A Christmas Carol
Language
*The narrator's language controls the tone* -The narrator is first chatty, making it lively and engaging, eg, he describes Scrooge's house as 'playing at hide-and-seek with other houses' -He is also sarcasm, for example he describes Scrooge as an 'excellent man of business' for arranging an 'undoubted bargain' for Marley's funeral. -His tone then shifts more melancholy, describing Scrooge's quiet school yard as so silent there wasn't even 'a sigh among the leafless boughs of one despondent poplar'. -The sarcasm also becomes darker, for example describing Scrooge's graveyard as 'a worthy place!' -The narrator is once again lighthearted, making the ending as such, saying things such as ;dear heart alive' and 'oh, glorious, glorious!' *Personification adds to the text's mood* -The city becomes alive and exciting through playful personifications of 'winking' products and 'ruddy, brown-faced, broad-girthed' shops. -Personification also enforces what is being described, for example the 'crisp air laughed' with joy. -The children, Ignorance and Want, are personifications of the problems faces people. *The mood becomes darker to emphasise Dickens' message* -The mood is mostly positive for the festivity parts, but becomes darker when Dickens tries to communicate his message. -Marley's appearance of a chain of 'cash boxers and ledgers' make the reader focus on how his economical obsession burdens him. -The frightening, miserable children shock and appall to draw attention to what they represent. -The description around Joe's shop is a truthful and harsh vision of the poverty in London, eg 'the whole quarter reeked with crime, with filth, and misery' *Dickens gives clear, vivid descriptions* -Repetition and lists convey bountifulness and celebration. For example, he lists all the food under the Ghost of Christmas Present and describes the emotions of many members of Fezzwig's party. -Dickens uses the senses to enhance descriptions. The Ghost of Christmas Present's first scene is described with 'bright gleaming berries', 'delicious steam', 'roaring' fire and 'cheery voice'. -Scrooge's graveyard is sinister and described as 'fat with repleted appetite', as if it has gorged on bodies. -'A squeak and scuffle from the mice' make Scrooge's school empty and silent. -Dickens also leaves things to the reader's imagination, making the effect even greater. The 'incoherent sounds of lamentation' and 'wailings inexpressibly sorrowful' make the Ghost even more haunting than a full description could. *Figurative language creates powerful descriptions* -Similes are used to make a comic and lighthearted mood, even when describing Marley, with his chain that 'wound about him like a tail'. -A more sombre example would be about the fog being so phicc that 'the houses opposite were mere phantoms'. -Dickens uses a hyperbole to show the Cratchit's appreciation for their 'rarest of all birds'. *Dialogue creates different moods* -When breaking off their engagement, Belle speaks 'gently' but honestly. Her soft, sad words and her 'love for him you once were' make the reader feel sad for Scrooge. -The charity collector's kind-hearted speech of 'more than usually desirable' mirrors that of Scrooge's. -The mention of Scrooge at the Cratchit's Christmas changes the mood from enthusiastic with 'Hurrah!' to sombre, quiet and hesitant, like Scrooge's name left a sour taste in their mouths. *Questions help the reader to engage with the text* -The narrator asks 'Scrooge knew he was dead? Of course he did' at the start to forebode Marley's return, and rule out any other explanation than that it is a true ghost. -Rhetorical questions make it appear as if the narrator is answering the reader's questions. -Unanswered questions also leave the reader to think about the text themselves, for example 'What was merry Christmas to Scrooge?... What good had it ever done him?'. -Dickens also uses questions to track how Scrooge is changing, for instance: 'What is the matter?' (GoCPasttrying to draw emotion from him), 'Will you decide what men shall live, what men shall die?' (GoCPresent to Scrooge), 'Are these the shadows of things that Will be?' (Scrooge to GoCYTC).
Character Analysis - Other Characters
*Charity collectors have a sense of social responsibility* -They are compassionate towards the poor, they show the importance of charity at Christmas time. -They convey Dickens' belief that prisons and workhouses weren't suitable places to send the poor, and many would 'rather die' than go there. *Joe and the thieves are as greedy and ruthless as Scrooge* -They feel justified in stealing Scrooge's possessions to sell, because Scrooge was such a 'wicked old screw' when he was alive. -They're disrespectful about Scrooge, one of them had taken the shirt from Scrooge's corpse (ew wth), and laugh about their thefts. -This is a result of Scrooge isolating himself from friends and family, and not helping people like the Cratchits. His wealth has now ended up profiting thieves. *Wealthy London businessmen don't care about Scrooge* -They represent the greedy rich people of Victorian society, they don't care about Scrooge's death and say they will only go for a 'free lunch' -Dickens describes their ugliness, saying one of them has a 'monstrous chin' etc. These details dehumanise the men and reflect the ugliness of their attitudes.
Themes - Poverty and Social Responsibility
*At first, Scrooge only cares about himself and money* -He isn't concerned about the poor, he believes his taxes paying for prisons and workhouses is enough. -He makes Bob work for low pay in terrible conditions. -He knows that Poverty is awful, but his fear has made him selfish to those in need. *Dickens exposes the unfair treatment of the poor* -Some of the phantoms chained in Stave 1 could be the 'guilty government', they're the result of an uncaring attitude towards the poor. -The Ghost of Christmas Present reveals Ignorance and Want, children who are described as horrible monsters. Suggesting that these hidden problems are a product of society's neglect of the poor. *The wealthy must take responsibility for the poor* -The Ghost of Christmas present gives a clear warning that ignorance will lead to the 'doom' of society. -The fate of Tiny Tim makes a clear link between poverty and death, only Scrooge's intervention saves him. -Marley also says that Scrooge must take responsibility for those around him. *The Cratchits show what living in poverty can be like* -They live in a four-room house, their clothes are threadbare, but they make an effort - some 'brave in ribbons' etc. -Their Christmas dinner has to be 'eked out' and their Christmas pudding is 'small' for such a large family. Suggesting they don't each much for the rest of the year. -The Ghost of Christmas Present suggests that if the Cratchits continue to live in poverty, Tiny Tim will die. *There are also glimpses of the seedier side of poverty* -Joe's shop is in a filthier part of the city, here the streets are 'foul and narrow' etc. Gives an insight into the horrible conditions due to Poverty at the time. -The people that live there are 'half-naked' and 'drunk'. -They're embarrassed or remorseful that they stole from Scrooge's corpse. *Dickens goes beyond simple definitions of rich and poor* -Dickens shows that while people can be rich financially, they can also be rich in other ways e.g love. -The Cratchits are poor but they appreciate what they have and don't need money to make them emotionally rich. -Scrooge contrasts, Fezziwig is an example of the best of both worlds. -Fred emphasises the value of emotional richness when he says Christ mas has never 'put a scrap of gold' in his pocket but has made him richer in spirit instead.
Summary of Stave 5 - The End of It
After a night of visits, Scrooge wakes up joyous and full of Christmas joy. He walks through London, buying a turkey for the Cratchitts and donating to the Charity Collector, before joining Fred for Christmas celebrations. The novel concludes with a changed Scrooge, who keeps festive, positive, and becomes a family man towards Fred and Tiny Tim.
Summary of Stave 4 - The Third of the Three Spirits
The ominous Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, comparable to the Grim Reaper, shows Scrooge the potential future. Scrooge witnesses nothing but joy being brought to those at the news of a dead man, and the pain and grief caused by the death of Tiny Tim. Upon seeing his own grave, Scrooge breaks down, and swears his will change his way.
Themes - The Christmas Spirit
*Christmas brings out the best in people* -Throughout the novel, Christmas is presented as a time for generosity, kindness, charity and good-will to others, this is reflected through many characters. -The Cratchits' christmas celebration shows love for eachother and their happiness at being together, it's very important to them that the whole family celebrates together. -Fred fully embraces the spirit of Christmas, he speaks positively about it and hopes Scrooge will one day embrace it too. *The Christmas spirit involves generosity and kindness* -The charity collectors try to provide some festive 'christmas cheer' at a time when poverty is made most obvious by the excesses enjoyed by the wealthy. -Fred thinks that Christmas is a time when all of humanity, rich and poor, should unite ad help eachother. -Fezziwig chooses to behave in a way that can only bring happiness, he has the power to render his apprentices 'happy or unhappy', to make their work 'a pleasure or a toil'. He throws a wonderful christmas party for his employees and exhibits a continous joy throughout. -SCROOGE IS A CONTRAST, he only views Christmas in monetary terms. *The Christmas spirit has both a religious and a secular side* -A lot of what Dickens says about Christmas reflects christian values. But also, Dickens shows that there is evidence of a non-religious celebration of Christmas. E.g Fred's and Fezziwig's party. *The Christmas spirit is powerful enough to transform Scrooge* -At first Scrooge's reaction to Christmas is 'humbug', and he thinks anyone who celebrates Christmas is an 'idiot'. -This attitude is ridiculed at Fred's party. -By the end of the story, Scrooge is transformed by what he learns about Christmas spirit. He wishes everyone he meets a 'happy christmas', makes a large donation to charity, buys a huge turkey for the Cratchits and attends his nephew's party. -Dickens uses the novel to suggest the spirit of christmas should be kept all year round.
Character Analysis - Fred
*Complete contrast to Scrooge* -He arrives in Scrooge's office 'all in a glow', emphasising the warmth and friendliness of his character, opposite of Scrooge. -He disagrees with Scrooge's miserly views, he values happiness more than money. -He is empathetic, he barely knows the Cratchit family but still offers his condolences after Tiny Tim's death. - Dickens uses Fred to emphasise Scrooge's negative qualities. *Fred is a cheerful man* -Fred's distinctive laugh illustrates cheerfulness and optimism. -He is even-tempered and refuses to argue with Scrooge. -He is determined to include Scrooge in the celebrations, despite Scrooge's bitterness towards him. *He shows true christmas spirit* -His christmas party is filled with games and laughter, Fred knows how to have fun. lol -Fred shows generosity and kindess towards Scrooge. -He shows lots of the values associated with Christmas and the christmas spirit. 'A merry Christmas uncle! God save you!'
Context - Charity and Education
*Dickens highlighted the importance of generosity and charity* -The gap between rich and poor became huge during the industrial revolution, with those in extreme poverty relying on those better off being generous. -Some successful philanthropist businessmen did try to enhance the lives of their workers, for example Cadbury provided quality housing. -However, Scrooge represents those who only aspired for more wealth. Dickens resented these people and believed they are a responsibility to help the poor. *Dickens believed education was the solution to poverty* -Dickens blamed lack of education for problems such as crime, poverty and disease. Most of the poor had little to no education, and Dickens thought it would improve their self respect and improve their lives. -Ragged schools provided free education, clothing and food for children in poverty, which Dickens supported. *In the text* -The child Ignorance is used to show how the poor are doomed to a life of want by a lack of education. -In chapter one, Marley's ghost warns Scrooge that he must pay more attention to those around him, and not just walk among 'crowds of fellow beings' with his 'eyes turned down'. -Scrooge becomes charitable at the end, donating a large sum with 'a great many back payments'. -He also learns to generously reward, rising Bob's salary and offering a 'half-crown' to a boy to collect a turkey. -This highlights Dickens' thoughts that if you reward people honestly for their work, there will be less need for charity.
Themes - Family
*Dickens highlights the importance of family* -Family is shown to be a source of comfort, strength and joy throughout the text, several examples of this are shown in visions. -The Cratchits are symbolic of the perfect family. *Family life is shown to be full of happiness* -Throughout the text, links between family and happiness are made. E.g Fred's family laugh and have lots of fun. -The vision of Belle's family is also used to show happiness and 'joy'. *At first Scrooge doesn't see the point in family* -Every year he dismisses Fred's invitation to dine with his family, so he can be alone instead. -Scrooge laughs at Fred when Fred says he married because he fell in love. -Scrooge can only think of the financial burden that family brings. *Scrooge is isolated and alone* -In his youth, Scrooge was a 'solitary child, neglected by his friends'. He has to create friends with the characters in his books to replace his absent family. -This scene foreshadows his solitary life later on, after his failure to create a family with Belle. -In Stave 4, Scrooge sees the result of his rejection of family and the isolation it brings him. Scrooge's selfishness means he has no one to take care of him after he dies. *However, there's still time for Scrooge to become part of a family* -Without a family, Scrooge can't be saved from loneliness, he regrets that he missed his chance to have a family with Belle. -However, at the end, Scrooge becomes a part of two families. He becomes a 'second father' to Tiny Tim and embraces Fred's family.
Symbolism and Imagery
*Dickens uses symbols to develop his ideas* -Marley's chain of 'cash-boxes, ekys, padlocks and ledgers' show Marley's obsession with money, and how it has burdened him. -The 'bright, clear jet of light' could represent the truth in the past the first ghost brings. -The transforming torch and rusty scabbard are symbols of the power of Christmas and peace. -The dark shroud of YTC represents Scrooge's uncertainty and ominous future. *Warmth and brightness symbolise joy and companionship* -GOCPresent shows Scrooge miners around a 'glowing fire' and the lighthouse that provides a 'ray of brightness', all a symbol of comfort and celebration. -This ideas continues in the streets with 'brightness of roaring fires' and 'flickering of the blaze' that shows 'cozy' dinners. -This contrasts Scrooge's office that he 'doesn't thaw one bit' and a 'very low fire' at his house, showing lack of joy and companionship. *Music is an important symbol of celebration and happiness* -Music is central to Fezziwig's and Fred's parties, as well as Tiny Tim's, the miners and lighthouse men's singing. -Fred's 'musical family' contrasts Scrooge who turned away the carol singer. -Scrooge wants to listen to Fred's wife sing, suggesting music was powerful on him. 'He might have cultivated the kindnesses of life for his own happiness with his own hands'. *Scrooge's bed is a motif* -The first ghost takes him bed, while the last ghost returns him to it when it shrinks 'down into a bedpost'. -A bed is a person's private place, so therefore the Ghosts accessing him when and where he is most vulnerable to make the biggest effect on him. -The presence of the bed also allows the reader to have their questions on whether he is dreaming or not. *Weather reflects Scrooge's character and emotions* -Dickens first emphasises that the 'cold, bleak, biting' weather and fog 'pouring in at every chink and keyhole' surrounds Scrooge. -Scrooge is described himself as carrying 'cold with him' and his presence 'iced his office'. His personality is also more powerful or more stubborn than the weather, since 'no warmth could warm, nor wintry weather chill him'. -The weather is 'clear, bright, jovial, stirring' at the end, reflecting his transformation.
Character Analysis - Characters From Scrooge's Past
*Fan helps to break Scrooge's isolation* -Scrooge's sister who had 'a large heart', she shared a strong bond with Scrooge. -Fan is dead by the time the main events of the book take place, making readers feel pity for Scrooge. -By seeing Fan again, Scrooge realises that he must spend more time with Fred and regrets neglecting him. *Fezziwig is a businessman with a generous heart* -He is used as a contrast to Scrooge, but a model for the man Scrooge later becomes. -His workhouse is 'snug, warm and bright' which contrasts with Scrooge's mean, dark office. -Scrooge realises that Fezziwig brings joy and happiness to people, not even spending that much money. He realises that he must try to make people feel good instead of bad. *Belle tells Scrooge some hard truths* -The separation of Scrooge and Belle is a turning point in Scrooge's life, Belle ends up with a family and home, which despite not being 'very large' it is 'full of comfort'. In contrast, Scrooge chooses a lonely life devoted to money.
Character Analysis - The Ghost of Christmas Present
*Generously helps others* -It is compassionate and jolly, 'there sat a Jolly Giant, glorious to see'. -Associated with abundance and generosity, for example, the spirit carries a torch and sprinkles blessings on those who need it most. *Upset about poverty* -He cares about the poor and challenges Scrooge's previous harsh words about poverty, calling them 'wicked'. Not as in that's mad sick fam, as in wicked witch. -He carries two children 'ignorance' and 'want' to show the main problems with society, criticising mankind's selfishness.
Character Analysis - Jacob Marley
*Marley's ghost has come to warn Scrooge* -His main role in the novel is to warn Scrooge about what will happens after he dies, unless he changes. -Marley and Scrooge have similar personalities, they are obsessed with money and don't care about other people. This emphasises Marley's role as a warning figure. -His fate illustrates what will happen to Scrooge if he doesn't change. *His appearance is disturbing* -Scrooge feels a 'chilling influence' when the ghost removes his bandage from his head and reveals his 'lower jaw'. This horrible image reflects the frightening nature of the message, making it seem more important. -He gives off an 'infernal' atmosphere. Linking to hell and internal suffering. -The 'chain he forged in life' is made up of money-related objects, he tells Scrooge he will bear a similar, but larger chain. *Tries to help Scrooge* -Marley regrets not changing his ways, he says that he is giving Scrooge a chance of redeeming himself. A selfless act.
Character Analysis - The Cratchitts
*Poor but loving* -Dickens depiction of the Cratchits reminds the reader that poor people are not a social problem, they may not be rich in wealth but they are rich in love. *Bob is Scrooge's employee* -He is uncomplaining and tolerant, he works quietly despite the bitter cold. -He's courteous, he returns Fred's greeting 'cordially' and addresses Scrooge as 'sir'. -Bob is patient and civil, despite Scrooge's grumpy attitude. He is also eager for Christmas, he applauds Fred's speech. *Bob is a kind and devoted father* -He is good humoured and playful, he carries Tiny Tim on his shouders and slides down icy streets. -He values family togetherness at Christmas time, he becomes upset when he thinks Martha isn't joining the family for Christmas. -He is caring and tender with Tiny Tim , and after Tim's death he still tries to remain cheerful around his family, to spare them pain. *Mrs Cratchit is good-natured and busy* -She works hard to make the family happy, she has to 'eke out' the Christmas goose to feed the family. -Although she thinks Scrooge is a 'stingy old man', she drinks to his health as Bob tells her to, and she loves him. *Tiny Tim is frail but doesn't complain* -He is very fragile and ill, he has to be carried on Bob's shoulders, but his siblings make sure he joins in all the fun anyway. -Dickens presents him as a good character by showing us his religious nature, he hopes the people who see him in church are reminded that Jesus made 'lame people walk'. -Dickens uses Tim to show how poverty can lead to suffering and death. *The Cratchit children are hard working* -Dickens emphasises that the Cratchit children aren't lazy or unwilling to work, to challenge beliefs that poverty was linked to laziness. -All of the Cratchits work together as a family, and show excitement for what they have, adding to the positive energy.
Context - Religion and Christmas
*Religion and Christmas* -Christianity had a big influence in the middle and upper classes, and people believed to be a good Christian was to have a moral code of attending church regularly, avoiding alcohol and exercising sexual restraint. -Dickens instead believed that to be a good Christian, people should find opportunities to help others, while being humble, charitable, faithful and forgiving. -Sabbatarianism was the act of going to church on Sunday and resting. Dickens opposed this since it meant poor people could not enjoy themselves on their only day off because everything was shut. -Many poor people didn't own an oven, so they had to get food cooked by a baker. On Sunday, they could get no hot meal, because the baker's was shut. *Christmas became more important* -During the 19th century, Christmas went from being barely celebrated to the most important celebration all year. -Things like cards, crackers, carols and Christmas trees were popularised during the era. -Christmas was becoming more secular too, with feasts and games becoming the centre of parties. *In the text* -Both Fred and Fezziwig have parties full of fun, dancing, laughter and food. -The only apparent relation to religion in the text is talking of Tiny Tim 'in the church', Tiny Tim's 'God bless us' and when Scrooge 'went to church' in Stave 5.
Character Analysis - The Ghost of Christmas Past
*Represents memory and truth* -It's appearance is a strange mixture between a child and an aged person. -Its 'bright, clear jet of light' from its head symbolises the truth that can be found in memories. -The ghost is strong but quiet, its voice is 'low' as it if were 'at a distance', emphasises spirit's connection to Scrooge's distant past. -It helps the reader sympathise with Scrooge by showing parts of his childhood that were miserable, and that he wasn't always cold-hearted. *Forceful to help Scrooge change* -It makes Scrooge explain the things that he realises when he sees the visions of the past. E.g its insistent questions at Fezziwig's party. -The memory of Belle is 'torture' for Scrooge, but the ghost made Scrooge watch.
Character Analysis - Ebenezer Scrooge
*Scrooge doesn't seem to care about anything except money* -He is portrayed negatively at the start of the novel as a 'squeezing, wrenching, gasping.. covetous old sinner!' -He is so miserly and meaning that he begrudges Bob Cratchit his christmas wages and won't allow him a decent fire. -In a vision of his past, Belle says that he sees money as an 'idol', and that it has 'displaced' her in Scrooge's affections. Suggesting Scrooge worships money as it's a god, and loves it more than Belle. *He's cold hearted and unfeeling* -He is unsympathetic towards other people, so he has no interest in helping the poor. He refuses to give to charity as he thinks he has done enough by supporting the prisons and workhouses. -He believes it is not his 'business' to care about other people. -Dickens describes Scrooge using cold and icy language , e.g 'cold within him' that 'froze his old features' . Which emphasises his cold hearted nature. *His past has shaped him* -It becomes easier to understand why Scrooge is so old and bitter as you look into his past. -He is shown sympathetically as a 'lonely boy' at his old school, because his father won't let him come home for Christmas. -Scrooge had a close relationship with his sister, it's possible that he isolates himself from Fred as he is a sad reminder of the sister Scrooge had lost. -Belle is a painful memory for Scrooge, made worse by looking at her new happy family. The reader feels sympathy for him, his heartbreak could be the reason for his bitter personality in Chapter 1. *Tiny Tim shows Scrooge that the poor are people too* -Tiny Tim helps Scrooge feel empathy again, his poor situation makes Scrooge start to care about people. -The Ghost of Christmas Present makes Scrooge realise how wrong his beliefs about 'surplus population' are, Scrooge is saddened by how cruel his opinions were. *Scrooge's values change* -His character changes completely by the end of the novel, he says he is 'as merry as a school boy'. -He learns to be charitable, he buys the Cratchits a turkey and donates a large sum of money to charity. -He completely changes his mind about christmas. -He now values family and companionship, he becomes a father figure to Tiny Tim and embraces Fred's family.
Themes - Redemption
*Scrooge's redemption is the main focus of the text* -For Scrooge to achieve redemption, he needs to be rid of his mean, miserly ways make up for the bad things he has done. It creates a significant source of dramatic tension throughout the novel. -At first in Stave 1 , it seems impossible, because of how cold and bitter he is. -By the time Scrooge is visited by the last ghost, his attitude has softened, he promises to change for the better. -Dickens argues that the very worst people in society can find redemption, he wants the whole of Victorian Society to undergo the same transformation as Scrooge and take responsibility for the less fortunate people. *There are hints that Scrooge will be redeemed* -The visions that Scrooge sees in Stave 2 show that Scrooge wasn't always so mean-spirited. -His relationships show that Scrooge was capable of showing love and kindness, and that they were once more important than money, suggesting he can show this again. -Scrooge's father changing his mind about young Scrooge joining the family for christmas foreshadows Scrooge's own redemption. *Scrooge's changed behaviour leads to his redemption* -It is not down to praying or religious conversion, he's redeemed because he changes his behaviour towards other people. PREECH YALL. *Scrooge isn't forced to change* -The spirits are sent to help him, they don't tell him what to do or force him to do anything, they merely show him visions. -It is Scrooge himself who must take the meaning from these visions and use that to change. -Free will makes his redemption seem more powerful. *He is instead transformed by learning the value of empathy* -At the start, Scrooge 'warns all human sympathy to keep its distance'. -But then: He feels pity for his lonely, boyhood self and regrets not giving anything to the carol singer. He empathises with his clerk, Bob , when he remembers the fun of Fezziwig's party. He feels saddened by the death of Tiny Tim. He witnesses the love of the Cratchits as 'an interest he had never felt before'. He's disgusted and terrified by other people's indifference towards him after his death.
Structure and Narrative
*Simple Structure* -Dickens wrote it in five chapters, which he called staves, perhaps because musical notes are written on staves, emphasising the theme of music throughout the novel. -The reason for this structure and name is that it could have been intended to be read aloud to a family. -Each Stave documents a set topic and part of the novel. -Scrooge's redemption is foreshadowed, first by Dickens writing 'once upon a time', suggesting it is a fairy tale with a happy ending, and secondly by Fan telling Scrooge that 'father's so much kinder than he used to be', proving it is possible to change. *Unusual time scheme* -The story is not in chronological order; there are flashbacks and flashforwards, with multiple time jumps in each. -The linking sections between each ghost visit don't make sense either. Scrooge falls asleep after 2 am, but then visited by the first ghost at 1 am. At the end, it is revealed the entire story occurred over the course of Christmas Eve night. *Supernatural visits drive the action* -Dickens constantly reminded that each ghost has only a short time to convey their message, driving the plot froward and creating tension. -For example, the Ghost of Christmas Present says 'Rise! and walk with me!', 'My time grows short... Quick!' and 'My life upon this globe, is very brief'. -The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is in such a hurry he appears in stave 3. When Scrooge refuses to look at the corpse, the reader worries that he will miss his chance to learn his lesson. -Scrooge also has a sense of urgency and willingness, asking the ghost to 'Lead on!', driving the plot forward and demonstrating Scrooge's changed attitude. *The omniscient narrator influences the reader's view of Scrooge* -Trust is created by the narrator by being humorous and chatty. The novel opens to his discussion on 'as dead as a door nail'. -With the trust, the narrator convinces the reader that Scrooge is horrible through his negative descriptions of him. This not only makes the story about redemption and betterment, but emphasise's Dickens' message about the ungenerous wealthy. -As the story goes on, the narrator goes deeper into the emotions Scrooge is feeling, making the reader sympathise with him, and drastically change their opinion of him. -The narrator overall is jovial, and makes the reader engage with him by joking about 'What i would not give to be one of them!' when talking about Belle's daughter being harassed by her siblings.
Character Analysis - The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come
*Sinister and mysterious* -The ghost is similar to the appearance of The Grim Reaper, which victorian readers would've recognised as a symbol of death. -The fact that the ghost is 'shrouded in a deep black garment' makes it seem mysterious. -It is silent and intimidating, it points instead of speaking and won't answer Scrooge's questions. -The ghost pities Scrooge as when Scrooge begs, its 'kind hand trembled'.
Context - Malthus and the 1834 Poor Law
-Economist Thomas Malthus theorised that the global population would always grow faster than food supplies, leading to famine and poverty. He also believed that people should have families later in life, and refrain from having too many children. -Dickens opposed Malthus' views, and thought there was plenty of food if only the rich were to share it, and believed the poor shouldn't suffer because of the rich's selfishness. -The 1834 poor law reduced financial support for the poor, because Malthus and others thought it inspired laziness, which dictated instead that the poorest would have to enter a workhorse for food and shelter. -Workhouses were made deliberately harsh to deter people from joining and relying on society. *In the text* -Dickens makes Scrooge directly reflect Malthus' views, saying they people should die to 'decrease the surplus population'.
Context - Poverty in Victorian Britain
-The industrial revolution reduced the demand of workers in farming, creating many jobs in urban industry. -Urbanisation forced people into poor slums with terrible living conditions. -Dickens experienced poverty himself as a child when his family went into debt, and he had to work in black dye factory. -Poverty is explored in the novel with Bob Cratchit, an area 'reeked with crime' in Stave 4, the death of Tiny Tim and the children Ignorance and Want.
Summary of Stave 3 - The Second of the Three Spirits
A great big jolly giant, the Ghost of Christmas Presents shows the Christmases that are occurring. The Cratchitts are seen to be making the most of the little they have, and Scrooge learns off Tiny Tim's imminent death. Fred and has family are seen as having a wonderful party, and still willing to open their doors to the isolated uncle.
Summary of Stave 1 - Marley's Ghost
A miserly Scrooge is found in his office, being cruel to Bob Cratchitt, dismissive of Fred, and heartless towards the Charity Collectors. At home, Scrooge encounters strange faces of his dead business partner, Marley, only to have him appear in ghost form. Marley warns him of his fate, and of the the three further spirits that will visit him throughout the night.
Summary of Stave 2 - The First of the Three Spirits
The Ghost of Christmas Past, a strange shape sifting light, appears. Scrooge visits happier memories in his younger life, of being brought home by Fan and Fezziwig's parties. Belle is seen to be breaking off their engagement, since she believes his values money more than her.