The Cratchits

• Dickens wants to show the middle classes that the poor co-operate and show love through mutual support.
• The fire represents the Cratchit’s Christmas spirit , which is strong throughout Stave three.
• Bob carries the family financially, despite the heavy burden.
• The Cratchit family are Christians who value love and family over materialism.
• Bob values people according to their character, not their wealth.
• Dickens exaggerates the Cratchit family’s reaction to emphasise how grateful they are. Ironically, the reader can clearly see the meal is not a 'feast’ and causes sympathy.
• Scrooge continues to grow as a person, realising that value should not be attached to money. He asks if Tiny Tim will be "spared", showing he is now interested in other people.
• The atmosphere is overflowing with positive Christian spirit which starkly contrasts with the desperate poverty of the family.
• Scrooge is further shamed by the poverty of the Cratchits and their humility is a emphasised as they are grateful for everything they have.