A Christmas Carol - Themes

A Christmas Carol – Themes Questions

1. Poverty and Charity

Dickens’ underlying purpose in writing ‘A Christmas Carol’ – to inspire in his readers’ charity towards the poor – was clearly interpreted and delivered throughout my reading of the novella. The emphasis placed by Dickens on societies need to assist their underprivileged when they are granted the means to do so is highlighted throughout the entirety of the text, however, most importantly it is magnified in the beginning, middle and end of the text. In Stave One ‘Marley’s Ghost’, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by two Portly Gentleman who politely ask Scrooge for a donation towards the aid and benefit of the poor and destitute (page 38–‘’Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts’’). In Stave Three, ‘The Second of the Three Spirits’, Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present who shows Scrooge not only the Cratchit family and Tiny Tim especially, but also the boy ‘Ignorance’ and the girl ‘Want’ whom the Second Spirit informs Scrooge are Man’s sons, i.e. they are the result of societies ignorance and want towards the plight of the poor. In Stave Five, ‘The End of It’, Scrooge has transformed from an old, bitter miser to a kind, generous giver who makes it his duty and responsibility to aid those who are less privileged than he, spreading and creating joy, cheer and warmth all around, and this shows Dickens’ readers the true benefits of charity and philanthropy.

2. Christmas and the Family

I think that Dickens’ biggest contribution towards the way in which Christmas is celebrated is that of non-religious origins, i.e. Pagan. Dickens makes minimal reference to Christmas terms, phrases or acts that are regarded as religious in ‘A Christmas Carol’, however, he does uphold the traditions of Christmas occurring during Winter, the Christmas story being representative of the ideas of rejuvenation and redemption in the form of the...