minor characters

• Who is Fred in the novella?

  Fred is Scrooge's nephew.
• How is Fred described in the novella?

  Fred is described as "ruddy and handsome".
• What effect does Fred's description have on the reader?

  It causes the reader to warm to the fresh and youthful atmosphere that Fred introduces.
• What does Dickens symbolize with the motif of light associated with Fred?

  Light symbolizes innocence and goodness.
• How does Fred's character contribute to the novella?

  Fred embodies traits of innocence and goodness, making him an exemplary character.
• What is a defining feature of Fred's character throughout the novella?

  Fred maintains his optimistic outlook and positive traits.
• How does Fred respond to Scrooge's behavior?

  Fred vows to keep visiting Scrooge "year after year" to try and change his attitude.
• What role does Fred play in relation to Scrooge's character development?

  Fred adds a sense of stability within the novella by remaining constant.
• How does Fred serve as a foil to Scrooge?

  Fred contrasts Scrooge's character to emphasize certain qualities, particularly his goodness.
• What is the effect of juxtaposing Fred's character with Scrooge's in the opening stave?

  It emphasizes Fred's virtue and makes Scrooge's dismal attitude appear worse.
• How does Scrooge's attitude at the beginning of the novella manifest?

  Scrooge is apathetic, as illustrated by the quote "No warmth could warm him".
• What does the quote "Tight-fisted" suggest about Scrooge?

  It suggests that he is selfish and hoards money.
• What is Scrooge's infamous catchphrase?

  "Bah Humbug"
• What does the metaphor "solitary as an oyster" illustrate about Scrooge?

  It illustrates that Scrooge isolates himself socially.
• How does Fred demonstrate empathy towards Scrooge?

  Fred expresses that he is sorry for Scrooge and couldn't be angry with him.
• What does the phrase "extraordinary kindness of Scrooge's nephew" imply about Fred?

  It implies that Fred is kind and generous.
• How does Fred represent the Christmas spirit?

  Fred embodies joy and love, representing the essence of Christmas.
• What does Fred's Christmas party signify in relation to Scrooge?

  It emphasizes Scrooge's isolation as he stands apart from the festivities.
• What does Fanny represent in the novella?

  Fanny represents love, youth, and optimism.
• How does Fanny embody the Christmas spirit?

  She embodies the Christmas spirit by expressing joy and the importance of family.
• What does Fanny's assertion about spending Christmas together reveal about Scrooge?

  It reveals that Scrooge was not always someone who hated Christmas.
• How does Fanny's character humanize Scrooge?

  Fanny shows positive and genuine emotion from Scrooge, allowing readers to empathize with him.
• What does Fanny's excessive display of love towards Scrooge signify?

  It signifies that Scrooge was once affectionate and carefree.
• What theme does Fan's character highlight in the novella?

  Fan highlights the importance of family within society.
• How does Dickens use repetition in Fan's exclamation about bringing Scrooge home?

  Repetition emphasizes the value of family life.
• What does the revelation about Scrooge's father imply about his character?

  It implies that Scrooge's father's cruelty may have contributed to Scrooge's dismal attitude.
• How does Dickens prevent the reader from sympathizing too much with Scrooge?

  By being vague about Scrooge's family life, Dickens prevents excessive sympathy.
• What does the quote about Scrooge glancing towards the door imply?

  It implies that Scrooge was expecting to see his sister, showing his emotional connection to her.
• How does the repetition in Fan's speech about returning home affect the reader?

  It creates a child-like and magical tone, causing the reader to sympathize with Scrooge.
• What does the description of Fan as "a delicate creature" imply?

  It implies that Fan is fragile but possesses a large heart.
• How does Scrooge's unease in his mind reflect his character development?

  It shows that Scrooge is beginning to reflect on his actions and relationships.
• Who are Ignorance and Want in the novella?

  They are two childlike beings that cling to the Ghost of Christmas Present.
• What do Ignorance and Want symbolize?

  They symbolize the issues that plague mankind, particularly poverty and social injustice.
• What is the purpose of Ignorance and Want in the novella?

  They show Scrooge the effects of poverty within society and serve as a warning to mankind.
• How does Scrooge relate to Ignorance and Want?

  Scrooge is a victim of ignorance and want, focusing on money due to his fear of poverty.
• What do Ignorance and Want represent in relation to poverty and social injustice?

  They represent the ignorance of the upper-class and the greed that prevents assistance to the poor.
• How does the context of philanthropy in the nineteenth century relate to Ignorance and Want?

  It is significant that Dickens highlights these two factors as philanthropy was becoming more popular.
• What do the warnings to Scrooge symbolize in the novella?

  They symbolize a call for all of mankind to change their ways.
• How does Scrooge's attitude towards money relate to his fear of poverty?

  Scrooge's fixation on money stems from his fear of poverty.
• What does Scrooge say is “hard as poverty”?

  He says that nothing is as “hard as poverty.”