Page 1: Social Commentary and Symbolism

The opening page establishes key themes through powerful quotations and symbolism. The infamous "decrease the surplus population" quote reveals Scrooge's initial callousness towards the poor, influenced by capitalist ideology.

Quote: "If they would die, they had better do it and decrease the surplus population" demonstrates Scrooge's dehumanization of the poor.

Highlight: Marley's ghost chain symbolism represents the burden of past deeds, serving as a warning about the consequences of greed.

Example: Fred's observation about Scrooge's wealth being useless illustrates how capitalism and greed can render material success meaningless without charitable purpose.

The Ghost of Christmas Present introduces two symbolic children - Ignorance and Want - representing societal problems:

Definition: Ignorance represents society's willful blindness to poverty, while Want embodies the desperate needs of the poor.

Vocabulary: Patriarchal society - A social system dominated by male authority and privilege, which Dickens critiques alongside class inequality.