The 10 Most Important Quotes in A Christmas Carol - https://youtu.be/8wpegV4ueYY'The Ghosts' in A Christmas Carol - https://youtu.be/15HiKFCMEyk'Scrooge' in A Christmas Carol - https://youtu.be/c2x9wiRRFQYQuick, relaxed, and informative, Dr Aidan's Guide to Literature aims to make literature accessible to everyone. Like an oyster, he keeps himself to himself, hidden beneath a hard shell that he uses to protect himself from the world. The image of the oyster is almost perfect for Scrooge at this stage in the book. A Christmas Carol is rarely classified as a gothic novel. The Christmas Spirit By Section Stave One: Marley's Ghost Stave Two: The First of the Three Spirits Stave Three: The Second of the Three Spirits Stave Four: The Last of the Spirits Stave Five: The End of It By Character Ebenezer Scrooge Bob Cratchit Fred Jacob Marley The Ghost of Christmas Past The Ghost of Christmas Present Instant PDF downloads. I should like to have given him something: thats all., About the Fezziwig family: shaking hands with every person individually as he or she went out, wished him or her a Merry Christmas., Scrooge about Mr Fezziwig: The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it costs a fortune., Belle to Scrooge: Another idol has displaced me., Belle about Scrooge: I have seen your nobler aspirations fall off one by one, until the master passion, Gain, engrosses you., Belles husband to Belle about Scrooge: Quite alone in the world, I do believe., There was nothing very cheerful in the climate or the town, and yet was there an air of cheerfulness abroad., About the Ghost of Christmas Present: Sprinkled incense on their dinners from his torch., About the Cratchits goose: a feathered phenomenon., There never was such a goose. Click the card to flip Flashcards Learn Test Match Created by AIC-CREATOR-TD Terms in this set (36) The verb 'shrouded' makes explicit reference to death which is reinforced by the 'deep black' of its clothes. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. These include Scrooge's cold nature, the power of wealth, and loss. Lord bless me!" So, therefore, we should take responsibility for being a positive influence. Then, choose the verb form that agrees in number with the subject. Then, identify each underlined word by writing above it ADV for adverb or ADJ for adjective. Stave 2 - Scrooge becomes distressed by what he is seeing. Marley 2. Exhausted- "i cannot rest,i cannot stay, i cannot linger anywhere.". Stave 2 - the arrival of his sister, Fan And I know I know my dears, that when we recollect how patient and how mild he was; although he was a little, little child, we shall not quarrel easily among ourselves and forget poor Tiny Tim in doing it. However, inside that shell - like Scrooge - the oyster is soft and vulnerable. Without the trauma from Scrooges youth and the death of his sister, Fran, its unlikely that he wouldve become the person that he did. Oh, glorious. When he sees Tiny Tim and his jubilance despite his disadvantages, Scrooge cannot help but feel compassion and by association guilt, as he has seen from the effect Fezziwg had on his staff that he could have a similar influence on Tiny Tim. Stave 5 - Scrooge's reaction to discovering it is not too late Seven Years 3. These compare with the bells at the start of the novel, signifying the hellish arrival of Marley's ghost. 5. He did it all and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, he was a second father., He knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the Knowledge.. Whatever the book. The adjective solitary and neglected highlight his feelings of loneliness and isolation, creating sympathy for him. International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct,London, EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom, 2023 Book Analysis. 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! The adjectives squeezing and wrenching, etc., relate to how one should imagine him with money, refusing to let go of his wealth. phrase on the line at the right. External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge. 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. A merry Christmas to you.". He teaches scrooge to learn from his mistakes of his past. The most clearly religious image though is how it wears a tunic of purest white, as though it is a pure, innocent Angel sent to guide him. Whoever the author.Discover new and exciting books to dive into with our Book Explorer Tool. However, this in itself would probably not have been enough to alter his ways. But I have made the trial in homage to Christmas, and. Use if fairy tale convention, shows the story will have a magical ending. Both have religious connotations and suggest a true depth of despair at his previous notions. International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct,London, EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom, 2023 Book Analysis. The Spirit pointed from the grave to him, and back again. It is through your support of visiting Book Analysis that we can support charities, such as Teenage Cancer Trust. The list of adjectives show his wealth but also his warmth and generosity towards others. Note the use of the adjective poor to describe Bob Cratchit. This is said by criminals who plundered/ stole from scrooge after he died. () The introduction of the portly gentlemen provide an opposition to Scrooge. The noun phantom has negatives connotations in contrast to the more positive spirits - once again, warning scrooge of his fate if he doesn't change his ways. She looked at me as if I had insulted her. The noun 'contract' reflects the language of business - reflecting the change that Scrooge has undergone. "Every person has a right to take care of themselves. The description of Marley's ghost has his chain wound about him. The description of the children is designed to shock the reader. 'A Christmas Carol' Key Quotations Stave 5 Analysis Term 1 / 5 "I am light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. Dickens' use of the word 'good' repetitively to demonstrate the juxtaposition between Scrooge at the beginning of the novel, where Dickens describes Scrooge as a 'covetous old sinner'. He doesn't believe it, but when he goes to the window, the street is deserted and dark as nighttime. This poignant moment arrives when Scrooge is looking at Christmas yet to come. It is a dark, sad moment but Bob Cratchit handles the situation with grace and dignity. Repetition of 'chuckle' emphasises Scrooge's newfound delight in giving. The two children are the personification of man's ills - ignorance and want. Dr Aidan, PhD, provides you with key quotes and analysis relating to the theme of 'Christmas'. "Cherry cheeked apples, juicy oranges, luscious pears.". 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. It has harsh imagery and the symbolism of cold, shows he is lacking Christmas spirit. Whatever the genre. Marleys ghost is the one that kicks everything off but also acts as a mirror to Scrooge to show him the error of his ways. He always did!". Themes= greed and generosity/ time. The onomatopoetic verb 'gasping' makes the reader explicitly imagine the death, suggesting struggle and pain. I don't make merry myself at Christmas and, If that spirit goes not forth in life, it is, them both, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is, squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner." Home Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol Best Quotes. 4 major themes of this novel are forgiveness, the influence of the past, greed, and poverty. Of course, there is still a massive equality gap between the rich and the poor. These morally repugnant, ugly people are simply treating Scrooge the way he treated others and he is horrified. Scrooges changing attitude is never better highlighted than in his initial responses to the three ghosts. He has learned his lesson and been transformed from darkness into light - which is reflected in the world around him. His house is dark - which reflects the darkness in his character and also adds to the gothic atmosphere of his house. However, these are two children that he has no control over. "Crown of its head there sprung a bright clear jet of light." Description of the Ghost of Christmas Past, Stave 2, this ghost is much less scary than Marley which symbolises the innocence of childhood. Being such a short story there is very little that is extraneous. 'Dressed out but poorly in a twice-turned gown, but brave in ribbons'. ', 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.'. In Victorian times, most of the readers would have been christian and would therefore heap additional judgement on Scrooge who needs to repent. Tiny Tim is frequently referred to in Christian terms - as though his true goodness is close to God. It is really in this Stave that Dickens brings to life the Christmas that we all know and love today: the food, the presents, the games, the snow, and good feeling, the parties and generosity. A Christmas Carol is a widely studied book filled with memorable quotes. Whoop! This is one of Freds lines, and it really helps to highlight the difference in viewpoints between Fred and his uncle. () A famous geographer Thomas Malthus came up with the theory that the poor were just surplus population and thus should be left to their own devices - even if this meant letting them die. () The famous phrase Humbug really means either shame or hoax. These words are then used against him by the ghost of the Christmas present. Given an unexpected opportunity to communicateperhaps as a Christmas miracleMarley feels determined to help Scrooge and he warns him here. Scrooge. Imagery of warmth has symbolism of generosity, compassion and forgiveness- Fred always makes a effort with scrooge. the adjective idle reveals scrooge believes the poor are lazy and are to be blamed for their own situation. Xmas Present - This makes scrooge realise that he needs to change or Tiny Tim will die young which is the one of the first stages of scrooges change. This again leads back to Dickens' idea of collective responsibility - that everything that we do influences others. Fred represents the spirit of Christmas and carries Dickens' message about collective responsibility and how we should treat one another. It would have done you good to see how green a place it is., Bob Cratchit about Freds kindness: It really seemed as if he had known our Tiny Tim, and felt with us., About Scrooges grave: overrun by grass and weeds., Scrooge on what he has learnt: I will not shut out the lessons that they teach., Scrooge: The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me., Scrooge: I am as light as a feather, I am a happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. 'This boy is ignorance.most of all beware the boy"-Stave 3-Ghost of Christmas present Metaphor. ), phrases like holding a candle for someone mean to remember them, while candles are used in c. Scrooge finishes the stave by putting out the candle, which shows him symbolically putting down his past leaving behind the resentment he has harboured at having lost his childhood to neglect. Active Themes ', People with lots of money already are more likely to be greedy for more, not thinking about sharing that money with others effectively. The chains are a metaphor for his punishment for his greedy life. 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. Oh, glorious, glorious! The tremors of the great San Francisco earthquake that occurred in 1906 (was, were) estimated to have measured 8.3 on the Richter scale. Spirit! he cried, tight clutching at his robe, hear me! Privacy Policy, https://bookanalysis.com/charles-dickens/a-christmas-carol/quotes/. Stave 3 - ignorance and want These cover themes like wealth, poverty, Christmas, and kindness. the strength of Scrooge's dismay about hearing his own words repeated back to him is reinforced through the use of the nouns, penitence and grief. 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. Example: The scientist, along with her two assistants, (is, are) working on a computer simulation of earthquake activity. With key quotes \u0026 analysis, this video provides an ideal format to gain a greater understanding of this novella in a matter of minutes. "If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die.". The metaphor shows the are poor but make the best of a bad situation, always smiling and showing they are grateful for what little they have. ffects the change, pulling the curtains aside with his own hand. By this stage, Scrooge has already begun to see the error of his ways and has realised that he will benefit from the messages he is receiving and so he begins to take agency over the situation. The noun 'idol' shows that Belle believes Scrooge is so enamoured of money that he worships it. Scrooges offences carry their own punishments. Ignorance could represent the wealthy upper classes who are ignorant of what they must do to help. The use of the word 'alone' is repeated showing again that selfishness will lead to a life of loneliness. Scrooge listened to this dialogue in horror he viewed them with a detestation and disgust. Partially because of the nature of its main character. This may be a way of showing what Dickens thinks should be happening. I am sure we shall none of us forget poor Tiny Timshall weor this first parting that there was among us? Theme= poverty/greed and generosity. "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. It was a worthy place. A Christmas Carol is a well-loved and commonly read novel that focuses on themes of Christmas and poverty. Stave one About Scrooge: "As solitary as an oyster." "External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge." "If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population." "Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it." This is another quote where Dickens draws on the semantic field of the cold weather. I am as giddy as a drunken man. It is too much linked to his miserly ways thus suggesting that the learning is not finished yet. The idea that we are all 'fellow passengers' serves to emphasise the idea of the transience of life - we are all going to die some day so we are more similar than we are different. Hangman - Try to complete the word by picking the correct letters. Stave 2 - the spirit takes him to past Christmases including seeing Scrooge alone at school. He carried his own low temperature always about with him', 'No warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill him', 'It was cold, bleak, biting weather: foggy withal', 'Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk's fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal. Dickens wished to educate people about the personal consequences of maintaining such an attitude, Scrooge's former staff can be seen selling of his old things as they were not paid sufficiently when he was alive, Stave 1/3: 'If he be like to die, he better do it and decrease the surplus population', Stave 3: 'wretched, abject, frightful, hideous, miserable', Stave 3: 'The girl is ignorance, the boy is want', 'it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. QUOTES THAT SHOW POVERTY IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Macbeth quotes, Key quotes from Macbeth, Macb, 2019 GCSE AQA Triple Higher Biology Paper 2 (, Paper 2 Chemistry Topics 6-10 TRIPLE AQA GCSE, Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar Grade 8, Grammar Exercise Workbook, myPerspectives: English Language Arts, California (Grade 9, Volume 1), myPerspectives: American Literature, California Volume 2, Holt McDougal Literature: American Literature Grade 11, Texas Edition. Shows Scrooge's inability to harness any other views that arent his. But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! You could make a strong argument for this being a tale of redemption. What is interesting is that a lot of the traditions that Dickens writes about werent quite so commonplace before his novella. Stave 2 - Scrooge's response to the ghost saying that it was only a small thing that Fezziwig did. The boy is ignorance. "His eyes sparkled and his breath smocked.". a squeezing, wrenching . Compare the different settings in "Grape Sherbet" Describe each setting using details from the poem. The clerks sprinting home juxtaposes Scrooge's dinner in a melancholy tavern. The heaviest rain, and snow, and hail, and sleet, could boast of the advantage over him in only one respect. The Total Abstinence Principle was a phrase used for teetotallers (people who refrained from drinking). 'Long and wound about him like a tail made of cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds and heavy purses.'. The metaphor shows he is rigid in his unfeeling behaviour to others. The ghost of Christmas presents it sitting on a throne of food. Dr Aidan, PhD, provides you with key quotes and analysis relating to the theme of 'Christmas'. Dickens was openly opposed to this view and challenges it throughout the novella. His narrator describes events as they happened and doesnt spend a great deal of time on extraneous details. The problem is internal, within Scrooges heart. The conditional subordinate clause represents Scrooge's future actions. It could also show that, as it has been so long since he was happy, he finds it difficult to describe. 'Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend and sole mourner'. Stave 2 - The first of the three spirits jovial voice.". Dickens creates sympathy for the poor, through the Crachit's and their tight knit family. Stave 2 - Belle breaks off the engagement They are likely to be of even higher class than Scrooge but are choosing to do good for the poor. Such as the graveyard at the end. Dickens, therefore, is attacking the Malthusian capitalist theories. ', "Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.". Fan is portrayed with affection - and her term of endearment shows that Scrooge has known affection. The verb forged shows skill and effort- Marley spent his whole life's time and effort in his greed so is suffering the consequences. Whereas the line about being solitary as an oyster suggests that Scrooge refuses to let anybody into his life. A merry Christmas to everybody! Family Theme Analysis. ". The simile has connotations of stillness and endings. 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.'. He stopped at the outer door to bestow the greetings of the season on the clerk, who, cold as he was, was warmer than Scrooge. Draw one line under each main verb and two lines under each auxiliary verb. The image of the 'lonely boy near a feeble fire' reflects very closely the older Scrooge we have seen, alone eating gruel. Only financial gain. The repetitive structure and short exclamations create the sense that he cannot put into words how happy he is. Stave 4 - in the rag 'n' bone man's shop 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. A Christmas Carol Key Quotes Major Themes Major characters How to revise effectively Isolation and loneliness Ebenezer Scrooge One mistake people often make is to try to revise EVERYTHING. They were a boy and girl. ". ``Are there no workhouses? Copyright2007 - 2023 Revision World Networks Ltd. The entrance of Scrooge 's nephew Fred at the beginning of the story introduces another side to the miser. 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. Stave 5 - description of Scrooge's redemption 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. Everyone is entitled to be a little happier on Christmas, and the Ghost of Christmas Present helps them to be so. The Ghost of Christmas yet to come is symbolic. Without the ghost of Christmas future, Scrooge wouldve been unlikely to change. I can't afford to make idle people merry. "Mankind was my business. I think he wanted to make it accessible to all classes so he could better spread his message. This girl is Want. When you analyse poverty in A Christmas Carol, you may want to reference the setting as well as using direct quotes from characters. Stave 3 - Scrooge's willingness to learn A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Version 1 December 2016 . Summary. Yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish. 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. Themes= time/Christmas/generosity and forgiveness. All rights reserved. Bovey, Lee-James "A Christmas Carol Themes and Analysis " Book Analysis, https://bookanalysis.com/charles-dickens/a-christmas-carol/themes-and-analysis/. Refine any search. Marley tells scrooge he is responsible fro his punishment- he is suffering the consequences for his actions. The word 'business' reflects Scrooge's earlier response to the portly gentlemen. Scrooge becomes part of two families: Dickens reveals that we are part of not only our blood relatives but also a wider family that of society. Hes comparing Cratchits actual body temperature to Scrooges personality. ", "there's a cold within him" that "froze his old features", sociable- "wonderful party, wonderful games, wonderful unanimity". Bovey, Lee-James "A Christmas Carol Quotes " Book Analysis, https://bookanalysis.com/charles-dickens/a-christmas-carol/quotes/. 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. Stave 4 - in the rag 'n' bone man's shop Whoop! The adjective 'common' shows the reader that the poor only want those things which should be normal and available for all - the 'common' things rather than luxuries. Oh! But it does share a lot of gothic conventions. 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. "I am sorry for him; I couldn't be angry with him if I tried. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Recognizing Progressive Forms and Tenses. * The use of pathetic fallacy shows that he is in direct opposition to anyone who tries to help him. We can infer that the only other person he cared for was Marley and even that wasn't really because of a friendship. No warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill him. Stave 3 - description of Mrs Cratchit I think this is why the character of Fezziwig exists to show that Scrooge is not representative of all the upper classes. 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.". Hallo there! sungiemarie. Scrooge learns how little generosity creates a lot of happiness. Clash, clang, hammer; ding, dong, bell! that this creature, who appears to be both young and old, is an image of Jesus who was a baby at Christmas and yet who, as the son of God, represents the divine wisdom that Christians worship. I am as giddy as a drunken man., Scrooge was better than his word. "Every person has a right to take care of themselves. ', 'Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts". A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens On this page, readers can explore the quotes, they are broadly separated into a few sub-categories. Marleys chains symbolize the mistakes hes made in life and the greed that controlled him. Watching Scrooge forge his own invisible chain served as part of Marley's punishment for his deeds in life. Foul weather didnt know where to have him. The gothic was a popular genre in the Victorian age and would have seemed fitting for a ghost story to Victorian readers. No, Spirit! Walled in by houses; overrun by grass and weeds. A happy New Year to all the world! He always did.". 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. Dickens uses Scrooge to show the extent of change that is possible in a small amount of time. With in-depth analysis, this video aims. The adjective dismal connotes a lack of light and hopeless atmosphere. In the first stave of A Christmas Carol, the following quote is really important in characterizing Scrooge:. Scrooge's sympathy for himself leads to sympathy for the carol singer from the night before. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear your company and do it with a thankful heart', Stave 1: 'He tried to say 'Humbug!' Bob Crachit and the Cratchit Family Quotes, A Christmas Carol- The Ghost of Christmas Pre, 'An Inspector Calls' Key Quotations Analysis, myPerspectives: English Language Arts, Grade 7, myPerspectives: Grade 10, Volume 2 California Edition, myPerspectives, English Language Arts, Grade 8, California My Perspectives English Language Arts, Grade 9, Volume Two. A foil is a character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character. 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. Tail has connotations of the devil- reinforcing evil image. 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. This use of listing to describe everything as 'good' helps to demonstrate the far reaching consequences of Scrooge's redemption. The list of verbs, gives the spirit a threatening air- this is compounded by the fact that he does not speak to scrooge at all. The reader does not know that Tim has died, so Dickens foreshadows his death through the use of the simile. Of course, the fact that this is obvious does not detract from the big reveal due to the way that Dickens masterfully creates tension. 1. Stave 1 - description of Marley's ghost 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. For a start, there is the use of ghosts throughout. "It was long and wound about him like a til.".