Themes

• Dickens presents many examples of poverty which demonstrates the contrasts between the rich and poor such as the Cratchit's dwelling being small and humble.
• Dickens changes the Victorian's misconceptions of the poor being lazy and ungrateful by portraying the Cratchit family in a positive light such as Bob being presented as a devoted father and husband which contrasts Scrooge's coldness.
• The Cratchit family conveys an impression of Christmas as a time of generosity and goodwill despite their financial situation
• The Cratchit's are also a reminder of the humanity in the lower classes, Bob and his wife toast to Scrooge despite his bitterness
• Dickens makes poverty a serious concern such as the devastating consequences in which Tiny Tim could die in
• Dickens highlight the importance of charity as well as illustrating the fact that the poor are not provided with resources and are instead reliant on the charity of others e.g. by being a better employer, Scrooge could help the Cratchit's
• Scrooge displays an uncaring attitude towards the poor and his ruthlessness make others suffer hardships
• The relationship between Marley and Scrooge is presented as being merely associated with business rather than affection
• Scrooge's initial character is revealed through his lack of relation with the rest of society

  His isolation allows him to remain ignorant from the poor and social problems that surround him
• Fred is Scrooge's only nephew and yet Scrooge displays hostility towards him

  Fred's optimism and cheerfulness is made to make Scrooge's pessimism seem much worse
• Scrooge's relationship with Belle was ruined by Scrooge's fixation on wealth

  She represents the contented life that Scrooge could have lived and underscores the terrible consequences that greed can have in a relationship
• Through Bob Cratchit, Dickens underscores his message about the importance of family
• Scrooge's transformation from a cruel miser to a benevolent man is used as a signal to upper classes to change their harsh attitudes to those of lower classes
• Scrooge is preoccupied with materialism which is detrimental to his happiness and relationship with others
• Dickens conveys the message that everyone has the ability to show compassion and kindness to others regardless of their social position

  He does this by showing those who are kind to be happy and those who are bitter as unhappy
• Through the character of Tiny Tim, Scrooge develops his ability to empathise with those who are less fortunate
• Dickens use the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come as a foreboding symbol of death bringing punishment and reward
• Dickens presents images of death to signify the consequences of the unfair capitalist system in which the characters exist
• Scrooge's behaviour towards Fred signifies his bitterness towards the loss of his former fiancée