A Christmas Carol
First sentence in the text is about death – introduces a
negative atmosphere and the theme of death. A negative beginning.
In the first page there are many words in the lexical field
of death.
There are multiple references to death.
Repetition of Marley
was dead. Dead as a doornail – simile.
Repetition of dead occurs often in the first page, even
including the superlative “deadest”. This highlights the presence of death and
further the morbid atmosphere.
Dickens is highlighting the current awful situation Scrooge
is in, also is he suggesting that the Victorian era is morbid and depressing.
The word choice of “unhallowed” suggests sinful but also
links to the theme of religion.
Repetition of sole, sole = only. Introduces the theme of
loneliness.
In the first page alone the word dead is included 6 times.
Furthermore the word “sole” is repeated five times furthering
the theme of loneliness.
The fact Scrooge does not spend the money to paint over
Marley’s name and allows himself to be referred to as Scrooge highlights is his
lack of emotion, he is emotionally “as dead as a doornail”. He is reactionless when confronted with his
partner’s name, and at the same time his death.
Scrooge at beginning: “squeezing, wrenching…old sinner”. List
of terrible attributes and he is called a sinner showing..
All of the verbs in the list are negative but also
uncomfortable highlighting Scrooge’s discomfort both in himself and in society
at large.
(This is a book about human fallibility)
“solitary as an oyster”
Just as an oyster is hard in appearance, fragile internally,
lives alone but over a period of time make pearls so Scrooge is incredibly
different internally and externally, and over time he has the capability to give
precious resources to society. The metaphor highlights the striking difference
in Scrooge’s interior and exterior but also his capabilities.
09/01/18
At the beginning of the text Scrooge is described in a
grotesque manner “eyes red…”, he is also described repulsively. At the start of the text Scrooge is a symbol
of capitalism.
Scrooge is associated with the cold, this has literal and
metaphorical meanings.
“External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge” this
links/ reinforces “solitary as an oyster”. Scrooge is separate from society and
Dickens highlights his lack of connection to those around him. Perhaps Dickens
is implying that the Victorian era was self centred.
Repetition of “no” highlighting Scrooge’s negativity.
The fact that “no beggars implored him to bestow a trifle” - this shows that even those who are
desperate cannot or do not want to involve themselves with Scrooge, he is abhorred.
Scrooge lives totally apart from others ad all walks of life,
even innocent children. He is also linked with evil.
“To edge his way along the crowded paths of life, warning all
human sympathy to keep its distance” firstly perhaps Dicken is making a larger
comment about Victorian society. Is it a
comment about the gulf between the haves and have nots. It also makes the
empathetic reader wonder why he does this.
The word choice of “edge”..
The first stave is full of pathetic fallacy e.g. “cold,
bleak, biting weather”.
“Once upon a time…phantoms..fog pouring in” all references to
the supernatural and create an eerie atmosphere and suspense.
“dismal little cell” this is where Bob Cratchit works – The
word choice of cell connotes prison suggesting his life is like a prison when
at work with Scrooge and he has little liberty.
The fires, and the huge difference in size, symbolise the difference
in society between those with money and those without. Interestingly though
Scrooge does not give himself a large fire, this highlights that he is not
lavish and luxurious but unhappy and not only treats others badly but does not
treat himself well – he does not even enjoy his own money.
Bob Cratchit wear a “white comforter”. White is associated
with purity, innocence, goodness thus suggesting Bob Cratchit is all of these.
There is a strong juxtaposition (contrast) between the description
of Scrooge and his nephew.
In his conversation with his nephew Scrooge shows he believes
happiness comes from money. Dickens however shows, through Scrooge’s miserable
description and state, that this is not the case.
Scrooge at the start: “every idiot…should be boiled with his
own pudding” compare this to Scrooge once redeemed.
Scrooge’s behaviour during Christmastime shows how hardened
he has become and bitter.
“think of people below them as fellow passengers to the grave”.
The views of Scrooge’s nephew are representative of Dickens and contrast
greatly with Scrooge at the start.
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