Wealth and Mortality Flashcards
What is the effect of portraying wealth as being closed linked to mortality?
Interlinked - shows how prioritising wealth over human connections can lead to terrible consequences - greed and death.
You can be rich in money but poor in spirit and emotional wellbeing.
Wealth can also be used to help demonstrate redemption and change.
Encourages the reader to reflect on their own values and priorities - urges them to recognise the importance of human connections and generosity over material things and wealth.
How does Scrooge’s wealth lead to his isolation?
He hoards his wealth but lacks any relationships so becomes isolated and lonely. He dies alone and noone cares.
How does Fezziwig’s party contribute to the wealth vs happiness theme?
He didn’t spend much “mortal money” on his party but was able to bring great joy to his workers.
How does hoarding wealth serve as a warning in the scene where Scrooge dies?
After he dies people steal (sell) his belongings - they too are more interested in “profit” than compassion so they are exactly like him. It’s a warning to him that his spirit will die if he only focuses on hoarding wealth and not being compassionate.
What role does wealth play to help explore the theme of redemption?
He changes and this is shown in part by his attitude to money - he gives generously, showing it is never too late to change.
How does Dickens use wealth to make a social comment?
Contrast of rich vs poor (Scrooge vs Crachits)
Emphasis on material posessions and money reflects how Dickens saw Victorian attitudes - they neglected the poor becaused they were so focused on their own wealth.
Dickens emphasises the importance of generosity and community through the story.
