Themes: Family

Question 1

How does Dickens present Scrooge’s family life and the effect it has on him?

Answer 1

Dickens gives Scrooge a cheerless childhood. The reader is shown a ‘solitary child, neglected by his friends’ at school and in the holidays. It is of little surprise that Dickens develops an adult character without a sense of the importance of familial intimacy and loyalty.

Question 2

How does Dickens present the relationship between Scrooge and Fred?

Answer 2

Fred maintains the relationship with his uncle despite consistently being rejected.

Question 3

Where do we see family love in A Christmas Carol?

Answer 3

We are privy to the scenes of warmth and love in both Fred’s and Bob’s homes, the latter steeped in poverty.

Question 4

Quotations that show family (and love) in ACC

Answer 4

The father [Belle’s husband], who came home attended by a man laden with Christmas toys and presents. (S2)
Mrs Cratchit, kissing her [Martha] a dozen times. (S3)
Then all the Cratchit family gathered around the fire. (S3)
They were happy, grateful, pleased with one another. (S3)
Wonderful party, wonderful games, wonderful unanimity. (S5)