and unwelcoming personality. The fog also symbolizes moral and spiritual blindness, suggesting Scrooge’s inability to see the value of compassion.
“Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.”
This statement symbolizes Scrooge’s miserly nature and his preference for emotional and physical isolation. The darkness represents ignorance and moral blindness, both of which Scrooge must overcome.
