"Quite alone in the world, I do believe.". The reader does not know that Tim has died, so Dickens foreshadows his death through the use of the simile. "The cold within him froze his old features", Early description of scrooge. Imagery of warmth has symbolism of generosity, compassion and forgiveness- Fred always makes a effort with scrooge. The 10 Most Important Quotes in A Christmas Carol - YouTube The multiple similes emphasise Scrooge's joy and elation at his second chance. I am not the man I was', When Scrooge sees the name on the gravestone, he realises that time for change is limited, The ghost of Christmas past shows Scrooge some memories that may have been lost to time, Stave 2: 'each one connected with a thousand thoughts, and hopes, and joys, and cares long forgotten', Stave 4: 'Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of things that May be, only? Themes= greed and generosity/ time. Of course, Dickens does use his trademark lengthy descriptions but nearly everything has a point. International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct,London, EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom, 2023 Book Analysis. Bob said he didnt believe there ever was such a goose cooked., About Tiny Tim: If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die., Bob Cratchit: Ill give you Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast., About Ignorance and Want: This boy is Ignorance. the adjective idle reveals scrooge believes the poor are lazy and are to be blamed for their own situation. All rights reserved. Stave 1 - Scrooge's view of the plight of the poor Stave 3 - Scrooge asks if Tiny Tim will live, having been moved by his goodness. PDF A Christmas Carol - Holy Trinity Academy, Telford A merry Christmas to everybody! Losing a business partner around Christmas time could not have been easy. ', 'I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it! The entrance of Scrooge 's nephew Fred at the beginning of the story introduces another side to the miser. Accessed 4 March 2023. However, how the poor were treated was far more extreme in Victorian England. This quote from Fred shows him having opposing views to his uncle scrooge, Fred tries to make Scrooge someone who enjoys christmas however it is not him that makes scrooge appreciate it. She looked at me as if I had insulted her. His selfish ways have left him this way. It is this love that consoles him in stave 4 when Tiny Tim is shown to be dead, a long with the memories of Tiny Tim as a patient and loving boy. With the title of the book being A Christmas Carol you would expect Christmas to feature prominently throughout the novel. Marley 2. 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. No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to; Golden sunlight; Heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells. Shows Scrooge's inability to harness any other views that arent his. The verb sparkled has magical and positive connotations, shows Fred is the antithesis of scrooge. Ghost stories were very popular during the Victorian era. Scrooge learns how little generosity creates a lot of happiness. The portly gentlemen are also instrumental in delivering Dickens' message. Their terrible behaviour is a consequence of the ignorance and want that Dickens personified in stave 3. Marleys chains symbolize the mistakes hes made in life and the greed that controlled him. Scrooges offences carry their own punishments. Dr Aidan, PhD, provides you with the 10 key quotes in Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', along with in-depth analysis, to he. The Ghost of Christmas Past is an interesting vision it changes shape and size, it has many arms and then a few, it seems distant and close, old and young in fact it seems riddled with contradictory images. It acts as a mirror for Scrooges wealth and position but also as a stark contrast in approach. '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. Belle "Our contract is an old 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., Marleys Ghost: Mankind was my business., Marleys Ghost: I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate., There was a boy singing a Christmas Carol at my door last night. The noun cell has connotations of Bob being imprisoned by scrooge. enthusiastic- "a merry Christmas uncle. Throughout the book, Dickens makes use of metaphors, personification, imagery, and more. The shortness of the main clause at the end makes the message more shocking. 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. Discuss why you think the poet made these choices. What I think is really clever is that the story is framed so that when we see the ghost of Christmas past, seeing the things that shaped Scrooge into the man he is at the beginning of the play starts to let us feel sympathy for him so that when he is offered a second chance as a reader, we are glad he gets to redeem himself. Of Mice and Men Section Overview . 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 The conditional subordinate clause represents Scrooge's future actions. He spreads joy over all like a force of nature. It is uncared for just as he was uncared for, gasping out his last alone. The verb 'shrouded' makes explicit reference to death which is reinforced by the 'deep black' of its clothes. A Christmas Carol (Key Quotes) 'Mankind is my business' - Marley (Should be Scrooges and everyone elses too) 'I will honour Christmas in my heart and, and try to keepit all the year' - Scrooge (Willing to change, become better person) . It has harsh imagery and the symbolism of cold, shows he is lacking Christmas spirit. 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. With key quotes \u0026 analysis, this video provides an ideal format to gain a greater understanding of this novella in a matter of minutes. Accessed 4 March 2023. ", cynical- "what's Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money", Isolated- "secret and self-contained, and solitary like an oyster. But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! Scrooges words to the charity collectors as he refuses to give charity. The fog has lifted and Scrooge can 'see' the truth. Themes= greed and generosity/Christmas/poverty. However, some of the scenes are to help develop Scrooges character and add backstory. Stave 4 - About Scrooge's grave: Recognizing Progressive Forms and Tenses. Stave 5 - Scrooge's reaction to discovering it is not too late phrase on the line at the right. The word 'business' reflects Scrooge's earlier response to the portly gentlemen. In this quote, Dickens describes London as a dark and dangerous place. Oh, no, no! The finger was still there. ', 'secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. Studying Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'? Money 5. Key quotes from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Key quotes from a Christmas Carol- Stave 2, A Christmas Carol Vocabulary, A Christmas Car, myPerspectives, English Language Arts, Grade 8, myPerspectives: English Language Arts, California (Grade 9, Volume 1), myPerspectives: English Language Arts, Grade 7, myPerspectives: Grade 10, Volume 2 California Edition, A Christmas Carol - quotation analysis-Stave. The adjectives: genial show his joy/ cheer, sparkling presents tense- has connotations of light and magic and open emphasises his generosity.Themes= greed and generosity/Christmas. The noun 'contract' reflects the language of business - reflecting the change that Scrooge has undergone. Stave 4 - Tiny Tim's burial place is eden like - as, despite his poverty and place in life, he was good and will be welcomed by god. Scrooge's grave, by comparison to Tiny Tim's is 'overrun by weeds'. Themes= time/Christmas, "A solitary child, neglected by his friends.". A Christmas Carol is rarely classified as a gothic novel. The description of Marley's ghost has his chain wound about him. "Every person has a right to take care of themselves. Themes= Christmas/greed and generosity/family. External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge. Mrs Cratchit, although poor, represents the family's will to make the best of things - to celebrate in spite of their poverty. The noun 'idol' shows that Belle believes Scrooge is so enamoured of money that he worships it. 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. Scrooge will avoid spirits for the rest of his life geddit? A Christmas Carol is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a stingy, cruel, wealthy, old bachelor.The book opens with a funeral. A merry Christmas to you.". Stave 5 - description of Scrooge's redemption sungiemarie. 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. Arguably, this is the most famous quote from A Christmas Carol. 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.. Dr Aidan, PhD, brings you the second video. Bovey, Lee-James "A Christmas Carol Themes and Analysis " Book Analysis, https://bookanalysis.com/charles-dickens/a-christmas-carol/themes-and-analysis/. People can change, but Scrooge has thus far been content with his situation. He listens for the church bell but when it comes, it strikes twelve. 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'. as if its hold were of uncommon strength." Themes= time/Christmas/generosity and forgiveness. The verb forged shows skill and effort- Marley spent his whole life's time and effort in his greed so is suffering the consequences. Of course, the suggestion that people might be talking about him is beastly to Scrooge. 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. Summary. Stave 4 - Bob's reaction to Tiny Tim's death The adjective 'brave' suggests that the Cratchit's approach to life is noble and admirable - but not easy. Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. In the first stave of A Christmas Carol, the following quote is really important in characterizing Scrooge:. You could make a strong argument for this being a tale of redemption. Scrooge is presented as a miserly character - his money does not even bring him any happiness. A description of the school house that Scrooge was left in as a child, by his family. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. You must cook those fresh eggs for that kind of special salad. The ghost of Christmas presents it sitting on a throne of food. '', Stave 3 - the ghost uses Scrooge's words against him when he asks where there is refuge for the children, ignorance and want. He must have slept through a whole day and half a night. Oh, glorious! Themes= greed and generosity/Christmas. Ideas about purgatory and hell would have been recognisable to the mainly Christian readership at the time - and would have made the allegory more frightening. Then, choose the verb form that agrees in number with the subject. A Christmas Carol: Jacob Marley Quotes | SparkNotes The idea that they shake hands with each person 'individually' shows the humanity with which they treat everyone - they do not see the poor as 'creatures' It could also show that, as it has been so long since he was happy, he finds it difficult to describe. Hallo there! ". The heaviest rain, and snow, and hail, and sleet, could boast of the advantage over him in only one respect. The ghost of christmas present is showing the two children that hide in his cloak and he says that the problems these children portray are the problems of mankind. ', "Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.". ', 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.'. "Tonight, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it.". Scrooge has undergone a metamorphoses - he has literally been reborn as a new man. The tone is impatient as he does so. Scrooge. All rights reserved. The case of this unhappy man might be my own. ``My little child!''. In Victorian times, most of the readers would have been christian and would therefore heap additional judgement on Scrooge who needs to repent. This again leads back to Dickens' idea of collective responsibility - that everything that we do influences others. So we have tried where possible to focus on the most vital sections of the novella. Scrooge awakes and finds his room as dark as when he fell asleep at two o'clock. There is no doubt . There is no magic formula to revision but this three-point Fred in A Christmas Carol - Characters - AQA - BBC Bitesize "Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of things that May be, only?". 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. The adjectives squeezing and wrenching, etc., relate to how one should imagine him with money, refusing to let go of his wealth. Stave 2 - the spirit takes him to past Christmases including seeing Scrooge alone at school. 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. ". The Fezziwigs throw a party and treat everyone the same - no matter their status. To Kill a Mockingbird -Analysis of Major Characters. "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. "The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it costs a fortune.". 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. Stave 1 - why the portly gentlemen are collecting for the poor Mr and Mrs Fezziwig ..'.shaking hands with every person individually as he or she went out, wished him or her a Merry Christmas.'. Stave 5 - pathetic fallacy Seven Years 3. The gothic was a popular genre in the Victorian age and would have seemed fitting for a ghost story to Victorian readers. Stave 3 - the Cratchits Tiny Tim's comment is generous in spirit, seeing his disability positively as it will remind others of the true meaning of Christmas by allowing them to think of Jesus on Christmas day. Each sentence below contains a verb Whatever the genre. The spirit of Christmas is personified in his open heart, open hand, and outstretched arm. In many ways, it is the child who can most tug on Scrooges heartstrings. cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. Fred is unrelenting in his attempts to change his uncles way of thinking. But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! The clerks sprinting home juxtaposes Scrooge's dinner in a melancholy tavern. The image of the 'lonely boy near a feeble fire' reflects very closely the older Scrooge we have seen, alone eating gruel. 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. Ultimately he tries to extinguish the ghost's light. Quotes (A Christmas Carol) - GCSE English Literature Revision Himself, always. For characters like Fred and Bob Cratchit, Christmas represents the Christian ideal of goodness and moral prosperity, but Scrooge is at his most miserly when Christmas is mentioned. Setting includes not only the physical surroundings, but also the ideas, customs, values, and beliefs of a particular time and place. Fire symbolizes emotion and warmth. Marley tells scrooge he is responsible fro his punishment- he is suffering the consequences for his actions. Tiny Tim is frequently referred to in Christian terms - as though his true goodness is close to God. Themes= greed and generosity/ time. 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. Dickens was openly opposed to this view and challenges it throughout the novella. However, some of the scenes are to help develop Scrooge's character and add backstory. The simile has connotations of stillness and endings. Home Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol Themes and Analysis. 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. Imagery of warmth has symbolism of generosity, compassion and forgiveness- Fred always makes a effort with scrooge. A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens On this page, readers can explore the quotes, they are broadly separated into a few sub-categories. So, therefore, we should take responsibility for being a positive influence. "It was a large house but one of broken fortunes.". If they would rather die, they had better do it and decrease the surplus population. Setting can help create an atmosphere or mood in a literary work. I am as giddy as a drunken man., Scrooge was better than his word. 6. This almost prompts a realization in Scrooge as he catches on to the fact that his wealth provides him (and indeed Fezziwig) with the power to make people happy. 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. What are some key quotes from A Christmas Carol explained? The relative clause describing Tiny Tim reinforces the idea that it is Scrooge's actions that caused him to live. Along with the words, 'sole' and 'solitary' used throughout the novel to suggest that each individual must take responsibility for his own choices - just as Marley is paying for his individual sins. The Cratchits are generous and loving in very difficult circumstances. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. Glorious!'. Copyright2007 - 2023 Revision World Networks Ltd. cried the gentleman, as if his breath were taken away. This brightly\underline{\text{brightly}}brightly lit room will be perfect for my art studio. Fred, as Scrooge's foil, is a kind, forgiving character who is determined to give Scrooge the same chance every year. Stave 1 - description of Scrooge's house Whoever the author.Discover new and exciting books to dive into with our Book Explorer Tool. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Stave 2 - Belle breaks off the engagement. Everyone is entitled to be a little happier on Christmas, and the Ghost of Christmas Present helps them to be so. Stave 1 - description of Scrooge's relationship with Marley. Oh, glorious, glorious! With in-depth analysis, this video aims. 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. However, these are two children that he has no control over. A Christmas Carol Themes and Analysis | Book Analysis Both have religious connotations and suggest a true depth of despair at his previous notions. Where graceful youth should have filled their features out a stale and shrivelled hand, like that of age, had pinched, and twisted them. Bob describes his crippled son. 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." Any study of the time will tell you about the working conditions for the lower classes. 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 These compare with the bells at the start of the novel, signifying the hellish arrival of Marley's ghost. Stave 4 - the final ghost 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. 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. A description of Fezziwig, a rich merchant t whom Scrooge is apprentice. Stave 3 - Christmas at Fred's The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. Without the ghost of Christmas future, Scrooge wouldve been unlikely to change. This is clearly not possible. The workers will be repairing the building. Scrooges changing attitude is never better highlighted than in his initial responses to the three ghosts. ', Stave 1: 'that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellowmen, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. 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. A Christmas carol key quotes Flashcards | Quizlet Of course, the fact that this is obvious does not detract from the big reveal due to the way that Dickens masterfully creates tension. As a result of this he was damned to walk as a ghost chained with money boxes surrounding him. A Christmas Carol - Quotes and Analysis Stave 1 Stave 2 Stave 3 Stave 4 Stave 5 ( ) The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker and the chief mourner. For each of the following sentences, identify the subject of the verb in parentheses. He doesn't believe it, but when he goes to the window, the street is deserted and dark as nighttime. The simile has a snake like connotations, Marley is a symbol of evil. These words are then used against him by the ghost of the Christmas present. 'A Christmas Carol' is a widely studied book filled with memorable quotes. 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! Instant PDF downloads. Themes= family/time/poverty. Im sure you will all e familiar with the one percent statistic. It is through your support of visiting Book Analysis that we can support charities, such as Teenage Cancer Trust. The innocence of the 'angel' and the 'schoolboy' contrast with the hellish image of Marley's ghost, showing the reader that he will be saved. The problem is internal, within Scrooges heart. Describes Fred, who is a symbol of Christmas spirit. Hallo!". So while he did not invent these particular traditions many people credit him with popularizing them. ', People with lots of money already are more likely to be greedy for more, not thinking about sharing that money with others effectively. It would have done you good to see how green a place it is.". The silent. 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. Stave 1 - Scrooge's response to the gentlemen saying that people would rather die than go to the workhouse. Here in this quote, one can see Dickens playing with literal and figurative meanings to great effect. but stopped at the first syllable', Repeated phrase (Juxtaposition and patterning), Stave 5: 'Hear me! Dickens, therefore, is attacking the Malthusian capitalist theories. Home Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol Best Quotes. Oh! What is interesting is that a lot of the traditions that Dickens writes about werent quite so commonplace before his novella. The verbs suggest age, disfiguration and pain suggesting how unnatural their conditions are that have led to this. LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in A Christmas Carol, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work. 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 ribbons are her means of dressing more festively. Underline the word or symbol in parentheses that best completes each sentence. The use of the word 'alone' is repeated showing again that selfishness will lead to a life of loneliness. Whoop! Scrooge signed it. Are there no prisons?'' The simile shows Bobs wealth in his family; he values them more than money and so is content with their love. The noun unanimity suggests that he is happy to be involved. Themes= poverty/family/greed and generosity. 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. Themes= greed and generosity/time. Stave 5 - The response of the portly gentleman to the money Scrooge wants to give him: Scrooge was better than his word. His most famous saying is bah humbug. He used it as an exclamation when he wanted to express his displeasure about something. Stave 2 - Belle breaks off the engagement Privacy Policy, https://bookanalysis.com/charles-dickens/a-christmas-carol/themes-and-analysis/. That being said the fact that Marley is suffering damnation suggests that he too led a similar path to Scrooge. This shows that scrooge is only hurting himself by being so money orientated it doesnt affect his family but does himself. In this way, like a patient completing therapy, he has faced his past, but can now move on. GCSE (9-1): Literature: A Christmas Carol: Key Quotes: Key - Quizlet Stave 5 - the bells ring A Christmas Carol Key Quotes and Analysis - chegg.com 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. I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy.