Scrooge

• What is the Scrooge quote that starts "squeezing, wrenching..." & what is the analysis for it?

  • asyndetic portrays immoral characteristics as ongoing, casting him as an unrepentant (no guilt) "sinner" in S1
  • 7 negative adjectives mirrors 7 deadly sins, parallels between Scrooge & the sins used by D to highlight how rich, symbolised by S, are more inclined towards moral transgression (go against morals) than poor
  • 'squeezing' & 'wrenching' connotes struggle, S struggles to see the detrimental consequence of his frugality (stinginess) & thus, his role in perpetuating social inequality
• What Scrooge quote that starts "by a sudden action pressed..." & what is the analysis for it?

  • aggressive verb "pressed" with the rapid adverb "sudden" delves into S's immersion in suppressed emotions, reacts irrationally out of panic, anticipates prospect of confronting stifled memories from past in S2
• What Scrooge quote that starts "seized the extinguisher-cap" & what is the analysis for it?

  • ethereal (delicate) figure, more than symbol of S's past, supernatural intervention for S's spiritual awakening, to place 'cap' upon head in futile (pointless) attempt to evade confronting own humanity & repercussions of his actions
  • the Ghost's illumination of past & interconnected nature to present, offers Scrooge chance to embark on pathway of redemption (save from sin). however, his attempt to cover the Ghost with the 'cap' signifies his reluctance to embrace this opportunity for redemption
• What Scrooge quote starts "Yellow..." and what is the analysis for it?

  • imagery "yellow" in S3 -> stark reminder of physical sickness & malnutrition endured by neglected children, consequence of societal neglect & individuals' obliviousness to social injustice
  • encounter between Scrooge & marginalised (insignificant) children illuminates their poverty & suffering caused by affluent members of society, epitomised by characters like Scrooge, whose covetousness (desire for wealth) outweighs their compassion
• What Scrooge quote starts "Scowling..." and what is the analysis for it?

  • animalistic image: feral & animalistic portrayal of children as they're described as "scowling" & "wolfish", highlights how poverty dehumanises individuals, stripping them of their humanity & reducing them to less than an animalistic state of being
  • alternatively, Dickens employs S as an extension of ignorant wealthy to encounter dehumanised poor, illustrating only remedy for societal ills is for rich to acknowledge their role in perpetuating (continuing) poverty & dehumanising impoverished (poor)
• What Scrooge quote starts "I will live in the Past..." & what is the analysis for it?

  • religious allusions through concept of "three" could be a biblical allusion to trinity -> emphasise how three ghosts acted as incarnations of God - relaying moral & religious message penetrating deeply within Scrooge in S4
  • "within me" -> internalisation of moral teaching & desperation to have the opportunity to embark on path of salvation & redemption (save from sins)
• What Scrooge quote starts "past..." & what is the analysis for it?

  • juxtaposition between 'past, present and future' -> juxtaposing passages of time serve as reflection of stark contrast between Scrooge's former avaricious (greedy) self & his transformation into a person dedicated to redemption, moral & spiritual enlightenment
  • passage of time emphasises his realisation of how his attitude in the "past" & "present" was not only perpetuating his 'solitary' existence, but also contributed to the systemic & exploitation of the vulnerable in society
• What Scrooge quote starts with "Quite a..." & what is the analysis for it?

  • Infantile language -> rebirth in S5 "baby" & "schoolboy" connote innocence & youth -> S showcasing how repenting for sins, regained youthful innocence & ability to see world in untainted light
  • "baby" -> start of life -> S reborn as has gone from selfish "old sinner" back to the most innocent form of human life - ultimate rebirth
  • In Christianity, rebirth -> spiritual renewal & connection w/ God -> intertwined in belief in Jesus's rebirth -> salvation to humanity -> Scrooge holds promise of salvation for the poor