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14 Dec 2025

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Understanding Ignorance and Want in A Christmas Carol

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Tanaka Machiridza

@tanakamachiridza

Dickens creates two shocking child characters called Ignorance and Want... Show more

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IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

The Horrifying Description of Ignorance and Want

You'll immediately notice how Dickens describes these children - they're "yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish". These aren't just random descriptive words; they're carefully chosen to make you feel sorry for them whilst showing how terrible their situation is.

The words "scowling" and "wolfish" are particularly important because they compare the children to wild animals. This suggests that poverty has stripped away their humanity - they've been forced to behave like beasts just to survive.

When Dickens writes that "a stale and shrivelled hand, like that of age, had pinched and twisted them," he's showing how poverty has aged them before their time. These children represent all poor children in Victorian England, and Dickens chose children deliberately because adults often ignore or overlook young people's suffering.

Quick Tip: Remember that these children are allegories - they represent bigger ideas about society's problems, not just individual characters.

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

Ignorance: The Root of All Problems

The Ghost warns Scrooge to "beware this boy" above all else, and there's a crucial reason why. Ignorance represents the lack of education that keeps poor people trapped in poverty forever.

Dickens shows that without proper education, poor children grow up to become "monsters half so horrible and dread." This isn't their fault - society has created these "monsters" by refusing to help educate and support them.

Notice how the children "clung upon the outside of his garments" - they're desperately holding onto the Ghost of Christmas Present because they're terrified of mankind. This shows how society has failed them so badly that they fear the very people who should be helping them.

"They were a boy and a girl" - Dickens deliberately includes both genders to show that poverty affects everyone equally. These children will grow up and have their own children, continuing the endless cycle of poverty.

Remember: The boy (Ignorance) is more dangerous than the girl (Want) because ignorance stops people from breaking free from poverty.

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

Why Dickens Created These Characters

Dickens knew exactly what he was doing when he created these grotesque and horrifying characters. He'd seen the terrible working conditions of poor people firsthand and campaigned for children's education rights throughout his career.

These characters aren't meant to be subtle - they're designed to shock Victorian readers into action. By making them so disturbing, Dickens forces his audience to confront the reality of what their society was doing to its most vulnerable members.

The allegory works because it shows that poverty isn't just about money - it's about the complete destruction of human potential when society fails to provide basic education and support.

Context Check: Remember that in Dickens' time, many children worked in dangerous factories instead of going to school, which is why education was such an important issue for him.



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Basil

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

English Literature

740

14 Dec 2025

3 pages

Understanding Ignorance and Want in A Christmas Carol

user profile picture

Tanaka Machiridza

@tanakamachiridza

Dickens creates two shocking child characters called Ignorance and Want to represent Victorian society's biggest problems. These aren't just any characters - they're powerful symbols that show how poverty and lack of education destroy people's lives.

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

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The Horrifying Description of Ignorance and Want

You'll immediately notice how Dickens describes these children - they're "yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish". These aren't just random descriptive words; they're carefully chosen to make you feel sorry for them whilst showing how terrible their situation is.

The words "scowling" and "wolfish" are particularly important because they compare the children to wild animals. This suggests that poverty has stripped away their humanity - they've been forced to behave like beasts just to survive.

When Dickens writes that "a stale and shrivelled hand, like that of age, had pinched and twisted them," he's showing how poverty has aged them before their time. These children represent all poor children in Victorian England, and Dickens chose children deliberately because adults often ignore or overlook young people's suffering.

Quick Tip: Remember that these children are allegories - they represent bigger ideas about society's problems, not just individual characters.

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Ignorance: The Root of All Problems

The Ghost warns Scrooge to "beware this boy" above all else, and there's a crucial reason why. Ignorance represents the lack of education that keeps poor people trapped in poverty forever.

Dickens shows that without proper education, poor children grow up to become "monsters half so horrible and dread." This isn't their fault - society has created these "monsters" by refusing to help educate and support them.

Notice how the children "clung upon the outside of his garments" - they're desperately holding onto the Ghost of Christmas Present because they're terrified of mankind. This shows how society has failed them so badly that they fear the very people who should be helping them.

"They were a boy and a girl" - Dickens deliberately includes both genders to show that poverty affects everyone equally. These children will grow up and have their own children, continuing the endless cycle of poverty.

Remember: The boy (Ignorance) is more dangerous than the girl (Want) because ignorance stops people from breaking free from poverty.

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Why Dickens Created These Characters

Dickens knew exactly what he was doing when he created these grotesque and horrifying characters. He'd seen the terrible working conditions of poor people firsthand and campaigned for children's education rights throughout his career.

These characters aren't meant to be subtle - they're designed to shock Victorian readers into action. By making them so disturbing, Dickens forces his audience to confront the reality of what their society was doing to its most vulnerable members.

The allegory works because it shows that poverty isn't just about money - it's about the complete destruction of human potential when society fails to provide basic education and support.

Context Check: Remember that in Dickens' time, many children worked in dangerous factories instead of going to school, which is why education was such an important issue for him.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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4.9/5

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4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user