bob cratchit

• Bob Cratchit is introduced in "A Christmas Carol" as a timid and nervous man, initially unnamed and referred to as "the Clerk," symbolizing how the lower class lacked individual identity and were defined by their service
• Bob Cratchit represents the plight of the poor in the novella, being an immediate source of sympathy
• When the Ghost of Christmas Present visits, Bob is depicted as a loving father and husband, showcasing an idealized view of the lower class
• Dickens presents Bob Cratchit as a multi-faceted character, defying Victorian literature norms that often depicted the working class as peripheral and unimportant
• During the Victorian era, 'bob' was slang for 'shilling,' adding depth to Dickens' choice of Bob Cratchit's name
• Bob Cratchit's character highlights themes of poverty, challenging misconceptions about the poor by portraying the Cratchits as hardworking and content despite their circumstances
• Religion is explored through Bob, emphasizing his deep emotional connection with religious values and moral righteousness
• Dickens uses Bob Cratchit to highlight the theme of family, portraying him as an ideal family figure who values, loves, and respects his family
• Bob's character development in "A Christmas Carol" shows a transformation from a poorly paid and maltreated Clerk to a more well-off individual, paralleling Scrooge's own personal growth
• Bob remains a compassionate and righteous character throughout the novella, carefully constructed by Dickens to act as an idealized representation of the lower class
• Bob displays compassion as he forgives Scrooge for mistreating him, further idealizing his character
• Bob's character development in the novella is dependent on Scrooge, symbolizing the power and superiority of the upper class over the poorer members of society
• In the opening stave of the novella, Scrooge is cruel and merciless towards Bob, characterizing Scrooge as the villain
• Bob's relationship with Mrs. Cratchit furthers the idealization of his character as they cultivate love and happiness between them
• Bob's behavior towards Mrs. Cratchit when proposing a toast to Scrooge showcases his patience and righteousness, elevating his position
• Tiny Tim, Bob's youngest child, showcases the loving aspect of Bob's character and adds religious weight to his goodness
• Bob's relationship with his remaining children highlights the extent to which he values his family, presenting an ideal quality for readers to aspire to
• The quote "He tried to warm himself at the candle" conveys Bob's helplessness and the poor provisions in place for him at work
• The quote "I'll give you Mr. Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!" exemplifies Bob's patience and compassion towards his employer, highlighting the superiority of the rich over the lower class
• The quote about the pudding emphasizes Bob's appreciation towards his family and the unity within the Cratchit family, presenting them as an idealized representation of the lower class