Dickens' life - impact on the novel

Journalism

Dicken’s wrote ACC not only because he was a victim of the troubles of poverty, but also because as a journalist he had to inform people about what was going on in London. ACC outlines Dickens’ own beliefs on society perhaps because he felt its troubles should be handled in a way which was accessible for the public - in the form of a novella.

Fanny

Dickens had a sister name Fanny which also happens to be the name of Scrooge’s sister. In the novel Fanny is a symbol of goodness.

Tiny Tim

Another inspiration for a character which comes from Dickens’ own life. Dickens’ sister Fanny, had a son (Dickens’ nephew) who was disabled, similar to Tiny Tim. In the novel Tiny Tim is used as a tool for Scrooge to discover empathy. For example, at the idea of Tiny Tim’s death Scrooge felt an “interest he had never felt before” which is significant as this is one of the few times we see the vulnerability of Scrooge, signposting his character development.

Education

It’s clear Dickens’ wouldn’t have been able to become a novelist if he had never been to School. Dickens’ value of education is a clear recurring theme throughout the novel, illustrated through his linking of ‘Ignorance’ and ‘Want’

Workhouse

It can be argued that the reason ‘A Christmas Carol’ brings to light the dark side of the workhouses is because Dickens lived very close to them so would’ve been familiar with the stories of people inside. This closeness would enable him to be empathetic to the plight of the working class. Though the two charity workers at the beginning of the novel explains that ‘many would rather die’ than attend the workhouses, this isn’t a hyperbole as it was the very scary truth for many.