Poverty and social justice

• • thematic focus in poverty and social injustice underpins the novella
  • Charity collectors make readers aware of the "poor and destitute" in society who are suffering "greatly"
  • Dickens has strong social commitment use of literature to convey ethical and political statements
• Social responsibility and scrooge's transformation

  • Scrooge is initially represented with selfish attitudes
  • "Decrease the surplus population" "Are there any workhouses"
  • Dickens presents impact that social responsibility can have in a hyperbolic fashion- achieved through fate of Tiny Tim of scrooge had not intervened with financial support
  • Scrooge's transformation "I will honour Christmas in my heart"
  • Symbolises potential for individuals to overcome societal injustice perpetuated by greed and indifference
• Spirit are they yours? / They are man's

  • personification of ignorance and want impoverished children serves as a powerful commentary on social injustices as they are seen as innocent
  • Suggesting neglecting the poor symbolised by ignorance and want, will ultimately lead to downfall
  • Highlights moral imperative to address poverty and inequality as ignoring leads to dire consequences for society as a whole
• Bob cratchit's working conditions

  • eager salary underscores economic hardship faced by working-class families
  • "dismal cell"- cell connotes punishment and prison, imagery of a small room for the underserving - ironic as bob does everything for a merger wage
  • "one coal"- motif of light, represents morality and warmth exerted from inner being due to their compassion and correct moral compass in comparison to scrooge. Presents scrooge's frivolous and avaricious nature