Family

• The cratchit's family love and unity

  • "They were happy, grateful, pleased with one another, and contented"
  • Highlights warmth and closeness despite their economic hardships
  • Emphasises importance of love and companionship over material wealth
  • "brave in ribbons" (Mrs C + Belinda Cratchit)
  • metaphor- exudes confidence and a sense of defiance
  • Symbolism- defiance of social norms
  • Make the most of what is bestowed upon them despite economical issues
• As good as gold

  • reference to dying Tiny Tim
  • Simile- comparing goodness and value of someone to that of gold
  • Imagery- evokes imagery of gold- valuable, precious metal often associated to wealth and purity
  • elect admiration and approval from readers, moral lessons, prompt reflection
• Positive effects of family

  • Fred, positive atmosphere
  • "heated himself" "a glow" "eyes sparkled"
  • Significant as dickens claimed that "external heat and cold had little influence on scrooge" - Freds virtue is stronger than the force of nature: Spotlight the power and value of family
  • Scrooge isolates himself- refuses to "dine" with Fred could argued as direct link to his downfall
  • Supprituve family is instrumental in the development of a person
• Negative effects of an absent family

  Fanny- "Father is so much kinder, than he used to be" "Home is like heaven" > Powerful simile- highlighting power family can have emphasising importance > Her death had a great profound effect on him- remarkable change in his character

  Belle- "Another idol has displaced me" "a golden one"

  > reference to Scrooge's passion and pursuit for money

  > Scrooge's inclination towards money and relationships has damaged opportunities

  >"Called him father" Pitiful sentiment, highlights regret of realisation importance of family