the cratchits

• Who represents the exploited employee in "A Christmas Carol"?

  Bob Cratchit
• What does Bob Cratchit toast Scrooge as?

  ‘The Founder of the Feast’
• How does Dickens portray Bob Cratchit's spirit despite his hardships?

  Through his Christian generosity and resilience
• What is Mrs. Cratchit’s attitude towards Scrooge?

  She expresses righteous indignation towards him
• How does Mrs. Cratchit calm her anger towards Scrooge?

  By being reminded that it is Christmas
• What does Dickens suggest about forgiveness during Christmas?

  It is an important expectation during the season
• How does Bob Cratchit try to keep warm at work?

  By wearing a comforter and warming himself at a candle
• What does the size of Bob's fire indicate about his situation?

  It shows his extreme financial hardship
• What does Dickens invite the reader to feel towards Bob Cratchit?

  Empathy for his difficult circumstances
• What does Bob do after leaving Scrooge's office?

  He runs home to play with his family
• How does Mrs. Cratchit dress for Christmas?

  In a twice-turned gown with ribbons
• What does Mrs. Cratchit's effort to dress up signify?

  Her desire to celebrate despite poverty
• How does Bob Cratchit describe his wife to Fred?

  As a ‘good wife’
• What societal attitudes does Dickens highlight regarding married women?

  They were judged by their roles as wives
• What does Bob's response to Mrs. Cratchit's criticism reveal?

  His mildness and adherence to Christmas values
• What were married women’s legal rights in 1843?

  They had no legal rights
• What happens to a woman's possessions upon marriage?

  They belong to her husband
• How does Mrs. Cratchit's financial situation affect her role?

  She is dependent on Bob for support
• What does Dickens suggest about Bob Cratchit's job security?

  It is crucial for his family's survival
• What are the key themes presented through Bob and Mrs. Cratchit in "A Christmas Carol"?

  • Exploitation and underpayment of workers
  • Christian generosity in hardship
  • Gender roles and expectations of women
  • Importance of family and resilience
  • Societal attitudes towards marriage and women
• How does Dickens contrast the Cratchit family's Christmas with Scrooge's lifestyle?

  • Cratchits celebrate with warmth and love
  • Scrooge's home is cold and bare
  • Mrs. Cratchit's efforts contrast with Scrooge's indifference
  • Bob's joy contrasts with Scrooge's miserly ways
• Who does Tiny Tim represent in Victorian society?

  Vulnerable children with disabilities
• What does Bob Cratchit do with Tiny Tim?

  He carries him upon his shoulder
• What does Dickens believe about children with disabilities?

  They have value in the eyes of God
• How does Tiny Tim's character encourage reflection on religion?

  He embodies biblical stories of Jesus' compassion
• What does Bob Cratchit say about Tiny Tim's hope during Christmas?

  He hopes people see him in church
• What happens to Tiny Tim at the end of the novella?

  His condition improves drastically
• How does Scrooge's attitude change affect Tiny Tim?

  It leads to Tiny Tim's survival
• Who is Peter Cratchit?

  Bob's eldest son on the verge of manhood
• What symbolizes Peter's transition to manhood?

  A new shirt that is too big
• What does the oversized shirt suggest about Peter's situation?

  He is too young for the workforce
• What does the second-hand shirt indicate about the Cratchit family?

  They cannot afford new clothes
• What does Peter Cratchit yearn to do?

  Show off his linen in fashionable parks
• How does Dickens portray Martha Cratchit?

  As an exploited, underpaid apprentice
• What does Martha's late arrival home signify?

  She works long hours, even on Christmas
• What irony does Dickens use regarding Martha's job?

  She makes hats for the rich but can't afford them
• What does the 1847 Factory Act state?

  Women and children should work a maximum of 10 hours
• Why might Martha Cratchit lack legal protection?

  Because the story is set in 1843
• What task is Belinda Cratchit performing when we first meet her?

  Helping her mother with domestic tasks
• What does the phrase 'brave in ribbons' imply about Belinda?

  She is learning gender-assigned roles