Point: repulsiveness of cycle of poverty

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Dickens uses the setting to further the immoral and perverse tone of the stave. He unites his description of the people and the environment, portraying them both as filthy and disgusting. The people are described as “half-naked, drunken, slipshod, ugly” through asyndetic listing. This makes the adjectives appear relentless and the narration seem unforgiving.

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Dickens continues by describing the “whole quarter” as a place which “reeked with crime, with filth, and misery”. Dickens’ choice of the adjective “whole” he highlights that there were no exceptions, furthering the intense criticism of the place. This may perhaps be to portray the alarming consequences of Scrooge’s actions. By presenting this realistically and descriptively, Dickens is able to ensure that his message is accurately conveyed to the reader. It could also be said that he uses this opportunity to paint a picture in the reader’s mind of the hideous extent of poverty.

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Old Joe is described as a “grey haired rascal” who was “nearly 70” years old. His old age suggests that he has grown up in this horrific setting, an idea which is emphasised by the “masses of corrupted fat” and “bones” which surround him. This graphic description further emphasises the filthy surroundings, while Old Joe is simply presented as a product of this environment. Through Joe, Dickens illustrates the cycle of poverty and informs the reader of how repulsive it can be.

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Furthermore, he presents Joe as oblivious to his foul surroundings, writing that he “smoked his pipe in all the luxury of calm retirement” which demonstrates his comfort. This reveals the urgency of the problem of poverty as people are becoming accustomed to these appalling environments. Ultimately this emphasises how Dickens believes the issue of poverty needs immediate attention.