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Bob Cratchit’s workplace is referred to as a “tank”. This
metaphor highlights that just as a tank is…(oppressive) so his workplace is…
At the start of the text we are not told of Bob Crathcit’s
name, he is reffered to as “the clerk” etc. This dehumanises Bob, possibly
highlighting the many (poor people) who were dehumanised in society and not
cared for.
The word choice of “growled” highlights Scrooge’ animalistic
nature as animals growl. Furthermore animals growl when they are scared or
feeling threatened, as the topic of the conversation is love, this highlights
that Scrooge is afraid and feels threatened by love.
“it is a time [Christmas] when want is keenly felt, and
abundance rejoices” this highlights the extremities in society.
Scrooge talks of “decreasing the surplus population” this is
business speak highlighting Scrooge’s capitalist concerns and mindset. He is
utterly lacking in empathy or sympathy.
bell from the church “peeping down on Scrooge”. This
highlights that God is always watching, and Scrooge cannot escape his fate, his
actions are always being monitored.
The pathetic fallacy constantly present heightens tension.
The word choice of “ragged” suggest being in a state…
Dickens i constantly reminding us of the terrible conditions
of the poor.
The pitiful description of the “owner of one scant
nose…gnawed and mumbled by the hungry cold” highlights Dickins desire to make
the reader aware of the terrible conditions and hardships faced by so many and
their heartbreaking conditions.
Dickens goes to great lengths to highlight the difference in
outer wear between Scrooge and Bob Craitchit – Bob does not even have a coat
(yet wears his “white comforter”).
Once again Scrooge “growled”. This reinforces his animalistic
nature.
When describing Scrooge eating Dickens repeats the word
choice of melancholy.
1. a feeling of
pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.
The word choice of melancholy has suggestions of a heavy
sadness, of being in a state of confusion, lacking clarity. Furthermore the
repetition of the word highlights Scrooge’s sorry state.
Contrasting this with Bob Cratchitt’s actions on leaving work
without a coat, they are far from melancholy. Happiness is not linked to money.
Even the location of Scrooge’s home is lonely and “gloomy”.
His home means he is physically surrounded by business and capitalism.
At the beginning of the text Scrooge is so cut off from
humanity and cold that he is able to live in the Marley’s old home and still
not have thought about him in 7 years. This clearly shows Scrooge places no
value or currency in human relationships.
At the beginning Dickens refers to Scrooge and Marley as
crustacians. Just as crustacians are…
“darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it” – literal and
methaporical meaning. It is easier to be unkind and selfish than it is to be
caring.
P 17 repetition of “nobody” highlighting his utter aloneness.
The description of a boweless Marley is grotesque thus
highlighting his grotesque character, the reader is disgusted and appalled.
Also it links to the idea of being inhuman.
The description f Marley is pitiful but a clear
warning showing us Scrooge’s fate. “shook its
chain with such a dismal and appalling sound”. The word choice of “it”
dehumanises Marley and suggests he is a thing, an object.
IF SCROOGE DOESN’T CHANGE HE WILL BE THIS ALSO
The constant reference to “chains2 when Marley is present
suggest imprisonment, slavery..
“I wear the chain I forged in life” – what chains does
Dickens feel are being forged in 19th century Victorian England?
3 spirits link to the holy trinity
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