poverty

• What is the thematic focus of 'A Christmas Carol'?

  Poverty and social injustice
• How is the theme of poverty introduced in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  Through charity collectors visiting Scrooge
• What do the charity collectors make readers aware of?

  The "poor and destitute" suffering in society
• What does Dickens believe literature should convey?

  Ethical and political statements
• What effect does character exploration have on readers?

  It makes them more receptive to Dickens' message
• What attitude does Scrooge initially represent?

  The selfish attitude of the upper class
• What does Scrooge call the poor in Stave One?

  "The surplus population"
• What does Scrooge's transformation signify?

  Change in attitudes towards social injustice
• How does Dickens portray social responsibility?

  As essential for the benefit of society
• What fate does Tiny Tim face without Scrooge's help?

  He would have died
• How does Dickens describe London in relation to poverty?

  Filled with "fog and darkness"
• What does the personification of ice in London suggest?

  Reflects the attitudes of London inhabitants
• What does Dickens highlight about the Industrial Revolution's impact?

  It caused overcrowding and smog
• What stereotype does Dickens dispel about the impoverished?

  That they cannot be happy
• How do the lower classes respond to their conditions?

  They maintain an "air of cheerfulness"
• What do Ignorance and Want represent in the novella?

  Social responsibility and abandonment of the poor
• How does Dickens provoke a response from readers regarding Ignorance and Want?

  By depicting them as vulnerable children
• What does Old Joe represent in the novella?

  The harsh realities of poverty
• How does Dickens link poverty to crime?

  Poverty breeds crime and societal impacts
• What does Scrooge's isolation in death signify?

  Consequences of his Malthusian attitude
• How does the dynamic between Bob Cratchit and Scrooge symbolize class relations?

  Bob fears Scrooge's dominance over him
• What change occurs in Scrooge's attitude towards Bob Cratchit?

  He raises Bob's salary after redemption
• What does Mrs. Cratchit worry about regarding Christmas dinner?

  That it might be stolen
• What does Dickens highlight through Mrs. Cratchit's worries?

  The lengths people go to feed families
• What overarching issue does Dickens address through poverty?

  It causes multiple societal problems