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Dec 20, 2025

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Understanding Ignorance and Want in A Christmas Carol

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Tanaka Machiridza @tanakamachiridza

Dickens creates two shocking child characters called Ignorance and Want to represent Victorian society's biggest problems. These aren't... Show more

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

The Horrifying Description of Ignorance and Want

You'll immediately notice how Dickens describes these children - they're "yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish". These aren't just random descriptive words; they're carefully chosen to make you feel sorry for them whilst showing how terrible their situation is.

The words "scowling" and "wolfish" are particularly important because they compare the children to wild animals. This suggests that poverty has stripped away their humanity - they've been forced to behave like beasts just to survive.

When Dickens writes that "a stale and shrivelled hand, like that of age, had pinched and twisted them," he's showing how poverty has aged them before their time. These children represent all poor children in Victorian England, and Dickens chose children deliberately because adults often ignore or overlook young people's suffering.

Quick Tip Remember that these children are allegories - they represent bigger ideas about society's problems, not just individual characters.

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

Ignorance The Root of All Problems

The Ghost warns Scrooge to "beware this boy" above all else, and there's a crucial reason why. Ignorance represents the lack of education that keeps poor people trapped in poverty forever.

Dickens shows that without proper education, poor children grow up to become "monsters half so horrible and dread." This isn't their fault - society has created these "monsters" by refusing to help educate and support them.

Notice how the children "clung upon the outside of his garments" - they're desperately holding onto the Ghost of Christmas Present because they're terrified of mankind. This shows how society has failed them so badly that they fear the very people who should be helping them.

"They were a boy and a girl" - Dickens deliberately includes both genders to show that poverty affects everyone equally. These children will grow up and have their own children, continuing the endless cycle of poverty.

Remember The boy (Ignorance) is more dangerous than the girl (Want) because ignorance stops people from breaking free from poverty.

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

Why Dickens Created These Characters

Dickens knew exactly what he was doing when he created these grotesque and horrifying characters. He'd seen the terrible working conditions of poor people firsthand and campaigned for children's education rights throughout his career.

These characters aren't meant to be subtle - they're designed to shock Victorian readers into action. By making them so disturbing, Dickens forces his audience to confront the reality of what their society was doing to its most vulnerable members.

The allegory works because it shows that poverty isn't just about money - it's about the complete destruction of human potential when society fails to provide basic education and support.

Context Check Remember that in Dickens' time, many children worked in dangerous factories instead of going to school, which is why education was such an important issue for him.

We thought you’d never ask...

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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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English Literature

740

Dec 20, 2025

3 pages

Understanding Ignorance and Want in A Christmas Carol

user profile picture

Tanaka Machiridza

@tanakamachiridza

Dickens creates two shocking child characters called Ignorance and Want to represent Victorian society's biggest problems. These aren't just any characters - they're powerful symbols that show how poverty and lack of education destroy people's lives.

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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The Horrifying Description of Ignorance and Want

You'll immediately notice how Dickens describes these children - they're "yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish". These aren't just random descriptive words; they're carefully chosen to make you feel sorry for them whilst showing how terrible their situation is.

The words "scowling" and "wolfish" are particularly important because they compare the children to wild animals. This suggests that poverty has stripped away their humanity - they've been forced to behave like beasts just to survive.

When Dickens writes that "a stale and shrivelled hand, like that of age, had pinched and twisted them," he's showing how poverty has aged them before their time. These children represent all poor children in Victorian England, and Dickens chose children deliberately because adults often ignore or overlook young people's suffering.

Quick Tip: Remember that these children are allegories - they represent bigger ideas about society's problems, not just individual characters.

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Ignorance: The Root of All Problems

The Ghost warns Scrooge to "beware this boy" above all else, and there's a crucial reason why. Ignorance represents the lack of education that keeps poor people trapped in poverty forever.

Dickens shows that without proper education, poor children grow up to become "monsters half so horrible and dread." This isn't their fault - society has created these "monsters" by refusing to help educate and support them.

Notice how the children "clung upon the outside of his garments" - they're desperately holding onto the Ghost of Christmas Present because they're terrified of mankind. This shows how society has failed them so badly that they fear the very people who should be helping them.

"They were a boy and a girl" - Dickens deliberately includes both genders to show that poverty affects everyone equally. These children will grow up and have their own children, continuing the endless cycle of poverty.

Remember: The boy (Ignorance) is more dangerous than the girl (Want) because ignorance stops people from breaking free from poverty.

IGNORANCE & WANT/POOR

"Yellow, meagre, ragged, Scouring, wolfish" - The adjectives.
used her eloke sympathy from the reader due
to the reck

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Why Dickens Created These Characters

Dickens knew exactly what he was doing when he created these grotesque and horrifying characters. He'd seen the terrible working conditions of poor people firsthand and campaigned for children's education rights throughout his career.

These characters aren't meant to be subtle - they're designed to shock Victorian readers into action. By making them so disturbing, Dickens forces his audience to confront the reality of what their society was doing to its most vulnerable members.

The allegory works because it shows that poverty isn't just about money - it's about the complete destruction of human potential when society fails to provide basic education and support.

Context Check: Remember that in Dickens' time, many children worked in dangerous factories instead of going to school, which is why education was such an important issue for him.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

14

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

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Explore in-depth character analyses of Utterson, Jekyll, Hyde, and Lanyon in 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. This study guide covers key themes, historical context, and significant quotes, providing essential insights for exam preparation. Ideal for students seeking to understand character development and thematic connections in this classic novella.

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Most popular content in English Literature

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

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Marco B

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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

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iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

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iOS user