Page 1: Scrooge's Attitude Towards Poverty and Social Class Dynamics
The page explores Scrooge's apathetic attitude towards poverty and its broader implications in Victorian society. His character represents the wealthy class's indifference to social responsibility and the poor's struggles.
Quote: "If they would rather die, they had better do it and decrease the surplus population" - demonstrating Scrooge's initial cruel attitude towards the poor.
Highlight: The Cratchit family serves as Dickens' primary vehicle for illustrating working-class poverty, living in a four-room house with threadbare clothes.
Example: Belle's explanation of Scrooge's fear of poverty reveals his psychological motivation - he's become consumed by the "master-passion" of avoiding poverty at all costs.
Definition: The "surplus population" refers to the poor whom Scrooge believes are better off dead than being a burden on society.
The text also explores various manifestations of poverty through different characters and settings:
- Joe's shop in the city's impoverished area, described with "foul and narrow" streets
- The three thieves who steal from Scrooge's corpse, representing desperate poverty
- The Ghost of Christmas Present's revelation of Ignorance and Want as "horrible monsters"
Vocabulary: Sabbatarianism - strict observance of the Sabbath, which Dickens criticizes for its impact on the poor
The contrast between material and emotional wealth is particularly emphasized through:
- The Cratchits' poor but emotionally rich family life
- Scrooge's financial wealth but emotional poverty
- Fred's emphasis on spiritual richness over material wealth
- Fezziwig's example of using wealth to bring joy to others
Quote: "The common welfare was my business" - Marley's ghost explaining the true purpose of wealth and business to Scrooge.
