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.