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Tell us Scroll for more Log in Join Now GCSE IGCSE AS A Level O Level IB AP Other Hub Join Now Log in Missing something? Tell us 📣 Introducing AI Marking for English Literature 🤖 ✨ Accurate essay marks and AI Examiner feedback in a snip. Take me there GCSE English Literature AQA Revision Notes 2. The 19th Century Novel A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol: Themes A Christmas Carol: Themes ( AQA GCSE English Literature ) Revision Note Download PDF Test Yourself Flashcards Author Nick Themes Exam responses that are led by ideas are more likely to reach the highest levels of the mark scheme. Exploring the ideas of the text, specifically in relation to the question being asked, will help to increase your fluency and assurance in writing about the text. Below are some ideas which could be explored in A Christmas Carol. This list is not exhaustive and you are encouraged to identify other ideas within the text. Poverty Family and Relationships Transformation and Redemption Death and Loss Poverty The theme of poverty is one of the most p revalent themes within the text. Dickens makes the reader fully aware of the "poor and destitute" from the outset and this is continued throughout the n ovella . Knowledge and evidence: Dickens presents many examples of poverty and suffering throughout the novella which demonstrates the contrasts between the rich and poor: Their appearance is contrasted with scenes of abundance and by doing so, Dickens alludes to the idea that there is enough for everyone if it is shared equally The Cratchits' dwelling is small and humble Dickens uses Ignorance and Want as an a llegory as they are representative of children who are forced to live in terrible conditions: Dickens subverts the Victorian misconception of the poor as Indolent and ungrateful by presenting the Cratchit family in an extremely positive light: Bob and his daughter Martha both work and Bob is hoping to obtain work for his son, Peter Bob is presented as a devoted father and loving husband which is in sharp contrast to Scrooge The Cratchit family is presented as Industrious : The Cratchit family conveys an impression of Christmas as a time of generosity and goodwill and despite the fact that the family struggles financially, they are deeply appreciative of what they have Further, Dickens uses the Cratchit family as a reminder of the humanity of the lower classes: Despite Scrooge's cruelty towards Bob and his wife's anger towards Scrooge, the family still display their compassion in raising a toast to Scrooge Dickens makes poverty a serious concern within the novella and demonstrates how it can destroy lives: Images of disease and illness are depicted among the poor due to their lack of food and dreadful living conditions Through the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Dickens depicts the devastating consequences of a system in which Tiny Tim could potentially die: Bob's insufficient wages mean that he cannot provide adequate care for his son Dickens highlights the importance of charity and benevolence but he also illustrates how the poor are not provided with the resources to help themselves and instead is reliant on the charity of others: By being a better employer, Scrooge could help to make the Cratchit family have a better life Although the charity collectors in Stave I represent goodness at Christmas, it could be suggested the poor should be helped at all times of the year Scrooge displays an uncaring attitude towards the poor and his ruthlessness makes others suffer hardships: Scrooge is depicted as a m iser who refuses to make a charitable donation to help those less fortunate than himself: Scrooge reveals his ignorance of the poor as he makes no distinction between the lower classes and criminals, declaring: "Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?" Scrooge's support for prisons and workhouses illustrates his flawed views on how to solve the issues of poverty By the end of the novella , Scrooge demonstrates a change of heart toward those less fortunate than himself: Scrooge's first stage in his changed attitude to the poor is when he regrets not having given money to a carol singer: "I should like to have given him something, that's all" Scrooge eventually uses his wealth to improve the lives of others and to make society a better place The plight of the poor is highlighted through Bob's character and he is used to underscoring Scrooge's cruel and e xploitative behaviour: Bob works in a "dismal little cell" suggesting a gloomy c onfinement from which he cannot escape, which could be viewed as a wider symbol of his poverty Bob is in constant fear of losing his job and he is symbolic of the lower classes and their dependence on their employer: His situation depends on businessmen like Scrooge and so subsequently does the fate of his family What is Dickens's intention? Dickens attempts to ensure Scrooge becomes aware of his own poverty in relation to b enevolence and kindness towards those who are less fortunate than him Dickens highlights the importance of charity and benevolence but he also illustrates how the poor are not provided with the resources to help themselves and instead is reliant on the charity of others Family and Relationships Dickens explores many ideas relating to family and relationships within A Christmas Carol. Dickens presents this concept in very positive terms through many characters, for example, the Cratchits and Fred, and emphasises the fundamental importance of family to people's lives. Knowledge and evidence: Marley and Scrooge's relationship is established from the very beginning: Although Dickens states they were partners for "many years" the relationship that is presented is one merely associated with business, rather than an affectionate friendship This is further highlighted when Dickens declares that Scrooge "was not so dreadfully cut up by the sad event", which illustrates their s hallow relationship and Scrooge's lack of affection for anyone: Scrooge's lack of emotion makes the reader initially view him as c allous and hard-hearted Scrooge's initial character is revealed through his relationship (or lack of) with the rest of society: Similar to his former partner Marley, Scrooge is entirely isolated and o stracised from those around him: "Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, "My dear Scrooge, how are you?" Scrooge's isolation from society enables him to remain ignorant of the plight of the poor and the social problems which surround him Fred is Scrooge's only nephew yet Scrooge displays an aloofness and hostility towards him and refuses to celebrate Christmas with Fred's family: Fred is in complete contrast to Scrooge in both spirit and appearance, yet despite his uncle's disdain for him, he remains loyal and charitable towards Scrooge Dickens uses the character of Fred, with his optimism and cheerfulness, to make Scrooge's miserly and p essimistic behaviour appear even worse Scrooge does eventually reconnect with his family through Fred and establishes a 'new' family through the Cratchits Dickens demonstrates how Scrooge's relationship and engagement with Belle were destroyed by Scrooge's fixation with money: She represents the contented life that Scrooge could have had and underscores the corrosive consequences of greed and the terrible consequences it can have on a loving relationship Bob is presented as the ideal family figure: he is a devoted father and husband who is loved and respected by his family: Through Bob, Dickens underscores his message about the importance of family and its centrality to people's lives His relationship with his children is continually shown to be loving and affectionate: "Tiny Tim upon his shoulder"/"Why, where's our Martha?"
