Malthus and the 1834 Poor Law

• Who wrote about the inevitability of poverty in 1798?

  Thomas Malthus
• What did Malthus argue about human population growth?

  It grows faster than food supplies
• How did Malthus view the relationship between overpopulation and poverty?

  Poverty is the inevitable result of overpopulation
• What did Malthus suggest regarding family planning?

  People should have families later and fewer children
• What was Dickens's view on Malthus's argument?

  He believed Malthus was wrong
• According to Dickens, what was the reason for poverty despite food abundance?

  The rich were too selfish to share wealth
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Present show Scrooge in Chapter Three?

  Bustling shops with a large amount of food
• How does Dickens emphasize the availability of food in his narrative?

  Through a lengthy, mouth-watering description
• What does Scrooge's statement about the poor in Chapter One reference?

  Malthus's theories on population control
• How does Dickens portray Malthus's views through Scrooge's character?

  As cruel and lacking compassion
• What did some people believe about helping the poor?

  It made poverty worse
• What was Malthus's argument regarding poor laws in Britain?

  Poverty relief encouraged laziness and reduced work incentive
• What significant change occurred in 1834 regarding the Poor Law?

  A new Poor Law was introduced
• What did the 1834 Poor Law require from unemployed people?

  They had to enter a workhouse for aid
• What were the conditions like in workhouses?

  They were extremely harsh and unpleasant
• How did workhouses discourage reliance on society?

  By making conditions deliberately unpleasant
• What is the main theme of Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" regarding the poor?

  It criticizes the uncaring attitude towards the poor
• What does Scrooge tell the charity collectors in Chapter One?

  He can't afford to "make idle people merry"
• What does Scrooge say he supports instead of charity?

  Prisons and workhouses
• How does Scrooge's attitude appear in the story?

  His views seem cruel and unfeeling
• What does Scrooge realize when he sees Tiny Tim and Ignorance and Want?

  His beliefs about the poor were wrong
• What does the spirit quote to Scrooge regarding his past comments?

  His harsh comments about "surplus population"
• Who is a key figure that argued against helping the poor?

  Malthus
• What was the purpose of the 1834 Poor Law?

  To reduce financial help for the poor
• What does the character of Tiny Tim represent in "A Christmas Carol"?

  A symbol of the poor and vulnerable
• How does Dickens portray Scrooge's transformation?

  From cruel to compassionate towards the poor