Theme of Poverty & Social Responsibility

Question 1

How do Scrooge’s views on poverty change?

Answer 1

Before:
Doesn’t care - feels no responsbility
Send them to workhouses & prisons or die. Exploits them (e.g. Bob)
Fears poverty “there is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty” - makes it worse that he’s so selfish

After: sees importance of helping (Tiny Tim would have died)
Gives to charity
Supports the Cratchits

Question 2

Does Dickens only talk about poverty from a money point of view?

Answer 2

Shows you can be rich financially but poor in compassion and social interaction

Cratchits show you can be poor but emotionally rich

Fred says he’s not rich but he’s happy

Fezziwig - sucessful but also rich emotionally. Possible to have both?

Question 3

How does Dickens represent his own views on poverty?

Answer 3

Ignorance and Want as “horrible monsters” represent society’s neglect of the poor

Scrooge higlights uncaring attitude towards the poor

Ghost of Christmas present warns of “Doom” if society is ignorant. Must educate

Marley’s message to Scrooge is that his true “business” is the “common welfare” of mankind.

Question 4

How is poverty portrayed?

Answer 4

The Crachits - small house, threadbare clothes, not enough food, health issues

Joe’s shop - shows horrible conditions. Thieves aren’t remorseful

Unfair treatment of the poor - Bob, workhouses etc