A Christmas Carol: Writer's Methods: Symbolism and Imagery

Significance of fog

Dickens uses the pathetic fallacy of fog to suggest that Scrooge is stuck in a fog of misery that he can't escape.

Fog and frost hang in the air throughout Stave 1

“It was cold, bleak, biting weather: foggy withal”.

In Stave 1 “the fog and darkness thickened” after he refuses to give money to the charity collectors.

Scrooge's actions make the fog in his life worse. It suggests that he will never live a happy life.

In stave 5 there is no fog outside, suggesting that the fog that blocked joy from his life has gone.

No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to

Personification is used to announce the ghosts suggesting an uneasy foreshadowing of the ghosts.

The gruff old bell was always peeping slily down at Scrooge out of a Gothic window in the wall.

Weather is personified to set the mood and happy tone of the children at Christmas time.

All these boys were in great spirits, and shouted to each other, until the broad fields were so full of merry music, that the crisp air laughed to hear it!

Dickens uses similes and metaphors in A Christmas Carol

This language allows readers to draw their own conclusions about the dual meaning behind the descriptions given.

This simile about Scrooge suggests that Scrooge has a tough exterior to crack with a pearl inside him.

“Solitary as an oyster”

This metaphor suggests that it is easier for Scrooge to be unemotional and not let people in and be left in 'darkness' by others.

“Darkness was cheap and Scrooge liked it”

This is a metaphor for all of the bad things that Marley did and the consequences of his actions which metaphorically weigh him down. i

“I wear the chain I forged in life”

Motif

A recurring theme, subject or idea

It is significant that Scrooge is in his bedroom when the Ghosts arrive and leave.

Scrooge's bedroom is the most private part of his house, suggesting that the Ghosts visit when Scrooge feels vulnerable. It also strengthens the dreamlike aspect of what he is being shown.

A symbol of Marley's greed and obsession with money while he was alive.

Marley'c chain of "cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds and heavy purses"

Ghost of Christmas Present is a symbol of peace and good will.

Girded round its middle was an antique scabbard; but no sword was in it, and the ancient sheath was eaten up with rust.

Scrooge desperately extinquishes the cap of the Ghost of Christmas Past

This action suggests the Scrooge wants to shut out his past life and any positive emotions. The light doesn't go out, which suggests he can't escape his past.

The ghost of Christmas yet to come doesn't reveal it's face and does not speak.

This suggests that Scrooge's future is uncertain and that his future is not set in stone.

Dickens describes Fred and the Cratchits using symbolism of fire and light.

This image symbolises happiness, comfort and love.

Dickens uses fire to show Scrooge has no love in his life.

He has "a very small fire" in his office and "a very low fire" in his home.

Ignorance and Want

The children symbolise the problems caused by society's uncaring attitude towards the poor.

Music symbolises celebration and happiness.

Music is played at Fezziwig's party and Fred's dinner.

Scrooge hears the music in Stave 3 that his niece plays

When Scrooge hears this, he wishes it could have "cultivated the kindness in life" suggesting music has the power to transform people.