But it does share a lot of gothic conventions. The entrance of Scrooge 's nephew Fred at the beginning of the story introduces another side to the miser. 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. It also explains why he becomes hard and sharp like a flint, later on. A merry Christmas to everybody! Mrs Cratchit, although poor, represents the family's will to make the best of things - to celebrate in spite of their poverty. The case of this unhappy man might be my own. Oh, glorious, glorious! Scrooge listened to this dialogue in horror he viewed them with a detestation and disgust. Stave 3 - the Cratchits When he sees Tiny Tim and his jubilance despite his disadvantages, Scrooge cannot help but feel compassion and by association guilt, as he has seen from the effect Fezziwg had on his staff that he could have a similar influence on Tiny Tim. The image of the oyster is almost perfect for Scrooge at this stage in the book. Bell, dong, ding; hammer, clang, clash! Setting can help create an atmosphere or mood in a literary work. ', 'Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts". Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. Stave one About Scrooge: "As solitary as an oyster." "External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge." "If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population." "Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it." Dickens uses Tiny Tim to remind his readers of the story of Jesus performing miracles and his teaching of acceptance of all. This phrase is repeated to describe both Mrs Crarchit and her daughter. 'No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; Golden sunlight; Heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells. "the phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached", A description of the ghost of Christmas future; he is the darkest of the spirits, a reminder to scrooge of his terrible fate if he fails to learn his lesson. This mirrors the Victorian rich's attitude to the poor. Stave 1 - description of Scrooge's house Dr Aidan, PhD, provides you with key quotes and analysis relating to the theme of 'Christmas'. No warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill him. Instant PDF downloads. Ignorance could represent the wealthy upper classes who are ignorant of what they must do to help. Stave 5 - Scrooge's reaction to discovering it is not too late International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct,London, EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom, 2023 Book Analysis. How to revise from this guide You should be spending at least 30-60 minutes a week revising for English Literature from this point onwards, aiming to learn 5-7 key quotes for each character. Stave 3 - Scrooge asks if Tiny Tim will live, having been moved by his goodness. "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.". Bovey, Lee-James "A Christmas Carol Themes and Analysis " Book Analysis, https://bookanalysis.com/charles-dickens/a-christmas-carol/themes-and-analysis/. 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. ``My little child!''. Dickens was familiar with the terrible working conditions of the poor and campaigned for education of children. Describes Fred, who is a symbol of Christmas spirit. Bob describes his crippled son. Stave 4 - Bob's reaction to Tiny Tim's death The relative clause describing Tiny Tim reinforces the idea that it is Scrooge's actions that caused him to live. 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 metaphor shows that the school didn't help any student achieve their dreams, instead it destroyed their lives as they could not fulfil their potential. I can't afford to make idle people merry.". With in-depth analysis, this video aims. A Christmas Carol is a widely studied book filled with memorable quotes. This went against what Victorians considered to be a 'good death' where you die surrounded by friends and family and then are mourned afterwards. A Christmas carol key quotes Flashcards | Quizlet Key Quotations and analysis A Christmas Carol.docx - A Themes= family/greed and generosity/ time. He greets Scrooge with a drink that makes him feel good: the milk of human kindness though one could be forgiven for seeing an alcoholic connection and then takes him on a tour of Christmases around the country. It is this love that consoles him in stave 4 when Tiny Tim is shown to be dead, a long with the memories of Tiny Tim as a patient and loving boy. 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. In this way, like a patient completing therapy, he has faced his past, but can now move on. Bob said he didnt believe there ever was such a goose cooked., About Tiny Tim: If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die., Bob Cratchit: Ill give you Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast., About Ignorance and Want: This boy is Ignorance. So while he did not invent these particular traditions many people credit him with popularizing them. Pathetic fallacy - Scrooge can see now clearly - reinforced by the adjectives juxtaposing the foggy, misty scenes of earlier chapters when Scrooge could not see the error of his ways. Underline the word or symbol in parentheses that best completes each sentence. It would have done you good to see how green a place it is.". These compare with the bells at the start of the novel, signifying the hellish arrival of Marley's ghost. Invite Scrooge to come for Christmas dinner 4. Stave 3 - Scrooge's willingness to learn that this creature, who appears to be both young and old, is an image of Jesus who was a baby at Christmas and yet who, as the son of God, represents the divine wisdom that Christians worship. Shows Bob's place of work, and shows scrooges harsh treatment on him. Im sure you will all e familiar with the one percent statistic. Marley haunts scrooge- a description of his chains. Family Theme Analysis. Whoop! scientist; is. Why show me this, if I am past all hope! For the first time, the hand appeared to shake. Marley 2. The metaphor shows he is rigid in his unfeeling behaviour to others. A happy New Year to all the world. Here are some of the best 'A Christmas Carol' Scrooge quotes for this holiday season that will melt your heart. Here, readers are exposed to the ghost of Christmas yet to come. The ghost breaks the news to Scrooge that the person whose death has been talked about so callously was his own. () The famous phrase Humbug really means either shame or hoax. The verb sparkled has magical and positive connotations, shows Fred is the antithesis of scrooge. Fire symbolizes emotion and warmth. A Christmas Carol is a well-loved and commonly read novel that focuses on themes of Christmas and poverty. They often came down handsomely, and Scrooge never did. The noun 'idol' shows that Belle believes Scrooge is so enamoured of money that he worships it. "Reeked with crime, and filth, and misery". 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. Analysis. International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct,London, EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom, 2023 Book Analysis. This shows scrooges lack of empathy for the poor people around christmas time not regarding their life or family, this is used to show a change later on in the book with him not donating to the 2 gentleman at the start but him donating to them at the end of the play- Scrooge to the two gentleman, Marley during his life was a harsh businessman similar to scrooge and he was also very uptight not giving money to charity or other good causes. "Quite alone in the world, I do believe.". 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. Scrooges changing attitude is never better highlighted than in his initial responses to the three ghosts. I can't afford to make idle people merry. It would have done you good to see how green a place it is., Bob Cratchit about Freds kindness: It really seemed as if he had known our Tiny Tim, and felt with us., About Scrooges grave: overrun by grass and weeds., Scrooge on what he has learnt: I will not shut out the lessons that they teach., Scrooge: The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me., Scrooge: I am as light as a feather, I am a happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. a squeezing, wrenching . Home Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol Themes and Analysis. as if its hold were of uncommon strength." Seven Years 3. Charles Dickens only really scratched the surface of this. Description of the Ghost of Christmas Past, Stave 2, the holly symbolises Christmas. This is another quote where Dickens draws on the semantic field of the cold weather. The tone is impatient as he does so. The onomatopoetic verb 'gasping' makes the reader explicitly imagine the death, suggesting struggle and pain. Stave 4 - the final ghost jovial voice.". () *The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A Christmas Carol is rarely classified as a gothic novel. A Christmas Carol - stave 2 Key Quotes Flashcards | Quizlet Hes comparing Cratchits actual body temperature to Scrooges personality. Changing the way you learn | Mind Map - GoConqr Scrooge hung his head to hear his own words and was overcome with penitence and grief. Stave 1 - description of Marley's ghost Everyone is entitled to be a little happier on Christmas, and the Ghost of Christmas Present helps them to be so. Foul weather didnt know where to have him. Analysing the evidence "I am sorry, with all my heart, to find you so resolute. ), phrases like holding a candle for someone mean to remember them, while candles are used in c. Scrooge finishes the stave by putting out the candle, which shows him symbolically putting down his past leaving behind the resentment he has harboured at having lost his childhood to neglect. It is too much linked to his miserly ways thus suggesting that the learning is not finished yet. The heaviest rain, and snow, and hail, and sleet, could boast of the advantage over him in only one respect. Family Theme in A Christmas Carol | LitCharts Marleys chains symbolize the mistakes hes made in life and the greed that controlled him. The ribbon for the bookmark should be seven (inches, in) long. "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. 35 Best Ebenezer Scrooge Quotes From 'A Christmas Carol' - Kidadl Arguably, this is the most famous quote from A Christmas Carol. The Ghost of Christmas yet to come is symbolic. No, Spirit! The boy is ignorance. A Christmas Carol: The Ghost of Christmas Present Quotes - SparkNotes He begins with no compassion for others but eventually learns a better way to live. A Christmas Carol Book Answers - myilibrary.org Stave 5 - Scrooge walks the streets enjoying the company of others. Her gown is poor but she is 'brave in ribbons'. It acts as a mirror for Scrooges wealth and position but also as a stark contrast in approach. This quote from Fred shows him having opposing views to his uncle scrooge, Fred tries to make Scrooge someone who enjoys christmas however it is not him that makes scrooge appreciate it. No Way- he tells them that the poor should go and die then there would be less people in the world. ', "Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.". Fezziwg really represents what Scrooge has and what he could (and eventually does) become. A Christmas Carol Stave 1 Summary & Analysis | LitCharts The childhood innocence has been 'shrivelled' and 'twisted' showing the ill effects of their treatment. 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. Scrooge becomes part of two families: Dickens reveals that we are part of not only our blood relatives but also a wider family that of society. Exhausted- "i cannot rest,i cannot stay, i cannot linger anywhere.". The book also explores what you might call the true meaning of Christmas and while this might not be true from a Christian standpoint, from a morality/spiritual view, you could claim that it really does help to make that point. Dickens, therefore, is attacking the Malthusian capitalist theories. He is described as been so dislike that even the weather is better in that at least it 'comes down' gracefully. Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents. "Mankind was my business. Draw one line under each main verb and two lines under each auxiliary verb. cried Bob. When it was made you were another man. The simile shows Bobs wealth in his family; he values them more than money and so is content with their love. Oh, no, no! The finger was still there. The most clearly religious image though is how it wears a tunic of purest white, as though it is a pure, innocent Angel sent to guide him. ". Dickens was openly opposed to this view and challenges it throughout the novella. Studying 'A Christmas Carol'? Bitter- "no wind that blew was bitterer than he. ", 'A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. Whatever the genre. Thus Dickens is ending with the message that we can all change our selfish ways and be a positive influence. I am not the man I was. You must cook those fresh eggs for that kind of special salad. Dickens uses Scrooge to show the extent of change that is possible in a small amount of time. Any study of the time will tell you about the working conditions for the lower classes. A Christmas Carol Themes and Analysis | Book Analysis I am as giddy as a drunken man., Scrooge was better than his word. Stave 2 - the Fezziwig's party * The use of pathetic fallacy shows that he is in direct opposition to anyone who tries to help him. They now drag him down in death, and hes forced to wander the earth, unable to undo what he did before. Scrooge is presented as a miserly character - his money does not even bring him any happiness. With in-depth analysis, this video aims to help you gain a greater understanding of the novella in a matter of minutes. A Christmas Carol - Quotes and Analysis Stave 1 Stave 2 Stave 3 Stave 4 Stave 5 ( ) The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker and the chief mourner. But, they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another and contented with the time. The adjectives squeezing and wrenching, etc., relate to how one should imagine him with money, refusing to let go of his wealth. It is through your support of visiting Book Analysis that we can support charities, such as Teenage Cancer Trust. He stopped at the outer door to bestow the greetings of the season on the clerk, who, cold as he was, was warmer than Scrooge. Here in this quote, one can see Dickens playing with literal and figurative meanings to great effect. () A famous geographer Thomas Malthus came up with the theory that the poor were just surplus population and thus should be left to their own devices - even if this meant letting them die. Stave 1 - Scrooge's rponse to being asked to give money to charity, "If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.". 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. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse! 'The Ghosts' in A Christmas Carol (Key Quotes & Analysis) The simile 'like a tail' is suggestive of a snake, which is symbolic of the devil. Scrooges words to the charity collectors as he refuses to give charity. Stave 1 - why the portly gentlemen are collecting for the poor The Ghost of Christmas Past is an interesting vision it changes shape and size, it has many arms and then a few, it seems distant and close, old and young in fact it seems riddled with contradictory images. He listens for the church bell but when it comes, it strikes twelve. enthusiastic- "a merry Christmas uncle. 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. Themes= poverty/family/greed and generosity. The list of verbs, gives the spirit a threatening air- this is compounded by the fact that he does not speak to scrooge at all. Stave 2 - Belle breaks off the engagement Stave 5 - description of Scrooge's redemption "The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it costs a fortune.". The ghost of Christmas future symbolizes death and the mistakes that are sure to haunt him after his death. Part of the reason that A Christmas Carol is so widely studied is the abundance of different themes that it touches upon. Scrooge is not unfortunate in the way of relatives - he has a family awaiting his . For characters like Fred and Bob Cratchit, Christmas represents the Christian ideal of goodness and moral prosperity, but Scrooge is at his most miserly when Christmas is mentioned. They were a boy and girl. The simile has connotations of stillness and endings. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish. Stave 4 - in the rag 'n' bone man's shop "The cold within him froze his old features", Early description of scrooge. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. About Scrooge: As solitary as an oyster., External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge., If they would rather die, said Scrooge, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population., Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it., Marleys Ghost: Mankind was my business., Marleys Ghost: I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate., There was a boy singing a Christmas Carol at my door last night. Stave 1 - Scrooge's view of the plight of the poor 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. A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! In what ways does the text indicate lbn Batutta's social status? Stave 4 - in the rag 'n' bone man's shop A description of the school house that Scrooge was left in as a child, by his family. The repetitive structure and short exclamations create the sense that he cannot put into words how happy he is. There is no magic formula to revision but this three-point The list of adjectives show his wealth but also his warmth and generosity towards others. This quote shows Ebenezer Scrooge's miserly, miserable attitude toward Christmas at the opening of the story; he is obsessed with his money and has no time for festivities, family, or joy. Scrooge, showing that through the visits of the different ghosts he began to change more and more, as in stave two his "lip was trembling", but now he is having "a violent fit of trembling". Stave 2 - Belle breaks off the engagement. This is where the clerk lives. Active Themes The adjective 'brave' suggests that the Cratchit's approach to life is noble and admirable - but not easy. Losing a business partner around Christmas time could not have been easy. It has harsh imagery and the symbolism of cold, shows he is lacking Christmas spirit. "I am light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. Click the card to flip Flashcards Learn Test Match Created by AIC-CREATOR-TD Terms in this set (36)