solitary links to isolated due to alienating effects of greed and capitalism. Image of an oyster links to the outer shell that scrooge puts himself into to hide his goodness (pearl) inside. Oysters have to be pried open and the spirits are the things that open up this oyster.

This simile compares scrooge to stone to indicate his lack of humanity. A secondary meaning could explore how flint is used to create fires to hint at scrooge warm character later in the novella.

The repetition of melancholy in this sentence helps to emphasise the depressing and miserable routine of scrooge life.

'Scrooge took his melancholy dinner ti his melancholy tavern.'

This kine captures Scrooges love of saving money by avoiding spending money on lights. The darkness is also a symbol for the lack of humanity, hope and generosity in his life. 

'Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.' 

This is another quote that creates sympathy for Scrooge when we realise Scrooge's only friend was Ali Baba - a fictional character in a book. The word ecstasy is interesting because it shows extreme joy and is the first time the reader has witnessed Scrooge take pleasure in life.

'Why it's Ali Baba'. Scrooge exclaimed in ecstasy.

In this quote, Scrooge comes to realise he has a responsibility to help his employees and his actions can make them happy or unhappy. It makes him reflect on how he treats Bob Cratchit.

'He [Fezziwig] has the power to render us happy or unhappy.'

This exclamatory sentence shows Scrooge beginning the process of change by reflecting on the harsh way he has treated Bob Cratchit.

'I should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now!'

Dickens describes people in the street enjoying Christmas by having fun and throwing snowballs to show Scrooge the Christmas fun he is missing out on by closing himself off. 'Better-natured missile' is an oxymoron to suggest all conflict should be jovial at Christmas.

'Exchanging a facetious snowball better-natured missile.'

This line could be a metaphor for how the cripple Tiny Tim is a heavy financial burden weighing down on the family.

In this line, Scrooge is told that Tiny Tim will not survive into adulthood. This acts as a catalyst for his transformation.

The description of the ghost of Christmas yet to come is described as similar to the grim reaper which matches the message he has to share about Scrooge's death.

In this quotation we see a couple showing emotion at Scrooge's death because it means their debt no longer has to be paid off. They are the only people to show emotion at his death.

'We may sleep tonight with light
hearts.'

In this quotation Scrooge wants the ghost to promise that he can alter his future by altering the way he lives his life. The ghost disappears to leave Scrooge in suspense with his request unanswered.

'Assure me that I yet may change these shadows'

This quotation links back to the mention of the small fire in Stave 1 and 2. The fact he wants to build a big fire is a metaphor for the new level of warmth and generosity he has.

'Make up the fires, and buy another coal-scuttle'

At the end of Stave 5, Dickens points out that Scrooge kept to his promises and his ways helped to preserve the life of Tiny Tim. The image of the second father is a reminder that humans have a responsibility to look after the vulnerable in society which reinforces the Christmas moral in the book.

'To Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father.'

English (UK)

Key quotes from all staves in 'A Christmas Carol'

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Lorcan Doyle

United Kingdom

key quotes from all staves in 'a christmas carol'

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English (US)

a christmas carol key quotes.

DEFAULT (England)

English Literature

AP English Literature

A Christmas Carol key quotes.

Find key quotes with analysis for each stave in 'A Christmas Carol', perfect for your quizlet, pdf notes, and GCSE revision. Includes important quotes from Stave 2, 3, and 4, with grade 9 explanations.

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a christmas carol key quotes.

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