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Poverty and Social Responsibility in A Christmas Carol: Summary and Analysis

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Aanya Patel

28/11/2022

English Literature

Poverty and Social Responsibility- A christmas Carol

Poverty and Social Responsibility in A Christmas Carol: Summary and Analysis

A Christmas Carol's portrayal of poverty and social responsibility through Scrooge's character transformation and the Cratchit family's struggles.

  • Scrooge initially demonstrates complete apathy towards poverty, justifying his stance through his tax contributions
  • The Cratchit family serves as the primary representation of working-class poverty
  • Dickens draws from personal childhood experiences with poverty to create authentic narratives
  • The story emphasizes both material and emotional wealth through various character contrasts
  • Social responsibility and the wealthy's obligation to help the poor emerge as central themes
...

28/11/2022

13550

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Poverty and Social Responsibility in A Christmas Carol: Summary and Analysis

A Christmas Carol's portrayal of poverty and social responsibility through Scrooge's character transformation and the Cratchit family's struggles.

  • Scrooge initially demonstrates complete apathy towards poverty, justifying his stance through his tax contributions
  • The Cratchit family serves as the primary representation of working-class poverty
  • Dickens draws from personal childhood experiences with poverty to create authentic narratives
  • The story emphasizes both material and emotional wealth through various character contrasts
  • Social responsibility and the wealthy's obligation to help the poor emerge as central themes
...

28/11/2022

13550

 

11

 

English Literature

636


<p>Scrooge's apathetic attitude towards the plight of the poor is evident throughout the story. He firmly believes that his taxes cover the

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Page 1: Scrooge's Attitude Towards Poverty and Social Class Dynamics

The page explores Scrooge's apathetic attitude towards poverty and its broader implications in Victorian society. His character represents the wealthy class's indifference to social responsibility and the poor's struggles.

Quote: "If they would rather die, they had better do it and decrease the surplus population" - demonstrating Scrooge's initial cruel attitude towards the poor.

Highlight: The Cratchit family serves as Dickens' primary vehicle for illustrating working-class poverty, living in a four-room house with threadbare clothes.

Example: Belle's explanation of Scrooge's fear of poverty reveals his psychological motivation - he's become consumed by the "master-passion" of avoiding poverty at all costs.

Definition: The "surplus population" refers to the poor whom Scrooge believes are better off dead than being a burden on society.

The text also explores various manifestations of poverty through different characters and settings:

  1. Joe's shop in the city's impoverished area, described with "foul and narrow" streets
  2. The three thieves who steal from Scrooge's corpse, representing desperate poverty
  3. The Ghost of Christmas Present's revelation of Ignorance and Want as "horrible monsters"

Vocabulary: Sabbatarianism - strict observance of the Sabbath, which Dickens criticizes for its impact on the poor

The contrast between material and emotional wealth is particularly emphasized through:

  • The Cratchits' poor but emotionally rich family life
  • Scrooge's financial wealth but emotional poverty
  • Fred's emphasis on spiritual richness over material wealth
  • Fezziwig's example of using wealth to bring joy to others

Quote: "The common welfare was my business" - Marley's ghost explaining the true purpose of wealth and business to Scrooge.

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Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

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Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

17 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.