Poverty

• What is one of the most prevalent themes in Dickens' text?


  Poverty
• How does Dickens make the reader aware of poverty in the novella?


  By highlighting the "poor and destitute" from the outset
• What contrasts does Dickens present between the rich and poor in the novella?


  • Examples of poverty and suffering
  • Appearance of the poor contrasted with scenes of abundance
  • Alludes to the idea of sharing resources equally
• How is the Cratchits' dwelling described?


  Small and humble
• What do Ignorance and Want represent in the novella?


  Children forced to live in terrible conditions
• How does Dickens subvert the Victorian misconception of the poor?


  By presenting the Cratchit family in an extremely positive light
• What are the occupations of Bob and his daughter Martha Cratchit?


  Both work
• How is Bob Cratchit characterized in contrast to Scrooge?


  As a devoted father and loving husband
• What impression does the Cratchit family convey about Christmas?


  It is a time of generosity and goodwill
• How does Dickens use the Cratchit family to remind readers of the humanity of the lower classes?


  By showing their compassion despite Scrooge's cruelty
• What serious concern does Dickens highlight regarding poverty in the novella?


  How it can destroy lives
• What images are depicted among the poor due to their living conditions?


  Images of disease and illness
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come depict regarding Tiny Tim?


  The potential devastating consequences of his death
• How do Bob's wages affect his ability to care for Tiny Tim?


  They are insufficient for adequate care
• What does Dickens illustrate about the resources available to the poor?


  They are reliant on the charity of others
• How could Scrooge improve the Cratchit family's life?


  By being a better employer
• What do the charity collectors in Stave I represent?


  Goodness at Christmas
• How is Scrooge depicted in relation to the poor?


  As uncaring and ruthless
• What does Scrooge refuse to do regarding charitable donations?


  Make a charitable donation
• How does Scrooge view the poor in relation to criminals?


  He makes no distinction between them
• What does Scrooge's support for prisons and workhouses illustrate?


  His flawed views on solving poverty issues
• What change occurs in Scrooge's attitude toward the poor by the end of the novella?


  He demonstrates a change of heart
• What is Scrooge's first regret regarding his attitude towards the poor?


  Not having given money to a carol singer
• How does Scrooge eventually use his wealth?


  To improve the lives of others
• How is Bob Cratchit's character used to underscore Scrooge's behavior?


  To highlight Scrooge's cruel and exploitative behavior
• What does Bob's work environment suggest about his situation?


  It suggests gloomy confinement and poverty
• What does Bob's fear of losing his job symbolize?


  The dependence of the lower classes on their employers
• How does Bob's situation reflect the fate of his family?


  It depends on businessmen like Scrooge