Themes: Responsibility

Question 1

Through which character does Dickens portray a lack of social responsibility?

Answer 1

In Scrooge, Dickens exposes the poor treatment of workers at the hands of the rich, and - conversely- demonstrates that kindness is compatible with profit and efficiency through Fezziwig.

Question 2

Which character emphasises the effect of a lack of social responsibility?

Answer 2

The threatened plight of Tiny Tim, and his eventual deliverance, illustrate the real impact of social responsibility.

Question 3

Quotations to show responsibility and a lack of responsibility

Answer 3

‘If they would rather die [than go to the workhouse] …they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population? (Scrooge, S1)
It’s enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people’s.’ (Scrooge, S1)
But what did Scrooge care? [about the poor] (S1)
‘Are there no prisons?’ (Scrooge, S1)
If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die.’
(Ghost of Christmas Present, S3)