Theme - Social injustice and poverty

• How does the dynamic between Scrooge and Bob Cratchit exemplify class relations?

  It shows the dominating nature of the rich over the poor.
• What does Bob's inability to 'replenish' his fire signify?

  It signifies the economic struggles faced by the poor.
• What change occurs in Scrooge after his transformation?

  He becomes socially conscious and assists his starving family.
• What does Scrooge's transformation represent in terms of social responsibility?

  • Scrooge's change reflects the importance of social responsibility.
  • It illustrates the potential for change in attitudes towards the poor.
• What do Ignorance and Want represent in Dickens's work?

  They represent the ignorance and greed of the upper class.
• How does Dickens evoke a protective feeling towards Ignorance and Want?

  By portraying them as children who need care and attention.
• What does Ignorance symbolize in the context of the upper class?

  It symbolizes their selfishness towards the plight of the poor.
• What does Want represent regarding the attitudes of the upper class?

  It represents their greed and uncharitable nature.
• How is London described in the setting of the story?

  As filled with fog and darkness, covered in misanthropic ice.
• What does the personification of London reflect?

  It reflects the attitudes of Londoners towards the lower class.
• What does the description of an 'obscure' part of the city filled with 'dirt' and 'filth' signify?

  It signifies the harsh realities of poverty in Dickensian London.
• How does Dickens use the setting to expose the consequences of the Industrial Revolution?

  By illustrating overcrowding and smog in the city.
• What is Dickens's aim regarding prejudices against the poor?

  To abolish prejudices and stereotypes against them.
• How do the poor maintain their spirits despite their situation?

  They create an air of cheerfulness and laugh heartily.
• What message does Dickens convey about the reader's responsibility towards the poor?

  That the reader must help them despite their situation.
• What insight does the Cratchit family provide regarding poverty?

  It provides a glimpse into the struggles faced by those living in poverty.
• What fear does Mrs. Cratchit express regarding their Christmas dinner?

  She fears that someone might have stolen it.
• How does Dickens highlight the connection between poverty and crime?

  By showing that people are forced to commit crime to provide for their families.
• What do Scrooge's Malthusian attitudes reveal about his character?

  They reveal his selfishness and criticism of the poor.
• What does Dickens suggest about the consequences of ignoring poverty?

  That it leads to worse consequences, such as crime.
• How does Scrooge represent the attitudes of the upper class?

  He refers to the poor as a 'surplus population.'
• What does Scrooge's transformation signify regarding social injustice?

  It signifies a change in attitude towards social injustice.
• How does Scrooge become more socially conscious?

  By recognizing his responsibilities towards the poor.
• How does Dickens use hyperbole in relation to Tiny Tim?

  To emphasize the impact of social responsibility.
• What does Tiny Tim's fate represent in the context of social responsibility?

  It shows that he would have died without Scrooge's help.
• Who is the main character that refuses to give money in the text?

  Scrooge
• How does Dickens show Scrooge's refusal to give money?

  By depicting Scrooge being asked to make a donation for the 'Poor and destitute'
• What does Dickens imply about the condition of the children under the Ghost of Christmas Present?

  They are 'pinched' and 'twisted' rather than happy
• What do the children named Ignorance and Want represent?

  The poor
• What does Scrooge say about the Treadmill and the Poor Law?

  He questions if they are in full vigour
• What does Scrooge's refusal to help the poor represent in Victorian society?

  • Selfishness of the richer elements
  • Injustice of wealth distribution
  • Lack of community support
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Present tell Scrooge about the children?

  They are the responsibility of all mankind
• How do the thieves react to Scrooge's possessions?

  They comment on how miserly he had been in life
• What effect does Scrooge's miserly behavior have on the reader?

  It makes them appreciate the failings of selfishness
• What is the overall message Dickens conveys through Scrooge's character?

  That community and caring for others are essential
• How does Dickens depict the consequences of Scrooge's actions on society?

  • Highlights the injustice of wealth distribution
  • Shows the impact of selfishness on the community
  • Emphasizes the need for social responsibility
• When was the Poor Law amended?

  1834
• What was the purpose of amending the Poor Law in 1834?

  To reduce the cost of helping the poor
• What happened to those desperate for assistance after the Poor Law amendment?

  They were sent to workhouses
• How does Dickens present contrasts of poverty in A Christmas Carol?

  • Poverty in the Cratchit household
  • Characters of Ignorance and Want
  • Men at a workhouse meal
  • Thieves going through Scrooge's possessions