Point: idealised representation of the poor

d o b p i a t-t g

When the reader is first introduced to Mrs Cratchit, Dickens writes that she is “dressed out but poorly in a twice-turned gown” highlighting her poverty as she is unable to afford new clothes; this suggestion is reinforced by the adverb “poorly”.

b i r, w a c a m a g s f s

Despite the Cratchits’ poverty, Dickens describes Mrs Cratchit as “brave in ribbons, which are cheap and make a goodly show for sixpence”, suggesting that she is optimistic regardless of her financial state. This demonstrates her Christmas spirit and ultimately presents her character as strong. This attitude dispels stereotypes surrounding the lower-class, as Dickens presents those in poverty as grateful and content regardless of the amount of food they have. Furthermore, he uses this opportunity to somewhat criticise members of the upper class, as he highlights that the poor in society struggle with the most basic necessities of life. Here, Dickens is trying to awaken his readership to the harsh realities of poverty in Victorian society

o s a o b
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Following Christmas dinner, Mrs Cratchit notes that there is “one small atom of bone” remaining of the goose which makes her feel “great delight” as the family hadn’t eaten all of the food but “everyone had had enough”. Her excitement at this occurrence implies to the reader that this was not a frequent event in the Cratchit household, showing the reader that they often struggle with feeding every member of the family properly.

t t w h a t c

Bob Cratchit “tried to warm himself at the candle,” which conveys a lot to the reader about Bob’s characterisation and the cruel treatment he faces at work. By using the pitiful verb “tried”, Dickens creates a sense of helplessness. This causes us to sympathise with Bob and acknowledge his powerlessness before Scrooge. Furthermore, the anticlimactic “candle” highlights the poor provisions in place for Bob at the workplace, as he has nothing but a lone candle to warm himself. Dickens follows this line with the blunt and matter-of-fact: “he failed”. This illustrates the nonchalant attitude that many of the rich held towards the appalling working conditions of the lower class.

p a a a m’s

Dickens informs the reader that Martha is a “poor apprentice at a milliner’s”, an interesting choice due to the social stigma that surrounded these places. In 1843, the year in which the novella was written, milineries (a place which made and sold hats) were one of the few places which would hire women, however, they were also one of the worst. Women were forced to work in dirty, unsafe conditions under cruel supervisors and were often underpaid. This forced many of them to turn to prostitution in order to survive. As a result, these women were assigned the same low social status as prostitutes and so were generally looked down on. Therefore, it can certainly be argued that it is significant that Dickens chose to have Martha apprentice at a milliner’s but still present her positively, as it is evident that he is trying to challenge widespread prejudice against the poor.

i h o t d
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When Peter Cratchit, Bob Cratchit’s oldest son, is first introduced to the novella he is described as wearing his father’s shirt “in honour of the day”. Dickens notes that the collar was “monstrous”, but Peter “rejoiced” irrespective of this, as he was happy to be so “gallantly attired”. This heartbreaking description is likely to cause the reader to pity his character, particularly due to the negative connotations of the adjective “monstrous”. This is because the reader is aware that his clothes are too big for him but see that he is delighted regardless. It could be argued that Dickens creates this sympathetic portrayal of his character so the reader understands the complexity of the challenges which arise from poverty. This may cause them to be more sensitive to the troubles which the lower-class face.