ACC Theme Quotations

“A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scarping , clutching, covetous old sinner” R

polysyndetic listing creates a relentless constant description of Scrooge’s negative personality

Intimidating effect on reader reflecting his rancorous behaviour

shows how Scrooge in his single minded goal in acquiring wealthy represents the opposite of generosity

“squeeze” money out of people and “covets” what he does not yet have

Christianity - sinner

suggests Scrooge is mechanical heartless - Industrial revolution the move from agriculture to industrial manufacture created massive wealth / new class of rich industrialists who cared more about profits than people. Scrooge represents this; he hoards money and underpays Bob Cratchit creating poverty because families can not afford their basic needs with the low wages they earn.

7 deadly sins avarice in particular to shock readers out of their inertia to not read passively but understand his social message for change.

worst aspects of capitalism

“unwatched unwept, uncared for” R

triplet repetition of “un” creates a rhythmic and haunting effect emphasising the total absence of care and compassion

mirrors the earlier description of Scrooge of Scrooge’s isolation reminding the reader of how Marley died without anyone to mourn him illustrating the consequence of a life lived without connection to others.

Imagery evokes feelings of sadness and pity

stark reminder of the fate of those who live a life only in pursuit of wealth .

religious audience, clear connection between sin and punishment. presents sin not as moral failure but as something that leads to spiritual and eternal suffering - hell. echo’s that through repentance and by accepting God’s grace can eternal torment be avoided.

“I’m as light as a feather … as happy as an angel” R

simile creates joyful atmosphere contrasting his former self

indicates he is free from Malrey’s fate

he has shed the burdens of greed and misanthropy, the chains that weighed him down have been lifted

purity and innocence of true happiness - embraced Christmas spirit

“feather” bird imagery hope and freedom( scrooge - “free bird”)

those who are less fortunate are able to hope for care and support from redeemed Scrooge

Redemption Context/Writers Intent

no one is destined to hell

fate can be changed

Scrooge's journey mirrors Christian teaching to admit to ones sins, feel regret and remorse and make amends.

support philanthropy

highlight the importance of social responsibility and caring for the poor

to challenge attitudes of greed, selfishness and isolation prevalent in Victorian Industrial society

“If they had better die they better do it and decrease the surplus population” P

callous tone portrays Scrooge as a miser who lacks empathy and compassion for those less fortunate. / euphemism

echo’s Malthusian ideology that suggested the growth of population would outstrip food production and that reducing the population would alleviate economic strain- connotes to ideas that the plight of the poor was a result of their own / laziness

Despite hearing that the poor would "rather “die” than go to a workhouse Scrooge is unaffected. Workhouses were government instructions where the poor were clothed and fed in exchange for extreme and hard work. These were a product of the poor laws in 1834 that regarded the poor as a scourge upon society. He sees the poor as problem to be managed not people creating dislike toward his character. Scrooge's ruthlessness highlights his disdain for the poor, reflecting a broader societal neglect. His belief in population control showcases a cold rationale that equates human life with economic burden, reinforcing the theme of social responsibility.

“God bless us everyone”

“Bore a little crutch and had limbs supported by an iron frame” P

repetition encapsulates the essence of universal good will and the importance of kindness to others not just those that he deems worthy.

Third person singular pronoun “everyone” shows reader that even though he is needy he does not selfishly focus inwardly upon himself. He understands suffering and pain is felt by more than just him and he asks God to look after society as a whole. As a result he experiences joy not misery.

By invoking God Dickens alludes to Christen values of kindness and compassion to shift his readers towards these / appeal to Victorian reader religious conscious.

2) metaphor for the poor who were overlooked in society and could only live day to day - maintaining but not improving heir situation.

“This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both” P

Dickens personifies Ignorance and want as children

adjective “stale and shriveled” brings to mind a piece of bread or fruit with all it’s goodness withered away

They are the creation of “Man”. Dickens broadens his message.

He addresses mankind

Be especially aware of ignorance.

Promotes Education and it’s role in eradicating “Want” through knowledge.

only through education could the cycle of poverty be broken

poor better access to well paid jobs and confidence to progress

Children are vulnerable members of society we have a responsibility to protect them.

child labour

Poverty Context/Writer Intent

Dickens emphasises the moral disgrace of the exploitation of the poor, the loathing of the poor and indifference tot heir suffering that prevailed in Victorian society

Through pathos and emotive language, Dickens evokes sympathy for children and the poor challenging his readers who perpetuated the systemic poverty afflicting the lower classes

“From the crown of it’s head, there sprung a bright clear jet of light”

“dark” S

“jet” implies that it is not a soft glow but something forceful. Light is associated with purity and goodness - traits linked whit childhood - (almost childlike phenomena).

Jesus is the light of the world. He is the source of all goodness and life. He will guide us to the light - religious audience

Arguably personification of Jesus.

can scrooge turn to Christianity (light of heaven)

mimics a candlelight because it can be put out meaning Scrooge has put out the truth for a long time.

Dickens could be using the Christian symbolism of light and darkness to represent a battle between good and evil to show redemption is possible and that goodness can triumph in a corrupt society.

v society not owning up - dishonest

Victorian readers pay attention to the moralists teaching the spirit teaches and live them out.

“This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both” S

Dickens personifies Ignorance and want as children (physical eerie form/spirits)

adjective “stale and shriveled” brings to mind a piece of bread or fruit with all it’s goodness withered away

critique of societal neglect / consequences

responsibility(warning)

Children are vulnerable members of society we have a responsibility to protect them.

child labour

deliberately placed at the end of the spirits visit to underline the gravity of the issue using horror and fear to awaken the readers senses expose injustice encourage change

“Oh cold, cold rigid death set up thine altar here and dress it with such terrors” S

Death is personified as a powerful almost God-like force with an “altar” and “terrors” giving it a supernatural presence with power over the natural world

repeated”cold””rigid”,”dreadful” create a chilling eerie atmosphere highlighting the hoor associated with death.

“altar” suggests worship implying death demands respect and fear

consequences of a selfish life

altar place of judgment and transformation highlighting how facing death/ reflecting on their fate can lead to spiritual change.

Supernatural Context/Writers Intent

Triggers Scrooge’s change/ the ghosts distort our sense of time because despite the story occurring in hour we go to past, present and future

pulls scrooge out of his predictable routine

allegory for necessary change and rebirth in the upper strata of Victorian England

everybody capable of change and 2nd chance of life

heightens dramatic effect

Victorian fascination with gothic genre - “golden age”

Guide Scrooge to change too repentance and salvation

Family Intro

Dickens explores the duality of family as both a source of support unity and happiness and as a path for redemption but also how a lack of family can lead to a cold and “solitary” life. Dickens does this through the lens of familial relations highlighting how a characters proximity to family influences their outlook on life whether that may be generosity or greed in the case of Scrooge. This spreads awareness on the importance of family showing the vitality of close relationships to living an enjoyable life.

“come to dinner wont you”

Fred embodies the Christmas sprit and warmth of family

asks despite constant refusal

blatant care for his “solitary uncle” stark contrast to his own lack of care for himself “gruel” “darkness is cheap”

evil wrongdoing opposite of light symbol of Jesus emphasises Scoroge’’ isolation and emotional coldness without family

contrast sets characters up as foils; Fred is warm eyes ”sparked” not even “beggars” approach Scrooge due to his misanthropic atitude and inherent separation from society

juxtaposition exacerbates contrasting characteristics creating irons in how Fed represents the Christian ideal despite being younger than scrooge who is caricature of greed and selfish individualism .

family foundation of moral life emotional value of bonds between eachother and loneliness and selfishness caused by rejecting them

absent upper class parents

“small pudding” “Wonderful Pudding”

“boiled in their own pudding”

motif

Directly contrasts Scrooge as he is isolated and the Cratchit family are united working together to prepare a pudding

microcosm of the lower class

money does not corelate to happiness and joy can still be found without it

contrast “boiled in their own pudding” negative imagery to show we are a product of our upbringing solitary boy “solitary as an oyster”

“It is I your uncle Scrooge … Will you let me in”

“uncle” reclaims his family role that he once distanced himself form he now embraces.

question indicated humility in how he doesn’t assume that he can walk in.

He knows he has done wrong and he understands that he is not better than anyone else

contrasts “Bah humbug” - shuts himself form the joy and unity family brings

request to be “let in” symbolises not just a physical entrance into Fred’s home but a reconnection with kinship and belonging. This shift emphasises Dickens’ belief that family is a source of acceptance, generosity, and joy — and that it should be embraced as a moral duty, particularly at Christmas.

family can lead to Redmeption