Wealth and poverty

• What is the central theme of "A Christmas Carol"?

  Wealth and poverty
• How does Dickens use wealth and poverty in the story?

  To highlight social inequality and class differences
• Who is the author of "A Christmas Carol"?

  Charles Dickens
• What does the video suggest about the effects of being rich or poor?

  It affects characters' lives and behaviors
• What historical event triggered greater wealth disparity during Dickens's time?

  The Industrial Revolution
• What was a consequence of the Industrial Revolution for workers?

  They were paid poorly and worked in bad conditions
• What percentage of the British population belonged to the middle and upper classes during the Industrial Revolution?

  15 percent
• How did the 1834 Poor Law change the treatment of the poor?

  It established workhouses seen as prisons
• What was the public perception of the poor during Dickens's time?

  They were often viewed as lazy or drunk
• What did Malthusian theory suggest about population growth?

  It would exceed the ability to produce resources
• What did Dickens think of Malthus's ideas?

  He criticized them
• What was the role of charities in Victorian society?

  They provided some support but were insufficient
• How does Dickens present the negative aspects of wealth in "A Christmas Carol"?

  Through Scrooge's inhumane dialogue
• What does Scrooge's dialogue about the poor reveal?

  His support for the 1834 Poor Law
• What does the phrase "a golden one" refer to in the story?

  Scrooge's idolization of wealth
• What does Dickens suggest about the pursuit of wealth?

  It can lead to loss of love and happiness
• How does Scrooge's assertion about Sunday baking reflect societal attitudes?

  It shows the wealthy's disregard for the poor
• What was the impact of the Sunday Observance Bill proposed by Sir Andrew Agnew?

  It would restrict bakers from working on Sundays
• What does Scrooge's dialogue about the spirit's desires imply?

  Wealthy politicians made life harder for the poor
• How does Dickens portray charitable actions in "A Christmas Carol"?

  As necessary but insufficient to solve poverty
• What does Feziwig's generosity demonstrate about wealth?

  It can bring happiness when shared
• What are the key contextual factors influencing wealth and poverty in "A Christmas Carol"?

  • Industrial Revolution increased wealth disparity
  • Poor working conditions for laborers
  • 1834 Poor Law established workhouses
  • Malthusian theory influenced societal views
  • Charitable efforts were insufficient to address poverty
• How does Dickens structure the theme of wealth and poverty in "A Christmas Carol"?

  • Negative presentations of wealth:
  • Scrooge's inhumane views
  • Loss of love for wealth
  • Impact of societal laws on the poor
  • Positive presentations of wealth:
  • Charitable actions acknowledged
  • Generosity leading to happiness
• What does the dialogue about feziwig's generosity illustrate about wealth?

  Small acts of generosity can bring happiness
• How much did feziwig reportedly spend on the party?

  A few pounds, about 200 quid today
• How does the spirit describe feziwig's spending?

  As a small matter, downplaying its impact
• What does the phrase "so full of gratitude" imply about the party-goers?

  They are immensely appreciative of feziwig's efforts
• What does scrooge's gesture of sending a turkey signify?

  He has learned to use wealth for good
• What does scrooge ask the boy about the turkey?

  If he knows about the big turkey
• How does scrooge's action reflect his character development?

  He uses wealth to address poverty's plight
• What does the spirit's response about tiny tim's fate indicate?

  Poverty is connected to death and suffering
• What do ignorance and want symbolize in the novella?

  The perils of extreme poverty and neglect
• How does the ghost of Christmas present describe ignorance?

  As a boy with doom written on his brow
• What does scrooge's horror at the thieves reveal about societal views?

  Poverty breeds desperation leading to crime
• How does scrooge react to the thieves discussing stolen items?

  With detestation and disgust
• What does the scene with old Joe suggest about poverty's impact?

  Poverty can lead to criminal behavior
• What does Dickens suggest about the wealthy's responsibility?

  They must support the impoverished
• How is Mrs. Cratchit described in stave 3?

  Dressed poorly but brave in ribbons
• What does Mrs. Cratchit's clothing symbolize?

  Resourcefulness despite poverty
• How do the Cratchit children's reactions to dinner reflect their character?

  They are grateful for what they have