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14 Dec 2025

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Sympathy for the Cratchit Family: Analysis and Quotes

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evie

@e777

Charles Dickens masterfully creates sympathy for the Cratchit family in... Show more

SECTION B (19th Century Prose)

Answer on one text only.

A Christmas Carol

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this question.

Yo

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.

SECTION B (19th Century Prose)

Answer on one text only.

A Christmas Carol

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this question.

Yo

Creating Sympathy Throughout the Novel

Dickens builds sympathy for the Cratchits' financial struggles from the very beginning. Bob's meagre wages mean he can't properly support his family, making them "reliant on Scrooge to help them" rather than being independent. This dependency shows how unfair the social system is.

The family's strong work ethic and gratitude despite their hardships makes us respect them. Martha works long hours and rarely sees her family, yet their Christmas reunion is joyful. Tiny Tim's famous words "God bless us everyone!" show how the family appreciates what little they have.

Tiny Tim's death represents innocent suffering - he dies "for no reason" other than poverty preventing proper medical care. This wasn't just the Cratchits' tragedy; it reflected the harsh reality for many Victorian working-class families who couldn't afford healthcare.

Context Matters: Dickens wrote during a time when child mortality rates were high among the poor, making Tiny Tim's fate a powerful social criticism that Victorian readers would recognise.



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Samantha Klich

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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

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

235

14 Dec 2025

2 pages

Sympathy for the Cratchit Family: Analysis and Quotes

user profile picture

evie

@e777

Charles Dickens masterfully creates sympathy for the Cratchit family in A Christmas Carol by showing how poverty and tragedy affect this loving, hardworking family. Through their struggles with Tiny Tim's death and Bob's inadequate wages, Dickens highlights the harsh realities... Show more

SECTION B (19th Century Prose)

Answer on one text only.

A Christmas Carol

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this question.

Yo

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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.

SECTION B (19th Century Prose)

Answer on one text only.

A Christmas Carol

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this question.

Yo

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

Creating Sympathy Throughout the Novel

Dickens builds sympathy for the Cratchits' financial struggles from the very beginning. Bob's meagre wages mean he can't properly support his family, making them "reliant on Scrooge to help them" rather than being independent. This dependency shows how unfair the social system is.

The family's strong work ethic and gratitude despite their hardships makes us respect them. Martha works long hours and rarely sees her family, yet their Christmas reunion is joyful. Tiny Tim's famous words "God bless us everyone!" show how the family appreciates what little they have.

Tiny Tim's death represents innocent suffering - he dies "for no reason" other than poverty preventing proper medical care. This wasn't just the Cratchits' tragedy; it reflected the harsh reality for many Victorian working-class families who couldn't afford healthcare.

Context Matters: Dickens wrote during a time when child mortality rates were high among the poor, making Tiny Tim's fate a powerful social criticism that Victorian readers would recognise.

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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Most popular content: Character Analysis

Most popular content in English Literature

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

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

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