Themes

• Who does Scrooge represent in "A Christmas Carol"?

  The Victorian rich
• What do the Cratchits represent in the novella?

  The working poor
• What belief did Dickens hold regarding social injustice?

  He believed that unfairness would eventually come back to harm humanity
• How does Dickens portray Scrooge in relation to capitalism?

  As an iconic capitalist who believes his money is solely his
• How is Scrooge described at the start of the novella?

  Isolated and miserable
• What does the simile "solitary as an oyster" suggest about Scrooge?

  He has hidden goodness inside him
• What does Marley’s realization foreshadow for Scrooge?

  Scrooge's potential transformation
• What does Scrooge's agony over Tiny Tim's predicted death signify?

  His emotional change and growing compassion
• How does Scrooge's attitude change from Stave 1 to later in the novella?

  He learns compassion and connects with humanity