minor characters

• Who is Fred in the novella?

  Scrooge's nephew
• How is Fred described in the novella?

  Ruddy and handsome
• What effect does Fred's youthful atmosphere have on the reader?

  It causes the reader to warm to him
• What do Fred's sparkling eyes symbolize?

  Cheerfulness and excitement
• What motif is associated with Fred's arrival in the novella?

  The motif of light
• What does Dickens symbolize with descriptions of light?

  Innocence and goodness
• How does Fred's character serve the narrative?

  He embodies innocence and goodness
• What is Fred's defining feature throughout the novella?

  His optimistic outlook
• How does Fred respond to Scrooge's behavior?

  He vows to visit him yearly
• What does Fred's constant presence add to the novella?

  Stability amidst Scrooge's transformation
• How does Fred serve as a foil to Scrooge?

  He contrasts Scrooge's negative qualities
• What atmosphere does Fred's character introduce?

  A warm and cheerful atmosphere
• How does Dickens use juxtaposition with Fred and Scrooge?

  To emphasize their contrasting qualities
• What is Scrooge's infamous catchphrase?

  Bah Humbug
• What does Scrooge's phrase "Bah Humbug" symbolize?

  His negative attitude
• How does Scrooge's isolation manifest in the novella?

  He is described as "solitary as an oyster"
• How does Fred show empathy towards Scrooge?

  He feels sorry for him
• What does Fred's kindness represent in society?

  Hope for societal improvement
• How is Fred characterized at his Christmas party?

  As social and joyful
• What does Scrooge's observation of Fred's party signify?

  His outsider status
• Who is Fanny in relation to Scrooge?

  Scrooge's younger sister
• What does Fanny represent in the novella?

  Love, youth, and optimism
• How does Fanny's character contrast with Scrooge's portrayal?

  She embodies Christmas spirit
• What does Fanny's assertion about Christmas reveal about Scrooge?

  He once loved Christmas
• How does Fanny humanize Scrooge?

  By showing his positive emotions
• What theme does Fanny's character reinforce?

  The importance of family
• How does Dickens use repetition in Fanny's speech?

  To emphasize the value of family life
• What does Scrooge's father's kindness imply?

  Potential for Scrooge's transformation
• Why is Dickens vague about Scrooge's family life?

  To prevent excessive sympathy for Scrooge
• What do Ignorance and Want symbolize?

  Societal issues and poverty
• How does Dickens portray the suffering of children?

  As a consequence of societal issues
• What is the purpose of Ignorance and Want in the novella?

  To show the effects of poverty
• How does Scrooge relate to Ignorance and Want?

  He ignores the plight of the poor
• What do the themes of poverty and social injustice represent?

  Key factors contributing to societal issues
• How does Dickens address philanthropy in the novella?

  By highlighting its growing popularity
• What do the warnings to Scrooge represent?

  They urge mankind to change their ways
• How was Scrooge a victim of ignorance?

  He ignored the plight of the working class
• What does Scrooge's fixation on money stem from?

  His fear of poverty
• What does Scrooge say is “hard as poverty”?

  Nothing
• What are the key themes in the novella?

  • Poverty/Social Injustice
  • Supernatural elements