A Christmas Carol:
Charity, Family and
Supernatural themes
, Charity theme essay plan:
1. Scrooge as the Antithesis of Charity (Initially)
Idea: Dickens initially constructs Scrooge as the embodiment of greed and
selfishness, deliberately contrasting him with the values of charity and compassion.
Quote: "Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?"
Analysis: These cold, rhetorical questions convey Scrooge's complete detachment
from human suffering. Dickens uses irony here - the institutions he references were
notorious for their inhumane conditions. By suggesting they are sufficient
"solutions" for poverty, Scrooge reveals not just ignorance, but a deep moral failing.
The repetition of "Are there...?" mimics bureaucratic detachment, reinforcing how
the upper classes often avoided personal responsibility. This moment is shocking to
the reader, framing Scrooge as a villain in need of transformation.
Context: This directly criticises the 1834 Poor Law, which Dickens believed punished
the poor for their circumstances. Dickens, who experienced poverty first hand,
presents Scrooge as a symbolic warning of what society becomes when charity is
neglected.
2. The Cratchits as Deserving of Charity and Respect
Idea: Through the Cratchits, Dickens redefines charity - not just as giving money, but
recognising the human dignity of the poor. Quote: "They were not a handsome
family...but they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another."
Analysis: Dickens uses a triadic structure and gentle, warm adjectives to portray the
Cratchits' emotional richness, despite their material poverty. The contrast between
their external lack and internal abundance invites the reader to question Victorian
assumptions that wealth equates to virtue. The phrase "not a handsome family" is
almost apologetic, but it's quickly subverted - their value lies in their love and unity,
not appearance or status. This encourages the reader to feel empathy rather than
pity, making charity about connection, not superiority.
Context: Dickens was concerned about how industrialisation had dehumanised the
working classes.
By giving the Cratchits a voice and story, he gives dignity to the voiceless.
3. Charity as a Christian and Moral Imperative
Idea: Dickens aligns charity with Christian values, presenting it as not just desirable,
but morally essential.
Quote: "To a poor one most." (Ghost of Christmas Present)
Analysis: The Ghost of Christmas Present embodies generosity and goodwill. His
phrase "To a poor one most" is simple yet profound, suggesting that kindness
should be targeted where it is most needed. The superlative "most" gives the idea of
divine priority - the poor deserve more love, not less. The Ghost is almost Christ-like
in his behaviour, blessing meals and advocating for the oppressed. This elevates
charity to a sacred duty.
Structure: This spirit appears in the middle of the novella - structurally significant,
as it represents the emotional and moral turning point for Scrooge. He begins to see
and feel for others.
Context: Victorian England claimed to be a Christian nation, but Dickens exposes the
hypocrisy of ignoring the poor at Christmas - the very time when generosity is
meant to peak.
Charity, Family and
Supernatural themes
, Charity theme essay plan:
1. Scrooge as the Antithesis of Charity (Initially)
Idea: Dickens initially constructs Scrooge as the embodiment of greed and
selfishness, deliberately contrasting him with the values of charity and compassion.
Quote: "Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?"
Analysis: These cold, rhetorical questions convey Scrooge's complete detachment
from human suffering. Dickens uses irony here - the institutions he references were
notorious for their inhumane conditions. By suggesting they are sufficient
"solutions" for poverty, Scrooge reveals not just ignorance, but a deep moral failing.
The repetition of "Are there...?" mimics bureaucratic detachment, reinforcing how
the upper classes often avoided personal responsibility. This moment is shocking to
the reader, framing Scrooge as a villain in need of transformation.
Context: This directly criticises the 1834 Poor Law, which Dickens believed punished
the poor for their circumstances. Dickens, who experienced poverty first hand,
presents Scrooge as a symbolic warning of what society becomes when charity is
neglected.
2. The Cratchits as Deserving of Charity and Respect
Idea: Through the Cratchits, Dickens redefines charity - not just as giving money, but
recognising the human dignity of the poor. Quote: "They were not a handsome
family...but they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another."
Analysis: Dickens uses a triadic structure and gentle, warm adjectives to portray the
Cratchits' emotional richness, despite their material poverty. The contrast between
their external lack and internal abundance invites the reader to question Victorian
assumptions that wealth equates to virtue. The phrase "not a handsome family" is
almost apologetic, but it's quickly subverted - their value lies in their love and unity,
not appearance or status. This encourages the reader to feel empathy rather than
pity, making charity about connection, not superiority.
Context: Dickens was concerned about how industrialisation had dehumanised the
working classes.
By giving the Cratchits a voice and story, he gives dignity to the voiceless.
3. Charity as a Christian and Moral Imperative
Idea: Dickens aligns charity with Christian values, presenting it as not just desirable,
but morally essential.
Quote: "To a poor one most." (Ghost of Christmas Present)
Analysis: The Ghost of Christmas Present embodies generosity and goodwill. His
phrase "To a poor one most" is simple yet profound, suggesting that kindness
should be targeted where it is most needed. The superlative "most" gives the idea of
divine priority - the poor deserve more love, not less. The Ghost is almost Christ-like
in his behaviour, blessing meals and advocating for the oppressed. This elevates
charity to a sacred duty.
Structure: This spirit appears in the middle of the novella - structurally significant,
as it represents the emotional and moral turning point for Scrooge. He begins to see
and feel for others.
Context: Victorian England claimed to be a Christian nation, but Dickens exposes the
hypocrisy of ignoring the poor at Christmas - the very time when generosity is
meant to peak.
