The Cratchitts Flashcards
Analyse quote “dressed out but poorly in a twice turned gown but brave in ribbons”
-indicates that, although Mrs. Cratchit is making an effort to appear presentable for Christmas, her attire is far from luxurious. The use of “twice-turned gown” suggests that her clothing is not only second-hand but has been reused and repurposed multiple times, though functional, it cannot mask the economic deprivation that she and her family endure.
-The word “brave” is significant here, as it conveys Mrs. Cratchit’s courage, resilience, and ability to maintain a sense of dignity despite her poverty. The ribbons, though a minor and inexpensive decoration, symbolize Mrs. Cratchit’s effort to add a touch of beauty and joy to the Christmas celebration.
Analyse quote “nobody said or thought that it was at all a small pudding for such a large family”
-The Cratchits demonstrate that the spirit of Christmas is not about the size of the feast, but about being able to share love and gratitude with others.
-reflects their ability to focus on the joy of togetherness rather than the quantity or quality of food. Dickens uses this to emphasize the optimistic and resilient nature of the Cratchit family. Even though they are living in poverty, the Cratchits are more concerned with the spirit of Christmas than with their material lack. This focus on family love and celebration in the face of limited resources aligns with the novella’s central theme that happiness and fulfillment come from human connections rather than material wealth.
“I see a vacant seat.. in the poor chimney corner and a crutch without an owner carefully preserved”
-The crutch is associated with Tiny Tim’s physical condition; it is an object of dependence. The fact that the crutch is “without an owner” suggests that Tim is no longer alive to use it
-The crutch, like the vacant seat, serves as a memento of what has been lost, and it is “carefully preserved,” symbolizing the family’s grief and mourning. The careful preservation of the crutch indicates that the Cratchits hold on to the memory of Tiny Tim, cherishing it even as they are forced to confront the harsh realities of their poverty-stricken existence.
-Dickens uses this imagery to underscore the vulnerability of the poor, especially children like Tiny Tim. In Victorian England, children from impoverished families were particularly susceptible to disease and malnutrition, as they lacked access to proper healthcare and nutrition. Tiny Tim’s condition, while not explicitly described in the novella, is clearly linked to these societal issues.
-This moment marks the beginning of his redemption, as he recognizes that his actions (or inactions) have real consequences on the lives of others.
Analyse quote “Stairs into the room above, which was lighted cheerfully and hung with Christmas. There was a chair set close beside the child and there were signs of some one having been there lately”
-The phrase “hung with Christmas” reinforces the festive and familial nature of the scene. Christmas, in this context, is not just a holiday but a symbol of family unity, joy, and celebration. This image contrasts sharply with Scrooge’s initial understanding of Christmas as a time for greed and personal gain. The decorations in the room suggest that, even in poverty, the Cratchit family finds ways to celebrate and create joy.
-It could also suggest that despite their busy lives and the struggles they face, the Cratchits never neglect each other. There is a palpable sense of care and attention; the physical signs of someone’s recent presence imply not just an absence of isolation, but a tangible and consistent effort to be there for one another.
-The Cratchit family’s devotion to one another, reflected in the smallest signs of care, speaks volumes about the depth of their relationships. Despite the physical signs of poverty,
