Bob Crachit

• In which chapter is Bob Cratchit first introduced?

  Stave I
• How does Dickens refer to Bob Cratchit in Stave I?

  As "the clerk"
• What does Dickens convey by omitting Bob's name and referring to him by his occupation?

  Scrooge's myopic perception of Bob in terms of labour
• What does Bob's silence signify in the context of his social class?

  His irrelevance and insignificance as a lower-class person
• What might the title "Bob" suggest about his character and the lower classes?

  They are viewed merely in terms of capital
• How is Scrooge's ruthlessness towards Bob depicted in Stave I?

  Through his cruel and exploitative behaviour
• What does the description of Bob's workplace as a "dismal little cell" symbolize?

  A wider symbol of his poverty
• Why is Bob too fearful to ask Scrooge for more coal?

  He is afraid of Scrooge's reaction
• What does Bob try to do to warm himself at work?

  Warm himself at the candle
• How is Bob presented in Stave II as a father and husband?

  As devoted, loving, and affectionate
• What does Bob's action of carrying "Tiny Tim upon his shoulder" signify?

  His loving relationship with his children
• How does Dickens contrast Bob and Scrooge's settings?

  Scrooge is depicted at work, while Bob is at home
• What does the contrast in settings symbolize about Bob and Scrooge's values?

  Scrooge values money, while Bob values family
• What does Bob do despite being treated cruelly by Scrooge?

  Proposes a toast to Scrooge
• What does Bob's action of encouraging his family to toast Scrooge demonstrate?

  His kind-spirited and forgiving nature
• How is Bob depicted in terms of his character traits?

  As virtuous and righteous
• How does Dickens invoke sympathy for Bob from the reader?

  By portraying him as deferential, patient, courteous, and civil
• What does Bob symbolize in relation to the lower classes?

  Their dependence on their employer
• How does Bob's situation reflect on the fate of his family?

  It depends on businessmen like Scrooge
• What does Bob's unchanged character throughout the novella signify?

  His compassion, generosity, and forgiving nature
• What are the key characteristics of Bob Cratchit as depicted by Dickens?

  • Deferential and patient
  • Courteous and civil
  • Devoted father and husband
  • Kind-spirited and forgiving
  • Symbol of the lower classes