A Christmas Carol - quotation analysis

"Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it."

Stave 1 - description of Scrooge's house Scrooge is presented as a miserly character - his money does not even bring him any happiness. His house is dark - which reflects the darkness in his character and also adds to the gothic atmosphere of his house. The gothic was a popular genre in the Victorian age and would have seemed fitting for a ghost story to Victorian readers.

"No more. Show me no more."

Stave 2 - Scrooge becomes distressed by what he is seeing. Ultimately he tries to extinguish the ghost's light. The use of light throughout the novel suggests the truth/ the right path which Scrooge at first does not want to see.

"I am sorry for him; I couldn't be angry with him if I tried. Who suffers by his ill whims? Himself, always. "

Stave 3 - Christmas at Fred's Fred, as Scrooge's foil, is a kind, forgiving character who is determined to give Scrooge the same chance every year.

Lord bless me!" cried the gentleman, as if his breath were taken away.

Stave 5 - The response of the portly gentleman to the money Scrooge wants to give him:

'Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk's fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal.'

Stave 1 Dickens uses Scrooge to reinforce his message about the wealthy. He is presented as a typical wealthy miser who treated the poor badly, only allowing Bob 'one coal' while paying him so little that he cannot afford a coat. Dickens had first hand experience of poverty when his father was sent to a debtor's prison and was explicit in his criticism of the work houses and the poor law.

Christmas is a time when people 'Think of the people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.'

Stave 1 - Fred's view of Christmas Fred represents the spirit of Christmas and carries Dickens' message about collective responsibility and how we should treat one another. The idea that we are all 'fellow passengers' serves to emphasise the idea of the transience of life - we are all going to die some day so we are more similar than we are different. The noun 'creatures' reinforces the view that the wealthy see the poor as somehow less human - Dickens, through the novel, shows the reader that this is not true and therefore the poor law, which treats the poor as though they are less human, must be changed.

'I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!'

Stave 1 - Fred's view of Christmas When Scrooge asks what 'good' Christmas does, it is clear that he is thinking of monetary good - while Fred is thinking of kindness and goodness. Dickens is juxtaposing the two views of the same word so that we side with the views advocated by Fred.

"Business!" cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. "Mankind was my business. "

Stave 1 - Marley's ghost is distressed at Scrooge's suggestion that he was a 'good man of business'. The word 'business' reflects Scrooge's earlier response to the portly gentlemen.

"If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."

Stave 1 - Scrooge's response to the gentlemen saying that people would rather die than go to the workhouse. Scrooge makes explicit reference to the Malthusian idea that the population must decrease in order to create better conditions. Dickens was openly opposed to this view and challenges it throughout the novella.

"Are there no prisons?" And the workhouses...

Stave 1 - Scrooge's réponse to being asked to give money to charity

'It is not my business.'

Stave 1 - Scrooge's view of the plight of the poor Dickens believed in collective responsibility - that the wealthy should take responsibility for helping the poor, specifically through the provision of education and support for children. Scrooge's assertion that 'it is not my business' is challenged quickly by Marley's ghost whose view is that 'mankind' should have been his 'business.'

'He was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked'

Stave 1 - description of Fred Fred is a foil to Scrooge. Just as Scrooge's coldness of heart is reflected in a physical coldness, so Fred's physical warmth reflects his warm heartedness. The word 'glow' even seems to suggest that he radiates heat - showing that his goodness touches those around him.

'Long and wound about him like a tail... made of cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds and heavy purses.'

Stave 1 - description of Marley's ghost The description of Marley's ghost has his chain wound about him. The simile 'like a tail' is suggestive of a snake, which is symbolic of the devil. The hellish atmosphere is emphasised by the fact that the ghost's clothing and hair appears to move as though in an updraft of heat, suggesting that the ghost is in hell. Ideas about purgatory and hell would have been recognisable to the mainly Christian readership at the time - and would have made the allegory more frightening.

'secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster."

Stave 1 - description of Scrooge Dickens uses this simile to emphasise how Scrooge locks himself away from society, alone and unwelcoming. The use of sibilance adds a sinister tone. However, the use of the word 'solitary' is used again later when we see Scrooge's childhood and suggests that he is lonely and unhappy -albeit out of choice. Dickens is suggesting to the reader that money does not make you happy. Finally, it could also be argued that the oyster simile suggests a softer interior - or at least the potential for a pearl foreshadowing Scrooge's transformation.

'A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him'

Stave 1 - description of Scrooge His appearance which includes red eyes and blue lips is unappealing and even sinister. The Victorian readership would have understood this unattractive appearance to denote an unattractive character. Scrooge's grey hair is metaphorically referred to as frost - he is such a cold hearted character that it is reflected in his physical appearance. The word 'always' explicitly lets the reader know that he is unchanging.

'No warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill him'

Stave 1 - description of Scrooge The use of anaphora here, through the repetition of the word 'no' shows that Scrooge cannot be affected by outside influences. He is so unfeeling and cold that the weather simply does not affect him - just as the plight of the poor does not affect him. Again, through the characterisation of Scrooge, Dickens is criticising the wealthy class and their coldheartedness.

'Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend and sole mourner'

Stave 1 - description of Scrooge's relationship with Marley. The repetition of the word 'sole' emphasises the fact that Scrooge was all Marley had, implying that the opposite was also true. Therefore, this shows the reader that Scrooge is alone and friendless. In addition, Dickens sets up a clear link between the two - so much so that Scrooge is willing to answer to either name. This then ensures that the reader understands that Marley's fate will certainly also befall Scrooge if he does not change.

'a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner!'

Stave 1 - description of Scrooge. The third person, intrusive narrator delivers an explicit judgement on the character of Scrooge, ensuring that we cannot misinterpret Dickens' message that he is a bad person. The listing of verbs here are all synonyms which emphasise the extreme desperation by which Scrooge will hold on to every penny and show the lengths he will go to. Dickens creates an archetypal wealthy, selfish man in Scrooge to represents the poor treatment by the wealthy of the poor. His explicit message is that the wealthy need to change their views and behaviours.

'It was cold, bleak, biting weather: foggy withal'

Stave 1 - pathetic fallacy The use of pathetic fallacy, including the repeated emphasis of the ferocity of the cold adds to the uninviting atmosphere directly reflecting the character of Scrooge who is uninviting to both Fred and the portly gentlemen when they arrive. The word 'biting' makes it seem vicious. The fog is symbolic of Scrooge's inability to see the good around him - or to see the truth, until he is shown the light by the ghosts. By the end of the novella, the fog has cleared.

'Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts"

Stave 1 - why the portly gentlemen are collecting for the poor The portly gentlemen are also instrumental in delivering Dickens' message. The adjective 'common' shows the reader that the poor only want those things which should be normal and available for all - the 'common' things rather than luxuries.

Belle "Our contract is an old one. You are changed. When it was made you were another man. "

Stave 2 - Belle breaks off the engagement The noun 'contract' reflects the language of business - reflecting the change that Scrooge has undergone.

Belle to Scrooge: "Another idol has displaced me... a golden one."

Stave 2 - Belle breaks off the engagement. The noun 'idol' shows that Belle believes Scrooge is so enamoured of money that he worships it. Dickens also suggests that, through his adoration of a false god, he is no longer a good christian. In Victorian times, most of the readers would have been christian and would therefore heap additional judgement on Scrooge who needs to repent.

"Quite alone in the world, I do believe."

Stave 2 - Belle's husband tells Belle about seeing Scrooge. The use of the word 'alone' is repeated showing again that selfishness will lead to a life of loneliness. Along with the words, 'sole' and 'solitary' used throughout the novel to suggest that each individual must take responsibility for his own choices - just as Marley is paying for his individual sins.

"The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it costs a fortune."

Stave 2 - Scrooge's response to the ghost saying that it was only a small thing that Fezziwig did. In defending Fezziwig, he is taught a lesson and makes him think about how he treats his clerk, leading to his second moment of regret in which he'd like to 'say a word to two' to Bob.

'It was a strange figure—like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man'

Stave 2 - The first of the three spirits The description of the figure who is both like a child and like an old man, is suggestive of the journey that the ghost takes him on.

Mr and Mrs Fezziwig ..'.shaking hands with every person individually as he or she went out, wished him or her a Merry Christmas.'

Stave 2 - the Fezziwig's party The Fezziwigs throw a party and treat everyone the same - no matter their status. Dickens clearly uses them to represent what employment should be like. The idea that they shake hands with each person 'individually' shows the humanity with which they treat everyone - they do not see the poor as 'creatures' Fezziwig's office has a large fire which adds to the welcoming atmosphere, offering the reader an additional opportunity to compare it to Scrooge's cold office with the meagre fire.

Fan: "Dear, dear brother."

Stave 2 - the arrival of his sister, Fan Fan is portrayed with affection - and her term of endearment shows that Scrooge has known affection. however, her reference to their father suggests that he had not been kind in the past, thus reinforcing our sympathy.

'A lonely boy was reading near a feeble fire'.

Stave 2 - the spirit takes him to past Christmases including seeing Scrooge alone at school. The image of the 'lonely boy... near a feeble fire' reflects very closely the older Scrooge we have seen, alone eating gruel. Dickens uses the scene to allow the reader to feel sorry for the child 'Scrooge' whose loneliness was not by choice - although the adult Scrooge's is. Scrooge's sympathy for himself leads to sympathy for the carol singer from the night before.

"If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die."

Stave 3 - Scrooge asks if Tiny Tim will live, having been moved by his goodness. Tiny Tim is frequently referred to in Christian terms - as though his true goodness is close to God. Perhaps Dickens is using him to represent the idea of childhood innocence and how close children were to God in order to reinforce his message that the wealthy need to do more to mitigate childhood poverty. The conditional subordinate clause represents Scrooge's future actions. The shortness of the main clause at the end makes the message more shocking. The declarative 'will' conveys certainty showing how urgent it is that Scrooge change.

"Tonight, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it."

Stave 3 - Scrooge's willingness to learn Scrooge has been transformed - just as his room has been transformed by the arrival of the Ghost of Christmas present - and wants to learn. However, the verb 'profit' still has a hint of selfishness - as well as an implication of individual, even material, gain. It is too much linked to his miserly ways thus suggesting that the learning is not finished yet.

"He hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple and it might be pleasant for them to remember on Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see."

Stave 3 - Tiny Tim Tiny Tim's comment is generous in spirit, seeing his disability positively as it will remind others of the true meaning of Christmas by allowing them to think of Jesus on Christmas day. Dickens uses Tiny Tim to remind his readers of the story of Jesus performing miracles and his teaching of acceptance of all.

'Dressed out but poorly in a twice-turned gown, but brave in ribbons'

Stave 3 - description of Mrs Cratchit Mrs Cratchit, although poor, represents the family's will to make the best of things - to celebrate in spite of their poverty. Her gown is poor but she is 'brave in ribbons'. The ribbons are her means of dressing more festively. The adjective 'brave' suggests that the Cratchit's approach to life is noble and admirable - but not easy.

Where graceful youth should have filled their features out... a stale and shrivelled hand, like that of age, had pinched, and twisted them.

Stave 3 - ignorance and want The description of the children is designed to shock the reader. The childhood innocence has been 'shrivelled' and 'twisted' showing the ill effects of their treatment. The verbs suggest age, disfiguration and pain suggesting how unnatural their conditions are that have led to this. Dickens was familiar with the terrible working conditions of the poor and campaigned for education of children.

They were a boy and girl. Yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish

Stave 3 - ignorance and want The two children are the personification of man's ills - ignorance and want. Ignorance could represent the wealthy upper classes who are ignorant of what they must do to help. However, it could also be argued that ignorance reflects the lack of education of the poor.

They were not a handsome family; they were not well dressed; their shoes were far from being water-proof; their clothes were scanty... But, they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another and contented with the time.

Stave 3 - the Cratchits The Cratchits are generous and loving in very difficult circumstances. Dickens uses these characters to challenge popular preconceptions that the wealthy had about the poor - preconceptions which led to support for the poor law and the workhouses.

"If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population." Scrooge hung his head to hear his own words... and was overcome with penitence and grief.

Stave 3 - the ghost uses Scrooge's words against him the strength of Scrooge's dismay about hearing his own words repeated back to him is reinforced through the use of the nouns, penitence and grief. Both have religious connotations and suggest a true depth of despair at his previous notions. Dickens, therefore, is attacking the Malthusian capitalist theories.

Are there no prisons?'' said the Spirit, turning on him for the last time with his own words. ``Are there no workhouses?''

Stave 3 - the ghost uses Scrooge's words against him when he asks where there is refuge for the children, ignorance and want

It was a worthy place. Walled in by houses; overrun by grass and weeds

Stave 4 - About Scrooge's grave: Scrooge's grave, by comparison to Tiny Tim's is 'overrun by weeds'. It is uncared for just as he was uncared for, gasping out his last alone.

My little, little child!'' cried Bob. ``My little child!''

Stave 4 - Bob's reaction to Tiny Tim's death The repetition of the word 'little' reinforces to the reader how young and innocent and undeserving of death was Tiny Tim. Dickens uses him to enable the reader to see that this is unfair, perhaps looking to make his readers reflect on the high mortality rate amongst poor children.

"Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of things that May be, only?"

Stave 4 - Scrooge wants to change

"I wish you could have gone. It would have done you good to see how green a place it is."

Stave 4 - Tiny Tim's burial place is eden like - as, despite his poverty and place in life, he was good and will be welcomed by god. The Victorian's would have seen this as fitting.

Scrooge listened to this dialogue in horror... he viewed them with a detestation and disgust,

Stave 4 - in the rag 'n' bone man's shop In Victorian times, the deceased were usually dressed in their best clothes for burial but here, Scrooge's clothes after death have been removed and sold for money. These morally repugnant, ugly people are simply treating Scrooge the way he treated others and he is horrified.

If he had been, he'd have had somebody to look after him when he was struck with Death, instead of lying gasping out his last there, alone by himself.'

Stave 4 - in the rag 'n' bone man's shop The onomatopoetic verb 'gasping' makes the reader explicitly imagine the death, suggesting struggle and pain. The synonyms 'alone' and 'by himself' emphasise again the loneliness of the life he has chosen. This went against what Victorians considered to be a 'good death' where you die surrounded by friends and family and then are mourned afterwards.

"Every person has a right to take care of themselves. He always did!"

Stave 4 - in the rag 'n' bone man's shop The words of the charwoman, who disgusts Scrooge, in the rag 'n' bone man's shop reflect the views to which Scrooge subscribed at the start of the novella when he declared that the poor were not his 'business' implying that his only business was himself. As readers, Dickens is allowing us to reflect on how far Scrooge has come in learning the lesson - and perhaps asking us to reflect on our own learning.

It was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand.

Stave 4 - the final ghost The Ghost of Christmas yet to come is symbolic. The verb 'shrouded' makes explicit reference to death which is reinforced by the 'deep black' of its clothes.

He looked so irresistibly pleasant, in a word, that three or four good-humoured fellows said, "Good morning, sir. A merry Christmas to you."

Stave 5 - Scrooge walks the streets enjoying the company of others. This compares directly with the explicit description of Scrooge at the start of the novel where even beggars will not speak to him.

I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world!

Stave 5 - Scrooge's reaction to discovering it is not too late The multiple similes emphasise Scrooge's joy and elation at his second chance. The repetitive structure and short exclamations create the sense that he cannot put into words how happy he is. It could also show that, as it has been so long since he was happy, he finds it difficult to describe. The innocence of the 'angel' and the 'schoolboy' contrast with the hellish image of Marley's ghost, showing the reader that he will be saved.

The father of a long, long line of brilliant laughs.

Stave 5 - Scrooge's reaction to discovering it is not too late The noun 'father' shows the idea that one laugh leads to another - happiness breeds happiness. This again leads back to Dickens' idea of collective responsibility - that everything that we do influences others. So, therefore, we should take responsibility for being a positive influence.

Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world.

Stave 5 - description of Scrooge's redemption The relative clause describing Tiny Tim reinforces the idea that it is Scrooge's actions that caused him to live. Thus Dickens is ending with the message that we can all change our selfish ways and be a positive influence. The repetition of the adjective 'good' reinforces this idea.

No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to; Golden sunlight; Heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells. Oh, glorious. Glorious!

Stave 5 - pathetic fallacy The fog has lifted and Scrooge can 'see' the truth. He has learned his lesson and been transformed from darkness into light - which is reflected in the world around him.

Clash, clang, hammer; ding, dong, bell! Bell, dong, ding; hammer, clang, clash! Oh, glorious, glorious!

Stave 5 - the bells ring Th onomatopoeia here makes the bells sound particularly noise -and yet Scrooge sees them as 'glorious' which is suggestive of noises from heaven. These compare with the bells at the start of the novel, signifying the hellish arrival of Marley's ghost.