His house is dark - which reflects the darkness in his character and also adds to the gothic atmosphere of his house. ", "there's a cold within him" that "froze his old features", sociable- "wonderful party, wonderful games, wonderful unanimity". In this quote, Dickens describes London as a dark and dangerous place. In Victorian times, most of the readers would have been christian and would therefore heap additional judgement on Scrooge who needs to repent. Fire symbolizes emotion and warmth. Scrooge. A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! The image of the 'lonely boy near a feeble fire' reflects very closely the older Scrooge we have seen, alone eating gruel. Scrooge's sympathy for himself leads to sympathy for the carol singer from the night before. Dickens was openly opposed to this view and challenges it throughout the novella. Stave 1 - description of Scrooge's relationship with Marley. External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge. Being such a short story there is very little that is extraneous. She looked at me as if I had insulted her. They are mans. cried the gentleman, as if his breath were taken away. It was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand. Draw an arrow from each underlined word to the word it modifies. Oh! Ultimately he tries to extinguish the ghost's light. Whoever the author.Discover new and exciting books to dive into with our Book Explorer Tool. A Christmas Carol - stave 2 Key Quotes Flashcards | Quizlet but stopped at the first syllable', Repeated phrase (Juxtaposition and patterning), Stave 5: 'Hear me! Stave 3 - the ghost uses Scrooge's words against him With in-depth analysis, this video aims. Stave 3 - Tiny Tim Oh, glorious! A Christmas Carol: Key Moments Being such a short story there is very little that is extraneous. However, inside that shell - like Scrooge - the oyster is soft and vulnerable. I am not the man I was. One interesting feature of this stave relates to the fact that two people die in it: Scrooge and Tiny Tim: the richest and the poorest people in the book. Whatever the genre. Dickens uses the scene to allow the reader to feel sorry for the child 'Scrooge' whose loneliness was not by choice - although the adult Scrooge's is. "the phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached", A description of the ghost of Christmas future; he is the darkest of the spirits, a reminder to scrooge of his terrible fate if he fails to learn his lesson. Dickens clearly uses them to represent what employment should be like. The use of light throughout the novel suggests the truth/ the right path which Scrooge at first does not want to see. Y. Use if fairy tale convention, shows the story will have a magical ending. patience and hope fro them. ', Where the portly gentlemen explain to Scrooge about the plight of the poor and the responsibility of the rich to deal with it, In Stave 5, Scrooge begins to redeem himself for all the terrible things he did in the past, Victorian society was still extremely religious at this point and they believed strongly in the impact of sin upon the treatment of one in the afterlife, The way that Scrooge worships money would have been considered as sinful at the time as it is in a way idolising something that is not the holy lord, Stave 5: 'that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge', Stave 1: 'A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping clutching, covetous old sinner! Themes= greed and generosity/ time. 6 Memorable Quotes from A Christmas Carol | Book Analysis This use of listing to describe everything as 'good' helps to demonstrate the far reaching consequences of Scrooge's redemption. For example, the first ghost is a metaphor for how memories and the past shape ones experience, while the last ghost is a metaphor for death and ones legacy. Though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it! He teaches scrooge to learn from his mistakes of his past. This quote is trying to say that Marley should've cared more about the people rather than his business - Marley, This opposes to the way that he conveyed his feelings to everyone at the start of the novel this shows his change and how he improved by the end, Therefore I am about to raise your salary, This shows a strong change in scrooges character as at the start of the novel with the 2 gentleman he was not willing to donate any money to them and now he is raising Bob Cratchits salary, This shows Tiny Tim's appreciation of Scrooge even when his mother doesnt think that scrooge deserves the praise, Another idol has displaced me a golden one. This is a great description, wanders around holding a candle snuffer that looks like a hat. 'It was a strange figurelike a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man'. ". The tremors of the great San Francisco earthquake that occurred in 1906 (was, were) estimated to have measured 8.3 on the Richter scale. Stave 2 - the spirit takes him to past Christmases including seeing Scrooge alone at school. "Tonight, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it.". cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. The two children Ignorance and Want represents the attitudes of the rich to the poor in Victorian society. You could make a strong argument for this being a tale of redemption. LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in A Christmas Carol, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. This brightly\underline{\text{brightly}}brightly lit room will be perfect for my art studio. If he had been, he'd have had somebody to look after him when he was struck with Death, instead of lying gasping out his last there, alone by himself.'. The last line of A Christmas Carol is God bless us, everyone. Its spoken by the well-loved character Tiny Tim. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. ', 'He was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked', Christmas is a time when people 'Think of the people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. A Christmas Carol Themes and Analysis | Book Analysis phrase on the line at the right. The simile shows Bobs wealth in his family; he values them more than money and so is content with their love. The word 'business' reflects Scrooge's earlier response to the portly gentlemen. ". The ghost of Christmas yet to come is a symbol of the effect that memories have on someone as they age. This means that Scrooge is implying Christmas was designed to trick and fool people into spending money. Stave 5 - description of Scrooge's redemption In Victorian times, the deceased were usually dressed in their best clothes for burial but here, Scrooge's clothes after death have been removed and sold for money. "It was long and wound about him like a til.". ``My little child!''. Example: The scientist, along with her two assistants, (is, are) working on a computer simulation of earthquake activity. Partially because of the nature of its main character. Perfect for those studying the book at school (particularly GCSE students) or simply those wanting to learn more about it.For more in Dr Aidan's 'A Christmas Carol' series:The 10 Most Important Quotes in A Christmas Carol - https://youtu.be/8wpegV4ueYYPicture credits: Grim Reaper: openclipart.comCornucopia: openclipart.com Belle to Scrooge: "Another idol has displaced me a golden one.". Privacy Policy, https://bookanalysis.com/charles-dickens/a-christmas-carol/themes-and-analysis/. Yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish. It is uncared for just as he was uncared for, gasping out his last alone. He is described as been so dislike that even the weather is better in that at least it 'comes down' gracefully. GCSE (9-1): Literature: A Christmas Carol: Key Quotes: Key Quotes with Analysis 4.7 (15 reviews) Term 1 / 36 'Sole' (stave 1) Click the card to flip Definition 1 / 36 repetition - Isolated, lonely. Without the trauma from Scrooges youth and the death of his sister, Fran, its unlikely that he wouldve become the person that he did. A Christmas Carol Quotes | Course Hero The adjectives squeezing and wrenching, etc., relate to how one should imagine him with money, refusing to let go of his wealth. "Quite alone in the world, I do believe.". A merry Christmas to everybody! I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. AQA English Revision - Key Quotes Of Mice and Men Section Overview . Copyright2007 - 2023 Revision World Networks Ltd. My little, little child!'' The reader does not know that Tim has died, so Dickens foreshadows his death through the use of the simile. This reminds us of Freds line during the beginning of the book a phrase that Dickens later called The Carol Philosophy: It is only during Christmas that we open our shut up hearts and think of each other as being fellow passengers to the grave and not other beings on some other journey. During this section, Scrooge is reminded that we all die in the end, it is the only sure thing in life, and that all we have to work with is the short time that we have down here. Why show me this, if I am past all hope! For the first time, the hand appeared to shake. jovial voice.". A Christmas carol key quotes Flashcards | Quizlet However, it could also be argued that ignorance reflects the lack of education of the poor. The relative clause describing Tiny Tim reinforces the idea that it is Scrooge's actions that caused him to live. They were a boy and girl. Analysis. A merry Christmas to you.". He always did!". This quote shows Ebenezer Scrooge's miserly, miserable attitude toward Christmas at the opening of the story; he is obsessed with his money and has no time for festivities, family, or joy. Describes Fred, who is a symbol of Christmas spirit. Clash, clang, hammer; ding, dong, bell! Scrooge has been transformed - just as his room has been transformed by the arrival of the Ghost of Christmas present - and wants to learn. " Scrooge entered timidly and hung . Representing Victorian society. A Christmas Carol Book Answers - myilibrary.org Stave 2 - Scrooge becomes distressed by what he is seeing. Here, readers are exposed to the ghost of Christmas yet to come. The ghost breaks the news to Scrooge that the person whose death has been talked about so callously was his own. Here, we get the image of a country that is united during this time of year; a place where Christmas and Britishness are inextricably linked, which would have been incredibly popular for a Victorian audience who were in the throws of empire building. He spreads joy over all like a force of nature. Stave 2 - Scrooge's response to the ghost saying that it was only a small thing that Fezziwig did. Refine any search. A Christmas Carol (Key Answers) Chapter 1 1. Stave 5 - Scrooge's reaction to discovering it is not too late Dickens was familiar with the terrible working conditions of the poor and campaigned for education of children. Scrooge is particularly affected by the death, and this is a death he is able to reverse in the future when he amends his behaviour. His description of the setting suggests that poverty has bred crime and deep unhappiness. The verb 'shrouded' makes explicit reference to death which is reinforced by the 'deep black' of its clothes. "Mankind was my business. "It was a large house but one of broken fortunes.". ', 'I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it! The metaphor shows he is rigid in his unfeeling behaviour to others. Fred is unrelenting in his attempts to change his uncles way of thinking. It would have done you good to see how green a place it is.". The Victorian's would have seen this as fitting. Analysing the evidence "I am sorry, with all my heart, to find you so resolute. Fred represents the spirit of Christmas and carries Dickens' message about collective responsibility and how we should treat one another. Dr Aidan, PhD, brings you the second video in his 'A Christmas Carol' series, looking here at the role and importance of the ghosts in this story. 2. He also argues that Time is precious to me. This is most telling of all: whereas the old Scrooge saw little of value beyond his money hole, now he sees the truth that Time itself is precious; and it is, in fact, the most precious thing we. Oh, glorious. But I have made the trial in homage to Christmas, and. Stave 5 - pathetic fallacy Stave 5 - The response of the portly gentleman to the money Scrooge wants to give him: Scrooge was better than his word. Gone are the puritanical values that banned Christmas, and, also, to a large degree, gone as well are the memories of Christmas as a serious and religious celebration of the birth of Christ. This is another quote where Dickens draws on the semantic field of the cold weather. The Fezziwigs throw a party and treat everyone the same - no matter their status. The multiple similes emphasise Scrooge's joy and elation at his second chance. The simile 'like a tail' is suggestive of a snake, which is symbolic of the devil. This is said by criminals who plundered/ stole from scrooge after he died. On this page, readers can explore the quotes, they are broadly separated into a few sub-categories. The words of the charwoman, who disgusts Scrooge, in the rag 'n' bone man's shop reflect the views to which Scrooge subscribed at the start of the novella when he declared that the poor were not his 'business' implying that his only business was himself. The final ghost is by far the most scary of the three it remains silent throughout their time together, only standing by as a guide, and leaving Scrooge and the reader to work out the story himself. Stave 1 - why the portly gentlemen are collecting for the poor The key theme for Dickens is that money does not lead to happiness, Greed is the single factor that is responsible for the breakup of Scrooge's marriage, 'Another idol has displaced me a golden one', Stave 2: 'The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune', The Cratchit family are used as a depiction of a family in poverty, More than any other time in history there was a huge divide between classes, the lower classes lived in deperate poverty and were in want while the upper classes enjoyed a life of luxury, Stave 1: 'Many thousands are in want of common necessities, sir and many hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts', Scrooge's staff selling off his old goods, Victorian aristocracy were very keen to remain ignorant about the sufferings of the poor. I am sure we shall none of us forget poor Tiny Timshall weor this first parting that there was among us? This is one of Freds lines, and it really helps to highlight the difference in viewpoints between Fred and his uncle. Themes= greed and generosity/Christmas. The description of the figure who is both like a child and like an old man, is suggestive of the journey that the ghost takes him on. Imagery of warmth has symbolism of generosity, compassion and forgiveness- Fred always makes a effort with scrooge. The book also explores what you might call the true meaning of Christmas and while this might not be true from a Christian standpoint, from a morality/spiritual view, you could claim that it really does help to make that point. I am as giddy as a drunken man. Scrooge is not unfortunate in the way of relatives - he has a family awaiting his . Note the use of the adjective poor to describe Bob Cratchit. ', 'Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts". the adjective idle reveals scrooge believes the poor are lazy and are to be blamed for their own situation. Their terrible behaviour is a consequence of the ignorance and want that Dickens personified in stave 3. Stave 1 - description of Marley's ghost This is to illustrate to the rich that they can be part of the solution, Dickens was of the belief that things in society could change and this was something he wished to portray to people to ensure they didn't lose hope, Stave 2: 'I should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now', Stave 4: 'Fear you more than any other spectre I have seen. 4 major themes of this novel are forgiveness, the influence of the past, greed, and poverty. He must have slept through a whole day and half a night. Fan is portrayed with affection - and her term of endearment shows that Scrooge has known affection. We can infer that the only other person he cared for was Marley and even that wasn't really because of a friendship. Dickens uses Scrooge to show the extent of change that is possible in a small amount of time. However, some of the scenes are to help develop Scrooge's character and add backstory. However, this in itself would probably not have been enough to alter his ways. Everyone is entitled to be a little happier on Christmas, and the Ghost of Christmas Present helps them to be so. God save you! Towards the end of the book, Scrooge has clearly learnt that fact and decides to spend his remaining days sharing his time, his wealth, and enjoying the fruits of his fellow men. "I am light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. This is clearly not possible. Stave 4 - Bob's reaction to Tiny Tim's death A Christmas Carol Key Quotes and Analysis. This shows that scrooge is only hurting himself by being so money orientated it doesnt affect his family but does himself. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. ', Stave 5: 'No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold;', Stave 5: 'He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world.'. There is a very real suggestion that Scrooge knows that the people are describing him. "Business!" Check ()(\checkmark)() the blank before each sentence that contains a subordinate clause. Scrooges offences carry their own punishments. Themes= family/poverty/greed and generosity. The hellish atmosphere is emphasised by the fact that the ghost's clothing and hair appears to move as though in an updraft of heat, suggesting that the ghost is in hell. Contrasting similes emphasise his god like figure- he is at once innocent and knowledgeable. He has learned his lesson and been transformed from darkness into light - which is reflected in the world around him. The Christmas Spirit I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time the only time when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers. 'Dressed out but poorly in a twice-turned gown, but brave in ribbons'. ', 'secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. It is through your support of visiting Book Analysis that we can support charities, such as Teenage Cancer Trust. Key quotes from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The ghost is dressed in green reminiscent both of the Green Man from Pagan mythology, and also the traditional character of St Nicholas or Father Christmas, who has more recently come to symbolise the holiday period. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Christmas Carol Key Quotes and Analysis - chegg.com 35 Best Ebenezer Scrooge Quotes From 'A Christmas Carol' - Kidadl Stave 4 - in the rag 'n' bone man's shop A happy New Year to all the world. With in-depth analysis, this video aims to help you gain a greater understanding of the novella in a matter of minutes. Total Abstinence Principle more hilarious punning from Dickens. The Total Abstinence Principle was a phrase used for teetotallers (people who refrained from drinking). 'A Christmas Carol' is a widely studied book filled with memorable quotes. Invite Scrooge to come for Christmas dinner 4. Stave 2 - Belle breaks off the engagement Instead, once you know and understand the plot, a great idea is to pick three or four major themes, and three or four major characters, and revise them in great detail. However, some of the scenes are to help develop Scrooges character and add backstory. But, they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another and contented with the time. Accessed 4 March 2023. Bovey, Lee-James "A Christmas Carol Quotes " Book Analysis, https://bookanalysis.com/charles-dickens/a-christmas-carol/quotes/. Of course, there is still a massive equality gap between the rich and the poor. These words are then used against him by the ghost of the Christmas present. A Christmas Carol - Stave 3 Key Quotes Flashcards | Quizlet The two children are the personification of man's ills - ignorance and want. I think he wanted to make it accessible to all classes so he could better spread his message. A Christmas Carol is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a stingy, cruel, wealthy, old bachelor.The book opens with a funeral. sungiemarie. Stave 3 - Scrooge asks if Tiny Tim will live, having been moved by his goodness. Stave 1 - Scrooge's rponse to being asked to give money to charity, "If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.". Oh! Themes= greed and generosity/ time. () *The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. His narrator describes events as they happened and doesnt spend a great deal of time on extraneous details. Of course, Dickens does use his trademark lengthy descriptions but nearly everything has a point. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. Dickens is very clever in his use of dialogue in this section of the story as the Ghost of Future Yet To Come shows Scrooge the people that are talking about his death. Then there are some of the settings contained in A Christmas Carol. Marley 2. Marley haunts scrooge- a description of his chains. The final ghost appears as a phantom a spectre dressed in black: clearly an image of The Grim Reaper himself. Home Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol Themes and Analysis. 'The Ghosts' in A Christmas Carol (Key Quotes & Analysis) Dr Aidan 22.1K subscribers Subscribe 47K views 3 years ago Studying A Christmas Carol? Arguably, this is the most famous quote from A Christmas Carol. How to revise from this guide You should be spending at least 30-60 minutes a week revising for English Literature from this point onwards, aiming to learn 5-7 key quotes for each character. Given an unexpected opportunity to communicateperhaps as a Christmas miracleMarley feels determined to help Scrooge and he warns him here. If they would rather die, they had better do it and decrease the surplus population. Seven Years 3. "Are there no prisons?" The verbs suggest age, disfiguration and pain suggesting how unnatural their conditions are that have led to this. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. The happiness he gives is quite as great as if it costs a fortune. The boy is ignorace - the lack of education and the girl is want - the lack of money. Whoop! So we have tried where possible to focus on the most vital sections of the novella. His most famous saying is bah humbug. He used it as an exclamation when he wanted to express his displeasure about something.