Stave 1 Key Quotes

Question 1

Said by Scrooge right at the beginning of the novel, highlights Scrooge’s priorities in life even though Fred has a loving family and its Xmas time

Answer 1

‘What reason have you to be Merry? You’re poor enough’

Question 2

Scrooge’s iconic line that will later be used against him by the Ghosts, links to Malthus’ theory at the time that when food is in abundance people don’t use it to improve the quality of their life but to reproduce meaning that poverty never gets solved.

Answer 2

‘If they would rather die they had better do it and decrease the surplus population’ (Scrooge)

Question 3

What Marley’s ghost says to Scrooge, Marley’s ghost is trying to save Scrooge and get him to change his ways, the chains represent being tied in purgatory making up for the sins he made in life

Answer 3

‘The chain I forged in life’

Question 4

Scrooge alone on Christmas Eve surrounded by things that don’t cost anything and is alone, finds no joy from Christmas

Answer 4

‘Gruel ’ ‘ a very low fire indeed’

Question 5

Scrooge does nothing good with his money and doesn’t like spending it to make anyone else or himself happy, Scrooge doesnt appreciate people

Answer 5

‘Darkness is cheap and Scrooge liked it’

Question 6

Short exclamation sentence which evokes his dismissive attitude to Christmas. This is a contrast to his nephew Fred

Answer 6

‘Bah Humbug!’

Question 7

Weather seemed to describe Scrooge’s attitude and personality in this Stave

Answer 7

‘The fog and darkness thickened’