Victorian home

• the theme of family in Dickens novel closely ties with his greater agenda to publicize the emotional element to Christmas. Therefore, he emphasises the importance of family during the festive time
• Contextually - Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had 9 children - their family was idolised - ideas about family were changing so readers were more likely to be receptive of Dicken's presentation of the theme
• he emphasis the idea of family in detail, highlighting the positives and explaining the negatives that an absence of family can have. He does this by presenting family as joyous, strengthening and affectionate. This contrasts Scrooge in the beginning of the play which introduces the idea that the absence of family causes Scrooges hateful characteristics
• Positive family effects - Fred

  creates a positive atmosphere which effects Scrooge and the tome of narration from the beginning

  Dickens uses quotes such as 'external heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge' implying Fred's virtue is stronger then nature - highlights the importance of family

  Scrooge isolates himself from his family, declining is invitation. When the Ghost of Christmas Present shows him he has a loving family, Dickens shows having a supportive family helps people develop
• Positive family effects - Bob Cratchit

  Large families like the Cratchits were prevalent in the 19th century, Dickens used them to be a relatable representation of the lower class. He focuses on the families unity, happiness and strength despite their financial struggles. This shows poverty is not the barrier to happiness
• Positive family effects - minor characters

  Dickens uses minor characters to imply that family is essential and it should be interwoven into everyone's life. Dickens shows this when Scrooge is with the Ghost of Christmas Present by including subtle comments about how lonely he is
• Negative effects of the absence of family - Fanny

  When Fanny comes to take Scrooge home from Boarding school, she says their father is now 'kinder' and their home is now 'like heaven'. This simile shows how powerful having family is, emphasising its importance. Therefore, when Scrooge glances 'anxiously at the door' and 'mournfully' shakes his head, the audience understood his deep sorrow at her death
• Negative effects of an absence of family - Belle

  when Scrooge is taken to see Belle, she reveals that she has been replace by a 'golden' idol. This reference how Scrooge is now greedy and obsessed with money. It shows how Scrooges 'passion' for money ruined their relationship. This shows how his greediness ruined his relationship and his chances to start a family. This magnitude of his loss is shown when he see's Belle with her children, which makes him question his life choices