Theme of family

• Context:

  • significant as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had nine children together and their family was idealised and perceived to be model.
  • Ideas about family were changing during the Victorian era so readers were more likely to be receptive to Dickens' presentation of the theme.
• ideas surrounding family: Cratchits

  • highlighting the positive effects that family can have the negative consequences could arise due to the absence of family.
  • He builds on this by presenting the theme of family as one which embodies joy, strength and affection.
  • could be argued that Scrooge begins the novella as the complete antithesis to these ideas.
  • This introduces the idea that the absence of family may be one of the key factors which contributed to Scrooge's initially abhorrent characterisation.
• Scrooge who isolates himself from his family:

  • seen when he refuses Fred's invitation to "dine" with him on Christmas.
  • directly links to his downfall, as highlighted by the Ghost of Christmas Present who takes him to Fred's party.
  • There, he acknowledges that if he had experienced a loving family "years ago" then he might have "cultivated the kindness of life".
  • This presents the idea that a supportive family is instrumental in the development of a person
  • so the concept of family should be seen as paramount in society.
• Cratchits:

  • Large families like the Cratchits were prevalent in the nineteenth century
  • 
    
  • Dickens constructs the Cratchits to be a relatable presentation of the lower class. He idealises their family by focussing on their unity, happiness and strength despite their financial struggles.
  • This conveys the idea that poverty is not a barrier to happiness.