THE CRATCHITS ANALYSIS

• Why does Dickens omit Bob Cratchit's name in Stave 1?


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• How is his relationship with his kids presented?

  He has a close, affectionate, loving relationship with the rest of his family, including his kids. "Tiny Tim up on his shoulder" or "Why, where's our Martha", show his concern of his daughter whereabouts and genuine care for his children.
• Despite being treated cruelly by his employer, Bob proposes a toast to Scrooge and encourages his reluctant family to do so as well: What does this show?

  This emphasises Bob's kind-spirited and forgiving nature, as he is presented as a virtuous and righteous character. This presentation invokes sympathy from the reader, he remains patient and courteous to Scrooge, despite his poor treatment.
• What do Bob symbolise?

  Bob is symbolic of the lower classes and their dependence on their employers. Bob's situation depends on businessmen like Scrooge in the higher classes, and so does the fate of his family, emphasising the poor conditions and treatment employees have to go through by the employers due to their desperate financial state, and symbolises the power of the higher classes over the poor. Dickens is criticising this throughout the novel, due to his experience in the lower class and in workhouses.
• What role does the Cratchit family play in A Christmas Carol?


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• How does Dickens depict Bob Cratchit’s character?

  Bob Cratchit is depicted as a hardworking and loyal clerk who endures Scrooge's mistreatment with patience and dignity. He is a devoted father and husband, prioritizing his family’s happiness despite their financial struggles. Bob represents the virtues of humility, love, and perseverance, standing as a moral counterpoint to Scrooge’s greed and selfishness. His character illustrates the human cost of economic inequality in a divided society.
• What is the significance of Tiny Tim in the story?

  Tiny Tim symbolizes innocence, hope, and the fragility of life. Dickens uses Tiny Tim to evoke sympathy from both Scrooge and the reader, serving as a catalyst for Scrooge’s transformation. Tim’s iconic line, “God bless us, every one!” emphasizes the theme of universal compassion and goodwill. Scrooge's transformation is also conveys through his attitudes to Tiny Tim's poor welfare. "If they would rather die, then they better had to it quickly" "and decrease the surplus population" , compared to Stave 3, "tell me if Tiny Tim will live."
• How does Dickens portray the Cratchit family dynamic?

  The Cratchit family dynamic is one of unity, love, and resilience. Each family member contributes to the warmth and strength of the household, despite their limited means. Dickens emphasizes their mutual support and shared joy, particularly in scenes like the Christmas dinner. This dynamic contrasts sharply with Scrooge’s isolated life and underscores the importance of familial bonds over material wealth.
• What social issues does the Cratchit family represent?

  The Cratchit family represents the struggles of the working poor in Victorian England, emphasizing themes of inequality, injustice, and the need for social reform. Dickens uses their story to critique the lack of support for impoverished families, especially those with vulnerable members like Tiny Tim. The Cratchits’ plight highlights the consequences of neglecting the poor and the moral obligation of society to provide aid and compassion.
• How does Scrooge’s view of the Cratchit family change over the course of the novella?

  At first, Scrooge sees the Cratchits as insignificant, with Bob being merely “the clerk” and his family irrelevant. However, through the Ghosts’ revelations, Scrooge witnesses the Cratchits’ struggles, love, and Tiny Tim’s vulnerability. This fosters a sense of empathy and responsibility in Scrooge, leading him to appreciate their value as individuals. By the end of the novella, Scrooge becomes a benefactor to the family, ensuring their well-being and demonstrating his moral transformation.
• Who is Scrooge's clerk in "A Christmas Carol"?

  Bob Cratchit
• How does Bob Cratchit refer to Scrooge during the feast?

  As ‘the Founder of the Feast’
• What does Bob's toast to Scrooge reveal about his character?

  His Christian generosity despite hardship
• How does Mrs. Cratchit contrast with Bob's attitude towards Scrooge?

  She expresses indignation towards Scrooge
• What does Mrs. Cratchit wish to do to Scrooge?

  Give him a piece of her mind
• What does Dickens suggest about Christmas through the dialogue in the story?

  It emphasizes forgiveness and goodwill
• How does Dickens depict Bob Cratchit at work?

  As a dedicated employee despite mistreatment
• What does Bob wear to keep warm at work?

  A comforter (scarf)
• How does Dickens illustrate Bob's struggle to stay warm?

  By showing his small fire and cold conditions
• What does the size of Bob's fire symbolize?

  His lack of resources and comfort
• How does Dickens evoke empathy for Bob Cratchit?

  By detailing his cold working conditions
• What does Bob do after leaving Scrooge's office?

  Runs home to play with his family
• How does Bob feel about Christmas?

  He is excited and joyful
• How is Mrs. Cratchit described in terms of her clothing?

  Wearing a twice-turned gown
• What do Mrs. Cratchit's ribbons symbolize?

  Her effort to celebrate Christmas
• How does Mrs. Cratchit's appearance contrast with Scrooge's environment?

  Her decorations contrast with Scrooge's bare rooms
• How is Mrs. Cratchit defined in relation to Bob?

  As Bob's ‘good wife’
• What does Fred express after Tiny Tim's death?

  His condolences for Bob's good wife
• What does the conversation about Mrs. Cratchit reveal about societal attitudes?

  Women judged by their roles as wives
• How does Dickens reflect his views on marriage through Bob and Mrs. Cratchit?

  He emphasizes obedience and submission of wives
• What does Mrs. Cratchit express about Scrooge at Christmas dinner?

  Her dislike for him
• How does Bob respond to Mrs. Cratchit's criticism of Scrooge?

  He reminds her it is Christmas Day
• What does Mrs. Cratchit's obedience to Bob signify?

  Conformity to societal expectations of wives
• What legal rights did married women lack in 1843?

  They had no legal rights
• What happened to a woman's possessions upon marriage in 1843?

  They belonged to her husband
• How did marriage affect a woman's earnings in 1843?

  She had to give her earnings to her husband
• Why was it difficult for Mrs. Cratchit to work outside the home?

  She had six children to care for
• What does Bob Cratchit's job security signify for his family?

  It is crucial for their financial stability
• What are the key themes presented in the Cratchit family's portrayal?

  • Exploitation and underpayment of workers
  • Christian generosity in hardship
  • The importance of family and joy during Christmas
  • Societal expectations of women and marriage
• How does Dickens use character interactions to convey social commentary?

  • Bob's generosity contrasts with Scrooge's miserly nature
  • Mrs. Cratchit's emotional response highlights women's societal roles
  • Bob's mildness reflects the moral leadership expected of husbands