The Cratchits

Question 1

Quotes

Answer 1

‘Twice turned gown’
Brave in ribbons
Nobody said or thought it was a small pudding for a large family. Any Cratchit would have blushed to hint at such a thing’
The potatoes knocked loudly at the saucepan lid to be let out and peeled’

Question 2

Quote for food and atmosphere

Answer 2

‘The potatoes knocked loudly at the saucepan lid to be let out and peeled’
Personification of ‘knocked’ emphasises level of excitement- even the potatoes want to join in with the fun
Adds to buzzing and noisy atmosphere

Question 3

Quote for Mrs Crachit’s clothes

Answer 3

‘Twice turned gown’
Twice turned symbolises level of poverty (her clothes are very scruffy and worn out) as she cannot afford new clothes yet she has done the best with what she has

‘Gown’ adds juxtaposition as gowns are elegant pieces of clothing to demonstrate how she is still happy and gracious

‘Brave in ribbons’
‘Brave’ emphasises toughness and harshness of poverty, even if she does seem happy and content on the surface

Question 4

Quote about pudding

Answer 4

‘Nobody said or thought it was a small pudding for a large family. Any Cractchit would have blushed to hint at such a thing’
‘Small’ shows lack of wealth and contrast to ‘large’ of how many people need feeding
‘Thought’ they are all used to having rations of food so it’s enough for them
‘Blushed’ shows they are good willed people and grateful and content for what they have unlike Scrooge

Question 5

Role of Martha and Peter

Answer 5

Represent child labour (Martha arrives home for Christmas Kate from work)
Challenge Malthusian views by revealing their own unique personalities and demonstrating how they work hard and contribute to society instead of being ‘surplus’