Tiny Tim

Question 1

God bless us, Every one!

Answer 1

The religious focus of the statement shows Tiny Tim, in Dicken’s eyes, embodies the true spirit of Christmas. The phrase ‘every one’ highlights his compassion and caring nature. Dickens again quotes this line as the final words of the novella, therefore assigning an importance to the character, making him a symbol of hope

Question 2

‘My little, little child’ cried Bob.’My little child!’

Answer 2

Dickens repeat the phrase ‘little child’ to emphasises his frail and weak characteristics, likely to evoke the reader’s sympathy at the tragic death of a child. It also portray him as innocent but helpless, demonstrating the injustice of the situation. In 1839 it is estimated that almost half of all funerals in London were for children younger than 10.

Question 3

He told me, coming home, that he hope the people saw him in the church because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see

Answer 3

The religious allusion to Jesus highlights Tiny Tim’s role as the moral compass, similar to how Jesus acted as a moral compass to humanity, imparting the importance of morality. It also emphasises the Christmas message of tolerance and hope

Question 4

Tiny Tim upon his shoulder.

Answer 4

With Tiny Tim on Cratchit’s shoulder, lifted up so high, he could be said to represent an angel. He may also need to be physically lifted up because he is weak and vulnerable. His innocence, vulnerability and angelic nature makes his potential downfall at the hands of Scrooge so much more horrific, finally making Scrooge realise his fate and the torture is enflicting