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Starting with this extract, explore how Dickens presents the suffering of the poor in A Christmas Carol - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 8
Starting with this extract, explore how Dickens presents the suffering of the poor in A Christmas Carol. Write about: - how Dickens presents the suffering of the po... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Starting with this extract, explore how Dickens presents the suffering of the poor in A Christmas Carol - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
how Dickens presents the suffering of the poor in this extract
Answer
In the extract, Dickens vividly illustrates the suffering of the poor through evocative imagery and the emotional weight of his characters. The descriptions of the children, like 'yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish,' highlight their destitute state. The Spirit's sorrowful reply, 'It might be a claw, for the flesh there is upon it,' conveys the tangible pain and desperation experienced by the poor. This imagery serves to elicit a sense of pity and urgency from the reader, emphasizing the grim reality of poverty.
Further, the kneeling children symbolize humility and helplessness, reflecting the societal disregard for the impoverished. Scrooge’s initial reaction, 'appalled,' illustrates the beginning of his moral awakening which hints at a deeper understanding of the suffering he had previously ignored.
Step 2
how Dickens presents the suffering of the poor in the novel as a whole
Answer
In 'A Christmas Carol,' Dickens presents the suffering of the poor through various characters and themes, encapsulating the broader social issues of his time. The Cratchit family exemplifies the struggles of the working class, showcasing how poverty affects familial bonds and individual health, particularly through Tiny Tim’s plight. Their resilience in the face of hardship contrasts with Scrooge's initial avarice and indifference.
Dickens employs figures of Ignorance and Want as allegorical representations of societal neglect. These characters evoke the urgent call for social reform, illustrating how ignorance contributes to suffering. Furthermore, the overarching message of redemption and kindness resonates throughout the novel. Scrooge’s transformation from a miser to a benefactor signifies the potential for change and the moral responsibility to care for those in need, thereby advocating for empathy and charitable action in society.