A CHRISTMAS CAROL FAMILY QUOTES AND ANALYSIS

“Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner… Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster.” – Narrator (Stave 1) Analysis: This quote introduces Ebenezer Scrooge as a miserly and selfish person who values money above all else.

“Why did you get married?” – Scrooge “Because I fell in love.” – Fred Analysis: This conversation between Scrooge and his nephew Fred highlights the importance of love and relationships over material possessions.

“Come, then, for the sake of your own self, and for the sake of that poor creature.” – Marley’s Ghost Analysis: Marley’s Ghost urges Scrooge to change his ways and appreciate the value of human connection and compassion.

“They are Man’s…and they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want.” – The Ghost of Christmas Present Analysis: The Ghost of Christmas Present uses Ignorance and Want as symbols of the social issues that arise from a lack of empathy and care for others.

“But they know me. See, they sort of belong to me.” – Scrooge Analysis: Scrooge realizes that he has neglected his family and regrets not appreciating their love and support.

“Father is so much kinder than he used to be… He spoke so gently to me one dear night when I was going to bed, that I was not afraid to ask him once more if you might come home; and he said Yes, you should.” – Martha Cratchit Analysis: Martha’s words emphasize the transformative power of kindness and forgiveness within families.

“He has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil… The happiness he gives is quite as great as if it cost a fortune.” – Cratchit Analysis: This quote highlights the importance of a supportive and caring family environment in finding happiness, even when faced with financial difficulties.

“For a man who had been out of practice for so many years, it was a splendid laugh, a most illustrious laugh.” – Narrator (Stave 3) Analysis: Scrooge’s joyous laughter shows his transformation from a cold-hearted man to someone who embraces the Christmas spirit of love and joy.

“I shall love it as long as I live!” – Scrooge Analysis: Scrooge realizes the importance of cherishing and preserving the joyous memories he experiences on Christmas.

“What is Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer.” – Scrooge Analysis: At the beginning of the story, Scrooge believes Christmas to be a meaningless holiday, devoid of any family warmth or joy.

“God bless us, every one!” – Tiny Tim Analysis: This iconic quote reflects Tiny Tim’s innocent and pure heart and signifies the importance of blessings and unity among family members.

“Nobody said or thought it was at all a small pudding for a large family.” – Narrator (Stave 2) Analysis: This quote exemplifies the Cratchit family’s resourcefulness and contentment despite their financial limitations.

“It was his own room. There was no doubt about that.” – Narrator (Stave 2) Analysis: Scrooge’s emotional attachment to his childhood room indicates his longing for the loving family atmosphere he had once enjoyed. FUNNY AND CREATIVE QUOTES

“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy.” – Scrooge Analysis: Scrooge’s joyful expression signifies his appreciation for the love and warmth he finally experiences with his family.

“I’ll tell you what. I’ll light it back up again and keep it burning bright and steady, through all my days and into my child’s, child’s days to come.” – Fred Analysis: Fred promises to carry on the tradition of love and generosity, ensuring that their family bonds are passed down through generations.

“But he was early at the office next morning. Oh, he was early there. If only he could be there first, and catch Bob Cratchit coming late!” – Narrator (Stave 3) Analysis: Scrooge’s newfound enthusiasm to reach the office early exhibits his transformed outlook on family and work-life balance.

“Welcome, everything! Welcome, alike what has been, and what never was, and what we hope may be, to your shelter underneath the holly, to your places round the Christmas fire, where what is sits open-hearted.” – Fred Analysis: Fred’s warm welcome to his guests epitomizes the inclusive and joyful spirit of Christmas within a supportive family setting.

“He told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember, on Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see.” – Mrs. Cratchit Analysis: Mrs. Cratchit emphasizes the significance of gratitude and compassion that can be felt within a family, even when facing challenges.

“Such a bustle ensued that you might have thought a goose the rarest of all birds; a feathered phenomenon.” – Narrator (Stave 3) Analysis: The laughter and excitement within the Cratchit family during their Christmas dinner convey the immense value they place in moments of shared happiness.

“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.” – Narrator (Stave 1) Analysis: This quote, referring to Fezziwig, shows that in Scrooge’s past, he had witnessed the significance of family and celebration during Christmas.

“There never was such a goose. Bob said he didn’t believe there ever was such a goose cooked. Its tenderness and flavor, size and cheapness, were the themes of universal admiration.” – Narrator (Stave 3) Analysis: The excitement and appreciation around the delicious goose exemplify the joy and abundance associated with a family gathering.

“If he could only be there first and catch Bob Cratchit coming late!” – Narrator (Stave 3) Analysis: Scrooge’s focus shifts from being the first to arrive at the office to prioritizing the value of spending time with his family.

“Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner!” – Narrator (Stave 1) Analysis: This quote reinforces Scrooge’s initial perception as a money-obsessed individual who disregards the importance of familial relationships.

“Much they saw, and far they went, and many homes they visited, but always with a happy end.” – Narrator (Stave 3) Analysis: This quote summarizes the journeys undertaken by the Ghosts of Christmas Present and emphasizes the happiness and transformation they bring to families.

“A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you for many a year! I’ll raise your salary, and endeavor to assist your struggling family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon over a bowl of smoking bishop, Bob!” – Scrooge Analysis: Scrooge’s newfound generosity towards Bob and his family demonstrates the love and encouragement that can exist within family dynamics, prompting positive change.