A CHRISTMAS CAROL POVERTY QUOTES AND ANALYSIS

“At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,” said the gentleman, taking up a pen, “it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time.”

(Stave 1) – Analysis: This quote highlights the urgency to help the impoverished during Christmas, emphasizing the importance of compassion and assistance towards those in need.

“Are there no prisons?” asked Scrooge. “Plenty of prisons,” said the gentleman, laying down the pen again. “And the Union workhouses?” demanded Scrooge. “Are they still in operation?” “They are. Still,” returned the gentleman, “I wish I could say they were not.”

(Stave 1) – Analysis: This passage demonstrates Scrooge’s callousness towards the poor and his lack of empathy. It serves as a critique of the societal indifference towards helping the less fortunate.

“Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk’s fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal.”

(Stave 1) – Analysis: This line underscores the stark contrast between Scrooge, who is wealthy but miserable, and his impoverished employee, Bob Cratchit. It highlights the inequality between the rich and the poor.

“Scrooge took his melancholy dinner in his usual melancholy tavern; and having read all the newspapers, and beguiled the rest of the evening with his banker’s-book, went home to bed.”

(Stave 1) – Analysis: This passage reveals Scrooge’s obsession with money and material things. It showcases his disregard for social interactions and the joy of Christmas, emphasizing his isolation and disregard for the less fortunate.

“Some shaggy ponies now were seen trotting towards them with boys upon their backs, who called to other boys in country gigs and carts, driven by farmers. All these boys were in great spirits, and shouted to each other, until the broad fields were so full of merry music, that the crisp air laughed to hear it!”

(Stave 2) – Analysis: This quote portrays the joy and excitement of the Christmas season for those who are not burdened by poverty. It juxtaposes the poverty-stricken with the joyousness of those who are fortunate, accentuating the disparity between the two.

“I see a vacant seat,” replied the Ghost, “in the poor chimney-corner, and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved.”

(Stave 3) – Analysis: This remark made by the Ghost of Christmas Present highlights the absence of the poor and destitute during the festive season, indicating the societal neglect faced by them.

“In came Mrs. Fezziwig, one vast substantial smile. In came the three Miss Fezziwigs, beaming and lovable. In came the six followers whose hearts they broke.”

(Stave 2) – Analysis: This quote shows the happiness and warmth experienced by those who are not burdened by poverty. It serves as a contrast to Scrooge’s wealth, highlighting the emptiness of material possessions when compared to happiness and human connection.

“He shivered and wiped the perspiration from his brow”

(Stave 3) – Analysis: This quote depicts the physical discomfort and struggle that poverty can bring, emphasizing the harsh conditions faced by the poor.

“At length the hour of shutting up the counting-house arrived. With an ill-will Scrooge, dismounting from his stool, tacitly admitted the fact to the expectant clerk in the tank, who instantly snuffed his candle out.”

(Stave 1) – Analysis: This passage demonstrates how Scrooge values money above all else. It portrays his disdain for employees like Bob Cratchit, who are forced to work long hours under miserable conditions due to their financial limitations.

“He addressed the keyhole from the outside with his lips, and produced the long-lost friend, his hat”

(Stave 1) – Analysis: This quote highlights Scrooge’s self-imposed isolation and detachment from society. It symbolizes how his obsession with wealth has impeded his ability to connect with others and help those in need.

“Spirit! are they yours?” Scrooge could say no more. “They are Man’s,” said the Spirit, looking down upon them. “And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased.”

(Stave 3) – Analysis: In this passage, the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals the personifications of Ignorance and Want. It symbolizes the repercussions of poverty and serves as a warning for the consequences if society ignores or neglects those in need.

“No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no children asked him what it was o’clock, no man or woman ever once in all his life inquired the way to such and such a place, of Scrooge.”

(Stave 1) – Analysis: This quote showcases Scrooge’s solitary existence and lack of human connection. It demonstrates how poverty separates individuals from society and deprives them of basic human interaction.

“Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.” FAMOUS QUOTES ABOUT GOD

(Stave 1) – Analysis: This passage epitomizes Scrooge’s affinity for darkness as it symbolizes his miserliness and lack of generosity. It suggests that he prefers to remain oblivious to the plight of the impoverished.

“If they would rather die,” said Scrooge, “they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”

(Stave 1) – Analysis: This quote exemplifies Scrooge’s callousness towards the poor, viewing them as a burden rather than individuals deserving of help and compassion. It reveals society’s uncaring attitude towards those less fortunate.

“But the warmth of their wrists was so comforting that he desired to have his heart out of his breast and to hug them closely.”

(Stave 3) – Analysis: This quote reflects Scrooge’s growing compassion and empathy towards the poor as he witnesses the Cratchit family’s struggle. It signifies a turning point in his character, showing his desire to alleviate their suffering.

“He had not gone far, when coming on towards him he beheld the portly gentleman, who had walked into his counting-house the day before, and said, ‘Scrooge and Marley’s, I believe?’ It sent a pang across his heart to think how this old gentleman would look upon him when they met; but he knew what path lay straight before him, and he took it.”

(Stave 5) – Analysis: This quote depicts Scrooge’s transformation from a selfish and miserly individual to a compassionate and generous person. It signifies his commitment to help those in need and make amends for his past indifference towards poverty.

“Such a bustle ensued that you might have thought a goose the rarest of all birds; a feathered phenomenon, to which a black swan was a matter of course.”

(Stave 3) – Analysis: This passage illustrates the celebration and excitement surrounding the Christmas meal. It highlights how rare and special a festive meal is for those living in poverty, emphasizing the deprivation faced by the poor throughout the year.

“A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!” said Scrooge, buttoning his great-coat to the chin. “But I suppose you must have the whole day. Be here all the earlier next morning.”

(Stave 1) – Analysis: This quote reflects Scrooge’s disdain for the cultural significance of Christmas and his lack of empathy towards his employee, Bob Cratchit. It exposes his greed and lack of understanding of the importance of holidays and time spent with loved ones.

“But he was early at the office next morning. Oh, he was early there.”

(Stave 3) – Analysis: This quote demonstrates Scrooge’s newfound dedication to helping the less fortunate. It signifies his commitment to change and illustrates how his transformation has had a tangible impact on his actions.

“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”

(Stave 4) – Analysis: This passage epitomizes Scrooge’s definitive commitment to embrace the compassion and generosity associated with Christmas throughout the year, rejecting his prior indifference towards others.

“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world!”

(Stave 5) – Analysis: This quote demonstrates the exhilaration and joy that Scrooge experiences after his transformation. It highlights the freedom and happiness found in caring for others and celebrating Christmas with a generosity of spirit.

“He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew.”

(Stave 5) – Analysis: This quote illustrates the extent of Scrooge’s transformation as he becomes a better person. It serves as a testament to the power of redemption and the possibility of change.

“And it was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!”

(Stave 5) – Analysis: This quote encapsulates the overarching message of the novella. It serves as a call to action, urging readers to emulate Scrooge’s transformation and prioritize compassion, charity, and generosity, particularly during the holiday season.

“His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.”

(Stave 5) – Analysis: This quote illustrates the fulfillment and contentment that Scrooge experiences after bringing change to his life. It implies that true joy and happiness come from acts of kindness and compassion, rather than material wealth.