cratchits

• Tiny Tim


  Represents children in Victorian society who were vulnerable because of disabilities
• Tiny Tim is loved by Bob


  Bob carries Tiny Tim upon his shoulder
• Dickens's view that, in the eyes of God, all children, including those with disabilities, have value
• Tiny Tim and his family have kept their faith in God
• Bob Cratchit: 'He told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see'
• Tiny Tim


  A symbol of the consequences of Scrooge's change in attitude and behaviour
• Tiny Tim's condition improves

  Thanks to money that Scrooge gives to the family
• Peter Cratchit


  Bob's eldest son, on the verge of manhood, has everything to look forward to
• Peter's shirt


  • Too big for him, as its collar is 'monstrous'
  • Second-hand, 'Bob's private property, conferred upon his son and heir in honour of the day'
• Peter 'rejoiced to find himself so gallantly attired, and yearned to show his linen in the fashionable Parks'
• Martha Cratchit


  Bob's oldest daughter, a poor apprentice at a milliner's, represents exploited, underpaid female apprentices
• Martha is late at her parents' house because she works long hours and is even required to work on Christmas Day
• Martha makes hats for the rich, hats that she will never be able to afford for herself
• Belinda Cratchit


  Younger version of her mother, learning gender-assigned roles in the house
• Belinda is not mentioned by name when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come takes Scrooge to Bob Cratchit's house
• Mr and Mrs Cratchit have six mouths to feed