The Whys Flashcards
What does Dickens say about poverty?
Dickens uses the novella as a vehicle to address the issue of poverty in the mid-Victorian era, with the hope of changing his readers’ attitudes towards the poor from complacency and indifference to compassion and altruism.
What is the significance of the Cratchit family?
Through his depiction of the Cratchit family, Dickens presents a human face to the plight of the poor, rejecting harsh economic theories (like Thomas Malthus’ theory of population) which dehumanise those living in impoverished conditions. In doing so, Dickens prevents his middle and upper class readers from viewing the lower class as distant and removed, instead evoking empathy on an individual level.
What does Dickens say about the workhouses and the prisons?
Through the comments made by the two portly gentlemen, Dickens emphasises the extensive flaws in proposed solutions to the wide-scale problem of poverty in mid- nineteenth century London, specifically workhouses and prisons. By suggesting that for many people, death would be preferable than either of these facilities Dickens exposes the desperate need for a more humane and compassionate solution namely altruism and charitable giving.
What does the Cratchit family’s gratitude and appreciation show?
Through the Cratchit family’s humility, gratitude and resilience in the face of adversity Dickens guides his readers to respect and admire the working class, dismissing prominent views during the mid-nineteenth century about the poor being ‘idle and that poverty is often self-inflicted
What is the significance of Tiny Tim?
Through his sentimentalised depiction of Tiny Tim and the prospect of his untimely death, Dickens evokes pathos and creates a sense of urgency for action from his readership before it is too late and innocent lives are lost. In doing so, he criticises the laid back attitude of allowing poverty to run its course without interference, resulting in untimely deaths
What does Scrooge’s harsh demeanour show?
Through Scrooge’s callous façade and hard demeanour, Dickens highlights the formative impact of childhood experience, demonstrating how neglect in childhood inevitably shapes the next generation of adults, thus stressing the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of society
What does the poor relationship between Scrooge and Bob show?
Through the lack of relationship between Scrooge and his clerk Bob, Dickens condemns the ways in which the working class are exploited by their employers, who reap the benefits of this unjust treatment and fail in their duty of care. As the antithesis of Scrooge, Dickens heralds Fezziwig as a model employer, who treats his employees as individuals: worthy of compassion and respect
What does Dickens expose about the false economy of wealth?
Throughout the novella, Dickens exposes the false economy of wealth and capitalism, the pursuit of money leaves Scrooge deeply dissatisfied and ultimately destroys all of the positive relationships in his life. Ironically, the least wealthy characters in the novella seem to most content, highlighting Dickens’ message that unity, familial bonds and togetherness far suroass material wealth
What does Dickens reveal about non monetary giving?
Dickens emphasises that giving should not be understood in purely financial terms; some of the most profound and impactful moments in the novella are when characters freely give their time and empathy to others. At no cost to anyone, this sincere human interaction makes a significant difference which, highlights the significance of an ostensibly small gesture.
