Summary Explore how far Dickens presents Christmas as a joyful in A Christmas Carol
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Course
Science
Institution
GCSE
Essay exploring the theme of christmas in 'A Christmas Carol- perfect for GCSE English literature students looking at how to approach and structure a grade 9 exam answer
explore how far dickens presents christmas as a joyful
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Explore how far Dickens presents Christmas as a joyful time. (30 marks)
Throughout Dickens’ allegorical novella, his aim is to passionately highlight how such
a joyful season can create positive role models for Scrooge. The constant
succession of images relating to joy around Christmas may well have been utilised to
demonstrate how readers too can learn and improve from the inspirational
characters during the novella.
Primarily, within stave 1 of the novella, Dickens utilises the characterisation of Fred
as the embodiment of the Christmas spirit with all the positive virtues associated with
Christmas. This is evidenced when Fred is described as coming in ‘all in a glow’ with
‘his face ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled.’ Here the use of the noun ‘glow’
connotes light and warmth which is strongly linked to hope and purity. This highlights
the contrast between Fred and his uncle Scrooge, who was described as ‘hard and
sharp as flint.’ Structurally, introducing Fred immediately after Scrooge focuses the
reader’s attention on the clear variation between the two and all of the positive
qualities that Scrooge lacks. Furthermore, Fred highlights the belief that Christmas is
a time for unity within the social hierarchy although it ‘never puts a scrap of gold or
silver’ in his pocket and he frowns upon his uncle, completely consumed in the greed
for money. Dickens may have done this to foreshadow Scrooge’s transformation into
a better man as a result of the inspirational role models around him during the
novella. Alternatively, Dickens may have used Fred and Scrooge together to
challenge the situation in Victorian Britain during the Industrial Revolution. Scrooge
highlights all of the negative traits of upper class men during this time and Fred is a
caring and benevolent character, who cares for people lower down on the social
hierarchy.
Secondly, within the extract, Dickens utilises the characterisation of Fezziwig to
suggest a clear contrast in the two employers. This is evidenced when Fezziwig
‘laughed all over himself, from his shoes to his organ of benevolence.’ The use of the
abstract noun ‘benevolence’ suggests the joy and love Fezziwig has for Christmas
time. Fezziwig’s kind, caring personality is another role model and catalyst for
Scrooge’s transformation. Furthermore, Dickens presents Christmas as a joyful time
through Fezziwig’s Christmas party. ‘Fuel was heaped upon the fire’ and the
warehouse was transformed into a ‘snug, and warm’ ballroom filled with light. The
use of the adjective ‘warm’ connotes kindness and comfort. The detail here in
Fezziwig’s scene overwhelms the senses; his generosity is physical, emotional and
palpable. As an employer he is the foil of Scrooge and presents all of the positive
virtues that Scrooge lacks. Dickens may have done this to highlight a different side to
capitalism. Alternatively, presenting Fezziwig as the embodiment of Christmas
suggests the importance of Christmas and all of its positive qualities on everyone in
society.
Thirdly, within the novella, Dickens utilises the Ghost of Christmas Present to
personify Christmas itself. When the ghost appears it has set up an impressive feast
of lights and food. This is evidenced when Scrooge’s room is filled with ‘the crisp
leaves of holly, mistletoe and ivy reflected back the light, as if so many little mirrors
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