Contextual History

• Poor Law of 1834

  Dickens hated the poor law as it was a horrible and lazy attempt at reducing the amount of poverty; which contributed to it even more, the law ensures that the poor are in workhouses, causing the poor to be trapped
• Christmas Traditions Renaissance

  19th Century saw a sudden revival of the true christmas spirit; this is best seen through the progression of Scrooges character
• Ragged Schools

  19th Century saw the development of many ragged schools, Dickens supported this as it gave education to the less fortunate
• Christian Movement

  concerns about social justice align with the making of the christian movement
• Dickens Religion

  As can be seen in his text, dickens is a chrisitian, this explains his choices when writing a christmas carol
• Marxist Critical Theory

  This theory shows the adverse effect that the disparity between the greedy bourgeoisie like Scrooge and the proletariat population like Bob Cratchlit
• Psychoanalytical Critical Theory

  This theory delves into the deeper motivating factors of someones actions whether good or bad
• Oedipus Complex

  While not explicitly defined in the story, this complex could possibly link to Scrooges shut off nature to those around him
• Psychosexual Development

  Again whilst not explicitly stated, Scrooges lack of motherhood or his lack of a proper developed childhood may be the root of his wary and cautious nature
• Freudian Critical Theory

  Id) Scrooges instincts which involve his selfish and miserly actions

  Ego) This is where Scrooge starts mediating between his selfish nature and his generous nature

  Superego) Where the moral concepts implemented by the 3 spirits of Christmas and Marley's Ghost
• Feminism

  The representation of female characters such as Fan(Scrooges sister) and Mrs Cratchlit show how society view the roles of women in society as a whole