Bob Cratchit: The Face of the Working Class
Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's clerk, represents the struggles and virtues of the working class in Victorian England. His character highlights the harsh realities faced by many during this era, a common theme in Victorian literature.
Highlight: Cratchit remains unnamed throughout Stave One, referred to simply as "the Clerk," emphasizing his perceived insignificance in Scrooge's eyes and the dehumanizing effects of class disparity.
Dickens uses Cratchit to illustrate the plight of the poor and evoke sympathy from readers. Despite his difficult circumstances, Cratchit is portrayed as a loving father and a dedicated worker, embodying the idealized virtues of the lower class.
Quote: "My little, little child" cried Bob. "My little child!"
This emotional outburst, referring to Tiny Tim, showcases Cratchit's deep love for his family and the heartbreaking reality of potential loss faced by many poor families. The repetition emphasizes Tiny Tim's vulnerability and innocence, further highlighting the injustice of their situation.
Cratchit's character serves as a foil to Scrooge, demonstrating that wealth does not equate to happiness or moral worth. His ability to find joy in simple pleasures and maintain a strong family bond despite financial hardship contrasts sharply with Scrooge's isolation and misery.
Example: Cratchit's meager Christmas celebration, filled with love and gratitude, stands in stark contrast to Scrooge's solitary and joyless existence.
Through Bob Cratchit, Dickens critiques the harsh working conditions and inadequate wages prevalent in Victorian society. The character's struggles and resilience serve to highlight the need for social reform and compassion, key themes in A Christmas Carol and much of Dickens' work.