The Quotes Analysis

Question 1

“Solitary as an oyster” - Stave 1

Answer 1

• Adjective “Solitary” tells us that Scrooged has been forced to be alone by the ways of capitalism
• Similie referring to “oyster” is symbolism that foreshadows the goodness in Scrooge like the pearl in an oyster

Question 2

“I wear the chain I forged in life” - Stave 1

Answer 2

• “Chain” is symbolic of the moral (not legal) sins Marley commited and the verb “wear” shows that he must carry that burden now.
• Verb “forged” tells us he understands that he had a choice to change his ways but brought this burden upon himself. This shows redemption was possible

Question 3

“The smooth white sheet of snow upon the roofs… dirtier snow upon the ground” - Stave 2

Answer 3

• Whole quote is pathetic fallacy
• Juxtaposition of adjective “smooth” and “dirtier”
• “Snow” is a symbol of class
• “Smooth” snow “upon the roof” is looking down on “dirtier” snow

Question 4

“This boy is Ignornace. This girl is Want.” - Stave 3

Answer 4

• Two short sentences - make them seem like basic facts
• The boy and the girl are methophors
• Dickens uses children as they are the most vunerable group in any society
• “Ignorance” is used to represent the people who are unware or don’t care about the sufferings of society - capitalism makes you believe in survival of the fittest
• “Want” represents the need for essentials (ie food,education,shelter) to lift them from poverty
• They show Scrooge the need for redemption

Question 5

“I will not shut out the lessons they teach” - Stave 4

Answer 5

• Zoom in of “I” - 1st P.Pronoun gives a sense that he is motivating himself
• Whole quote is an imperative - he is commanding himself to change
• “Shut out” shows redemption - as it references the oyster which initally describes him

Question 6

“If the course be departed from the ends will change” - Stave 4

Answer 6

• “Change” is forshadowing of Scrooge at the end of the novella
• “Course” is a metaphor for our life and actions
• Verb “depareted” tells us to leave the “course” we live to change

Question 7

“The cold within him, froze his old features” - Stave 1

Answer 7

• “Cold” is symbolism his evil, angry unsociable nature
• Personification of “froze” is similar to freezing a dead body (which makes everything stop) - makes Scrooge seems like a dead man waking (no light in him). Also foreshadowes that he needs to be defrosted by the spirits.
• “Old feature” shows that he is a victim of the brutality of capitalism

Question 8

“Good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man” - Stave 5

Answer 8

• This triplet shows that Scrooge didn’ just change in one way but in wholesome way to the very core
• “Good” is onomaptiea of someone striking their chest like in prayer showing his change

Question 9

“Another idol has displaced me” - Stave 2

Answer 9

• “Another” suggests that she wants to be his one and only “idol”, this completely goes against patriarchy - she wants Scrooge to worship her (give her attention - in a loving way)
• “idol” he is slave to his desires, greed replaced any relationship he had

Question 10

“Bah humbug” - Stave 1

Answer 10

• Shows a dismissive attitude - cold and miserly overview

Question 11

“God bless us everyone!”

Answer 11

• Encapsulates the spirit of familial love and unity
• Use of emotive language highlights that despite their economical struggles even the youngest member of the family can embody such warmth and compassion with family

Question 12

“Scrooge was his sole executor… sole mourner.”

Answer 12

• Highlights that his neglect of family leads to lonliness and emptiness
• this contrasts with the Cratchit family

Question 13

“Tigh-Fisted Scrooge”

Answer 13

• This Epiphet shows he has been accumulating wealth at the expense of family