The Cratchits As A Whole

• Who are the members of the Cratchit family?

  Bob, his wife, and six children
• How are the Cratchit family presented in "A Christmas Carol"?

  As a loving, impoverished family
• What role do the Cratchits play in the story?

  They humanize the impoverished through their struggles
• What is Tiny Tim's relationship to the Cratchit family?

  He is one of their six children
• Why does Dickens portray the Cratchit family as important characters?

  They appear in every stave of the story
• What does Dickens suggest about Scrooge's view of the poor?

  He sees them as less than human
• How does Tiny Tim's death impact the portrayal of poverty?

  It demonizes poverty and its consequences
• What does Tiny Tim symbolize in the story?

  Class disparity and the impact of poverty
• What does Bob Cratchit's dialogue reveal about his character?

  He is meek and subservient to Scrooge
• How does Dickens describe Mrs. Cratchit's clothing?

  She wears a twice-turned gown
• What does the twice-turned gown signify about the Cratchit family?

  They are poor and cannot afford new clothes
• How does Peter Cratchit's shirt collar reflect the family's financial situation?

  He wears a monstrous collar belonging to Bob
• What does the Cratchit family's Christmas dinner reveal about their values?

  They value togetherness over material wealth
• How does Dickens portray the Cratchits' resourcefulness?

  They make do with what little they have
• What does the phrase "eeked out" refer to in the context of the Cratchit dinner?

  Stretching their meal with cheap ingredients
• How does the Cratchit family's cooperation during dinner preparation reflect their relationship?

  It shows they are a tight-knit, loving family
• What does Mrs. Cratchit's greeting of her daughter suggest about family dynamics?

  It indicates warmth and affection in the family
• How does the Cratchit family cope with their impoverished situation?

  They appreciate what they have and make do
• What impression do we get of the Cratchit family?

  They are a tight-knit, loving family
• What does Dickens suggest about the Cratchit family's cooperation during dinner preparation?

  They work together as a solid team
• What contrasting emotions are depicted in the Cratchit family regarding love?

  Love is shown in both joy and grief
• What atmosphere is described in the Cratchit household when Scrooge visits with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?

  It is quiet and somber
• How does Bob Cratchit react to Tiny Tim's death?

  He openly sobs and weeps
• What does the repetition of "little" and exclamation marks in Bob's dialogue suggest?

  His grief is overwhelming and uncontrollable
• What does Bob's reaction to Scrooge's offer of a raise indicate about his beliefs on social mobility?

  He is shocked and disbelieving
• How does Mrs. Cratchit respond to Bob's toast to Scrooge?

  She sarcastically wishes to confront Scrooge
• What does the clash between Bob and Mrs. Cratchit during the toast reveal?

  Different attitudes towards their situation
• What does Dickens aim to show by humanizing the Cratchit family?

  They are real people with diverse attitudes
• What is social mobility as discussed in the context of the Cratchit family?

  Changing social status for the better
• How does Peter Cratchit's dialogue reflect his feelings about social mobility?

  He is skeptical yet intrigued by the idea
• What does Bob's comment about Peter's future suggest about his own beliefs?

  He believes escaping poverty is difficult
• How does Dickens change the way Bob is referred to throughout the story?

  He is named instead of just called "the clerk"
• What does the change in Bob's naming signify about Scrooge's perception?

  Scrooge sees Bob as a human being
• How can the Cratchit family be summarized in terms of their characteristics?

  • They are impoverished but loving
  • Each member has distinct personalities
  • Bob is meek and downtrodden
  • Mrs. Cratchit is frustrated with poverty
  • Tiny Tim is kind-hearted and thoughtful
• Why might some argue that the Cratchits are the main characters in "A Christmas Carol"?

  • They embody the struggles of the poor
  • Tiny Tim's fate inspires Scrooge's change
  • Their love contrasts with Scrooge's initial greed
• What is the significance of the Cratchit family's love in the story?

  • It highlights the importance of family
  • Love persists despite financial struggles
  • It serves as a critique of social injustices