A Christmas carol

• A Christmas Carol: Plot Summary
• A Christmas Carol: Themes
• A Christmas Carol: Characters
• A Christmas Carol: Context
• A Christmas Carol: Writer's Methods & Techniques
• A Christmas Carol: Key Quotations
• The relationship between Scrooge and Marley is established from the very beginning, characterised by business partnership rather than affectionate friendship.
• Dickens uses the character of Fred, with his optimism and cheerfulness, to make Scrooge’s miserly and pessimistic behaviour appear even worse.
• Scrooge’s initial character is revealed through his relationship with the rest of society, being entirely isolated and ostracised from those around him.
• Scrooge’s lack of emotion makes the reader initially view him as callous and hard-hearted.
• Bob is presented as the ideal family figure, being a devoted father and husband who is loved and respected by his family.
• Dickens presents the concept of family in a positive light through characters such as the Cratchits and Fred, emphasising the fundamental importance of family to people’s lives.
• Scrooge does eventually reconnect with his family through Fred and establishes a ‘new’ family through the Cratchits.
• Dickens demonstrates how an obsession with greed and material possessions can destroy relationships.
• Dickens demonstrates how Scrooge’s relationship and engagement with Belle were destroyed by Scrooge’s obsession with money, representing the contented life that Scrooge could have had and underscoring the corrosive consequences of greed and the terrible consequences it can have on a loving relationship.
• Fred is Scrooge’s only nephew yet Scrooge displays an aloofness and hostility towards him and refuses to celebrate Christmas with Fred’s family.
• Dickens underscores his message about the importance of family and its centrality to people’s lives.
• Dickens references both the innocent (“angel”, “schoolboy”), alongside the outwardly depraved (“drunken man”), suggesting he has found a connection to all people, despite their differences.
• The repeated use of the personal pronoun “my” suggests a close bond.
• Dickens illustrates Scrooge’s contempt and aversion towards Christmas at the beginning of the novella.
• These quotes are uttered by Scrooge towards the end of the novella when he has finally redeemed himself.
• This contrasts with Scrooge’s character embracing Christmas at the end of the novella.
• “Every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart” – Scrooge, Stave I
• Through the character of Scrooge, Dickens conveys a universal message that everyone is capable of change, regardless of how impossible it may seem.
• Bob’s change in character due to Tiny Tim’s predicted death, demonstrates his affection for his son and shows how the loss of a loved one can impact someone’s life.
• This quote is made by Scrooge when he discusses Christmas with his nephew Fred.
• Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
• Dickens uses the imagery of Christmas, but subverts it to something grotesque: “boiled with his own pudding” “stake of holly through his heart”.
• Dickens presents Scrooge’s transformation from avarice to benevolence and by the end of the novella, Scrooge has been transformed into a charitable philanthropist.
• Dickens presents Bob as a devoted father and husband and his relationship with his children is shown as loving and affectionate.
• Dickens highlights the importance of charity and benevolence but he also illustrates how the poor are not provided with the resources to help themselves and instead is reliant on the charity of others.
• Dickens makes poverty a serious concern within the novella and demonstrates how it can destroy lives.
• Despite Scrooge’s cruelty towards Bob and his wife’s anger towards Scrooge, the family still display their compassion in raising a toast to Scrooge.
• Bob is presented as a devoted father and loving husband which is in sharp contrast to Scrooge.
• The dwelling of the Cratchits is small and humble.
• Dickens presents many examples of poverty and suffering throughout the novella which demonstrates the contrasts between the rich and poor.
• Dickens attempts to ensure Scrooge becomes aware of his own poverty in relation to benevolence and kindness towards those who are less fortunate than him.
• Dickens depicts the devastating consequences of a system in which Tiny Tim could potentially die.
• Bob’s insufficient wages mean that he cannot provide adequate care for his son.
• By being a better employer, Scrooge could help to make the Cratchit family have a better life.