The Cratchits in Grief - Stave 4 Analysis
This extract from Stave 4 shows the Cratchit family mourning Tiny Tim's death, and Dickens uses several powerful techniques to make us feel deeply sorry for them. The scene is deliberately quiet and subdued - the "noisy little Cratchits were as still as statues" - which immediately tells us something terrible has happened.
Mrs Cratchit's brave facade creates massive sympathy. When she says "The colour hurts my eyes" about her sewing, she's clearly crying but won't admit it. Her determination not to "show weak eyes to your father" reveals how she's trying to stay strong for everyone else, even whilst grieving.
The family's loving memories of Tiny Tim make the scene even more heartbreaking. When Mrs Cratchit mentions how Bob "walked with Tiny Tim upon his shoulder, very fast indeed," we see their deep love and the devastating loss they're facing.
Key Point: Dickens shows that even in their darkest moment, the Cratchits maintain their dignity and love for each other, making readers feel both sympathy and admiration.