Writer's Intentions

• How should I remember key themes?

  • SSKRR

  1. S - Selfishness / materialism
  2. S - Social injustice / poverty
  3. S - Supernatural
  4. K - Kindness / family
  5. R - Religion
  6. R - Regret / redemption
• What was Dickens' intention in crafting an allegorical story?

  • Dickens crafts an allegorical (story w/ a moral message) novella with a didactic (to teach) purpose
  • He aimed to convey a message about the virulent (harmful) consequences of avariciousness (greed) & frugality (stinginess) in society
  • He criticises the upper classes for their apathy (lack of concern) toward the poor & their complicity in perpetuating dehumanising laws & social structures through ignorance
• What was Dickens' intention in creating the ghosts?

  • Dickens crafts the ghosts as vehicles for conveying his condemnation (criticism) of the ignorance & callousness (cruelty) prevalent among the materialistic upper classes
  • Thus, the ghosts serve as Dickens' mouthpiece (can't be in the novel so they speak his beliefs), delivering a powerful message advocating for compassion & societal reform
• What was Dickens' intention in criticising the upper-class?

  • Dickens communicates to his upper-class readers the importance of repentance (remorse) & compassion increasing both personal & societal moral redemption
  • By holding a mirror to his readership, he prompts them to introspect (look in at themselves) & assess whether their attitudes perpetuate social injustice or contribute to social reform