Poverty and Social Inequality in 'A Christmas Carol'

Dickens' Victorian novella 'A Christmas Carol' serves as a powerful commentary on the treatment of the poor in 19th-century England. The author presents a stark portrayal of how society, particularly the upper class, views and dehumanizes the impoverished.

Highlight: 'A Christmas Carol' is a diatribe against how the working classes are treated by the upper class.

The novella introduces the allegorical figures of Ignorance and Want, representing the dire consequences of societal neglect:

• Scrooge's perception of these children as animalistic underscores the dehumanization of the poor.
• The description of Ignorance and Want illustrates how poverty destroys the innocence and potential of children.

Quote: "Is it a foot or a claw?"

This question from Scrooge reveals the extent to which the poor are othered and demonized in society. The use of 'it' further emphasizes their dehumanization.

Vocabulary: Diatribe - A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.

Dickens criticizes the upper class's choice to demonize the working class, portraying how this perpetuates the cycle of poverty. The author highlights how innocent children's lives are ruined by poverty, drawing a parallel to Scrooge's own childhood as a working-class child.

Example: The description "where angels might have sat enthroned, devils lurked" illustrates how poverty strips away children's innocence and potential.

The novella also explores the misconception that poverty inherently prevents happiness. Scrooge's disbelief at his nephew Fred's merriment despite being poor showcases this flawed perspective.

Quote: "What right do you have to be merry, you're poor enough."

This statement reveals Scrooge's belief that money is the sole source of happiness, a view Dickens challenges throughout the story.