AQA GCSE English Literature: Key Quotations from 'A Christmas Carol'

Importance of Quoting in Literature

• Using textual references, including quotations, is essential to demonstrate understanding.
• References can be direct quotes or summaries and paraphrases.
• Aim for strong knowledge of the text to select effective references.
• Group related quotes by theme or character for effective revision.

Major Themes in 'A Christmas Carol'

Poverty

• "Are there no prisons?... And the Union workhouses?" - Scrooge, Stave I
  • Context: Scrooge's refusal to donate to charity.
  • Analysis: Shows Scrooge's uncaring attitude and ignorance toward the poor.
  • Illustrates Dickens' critique of societal solutions like prisons/workhouses for poverty.
• "a dismal little cell" - Narrator, Stave I
  • Context: Describes Bob Cratchit's workplace.
  • Analysis: Highlights poor working conditions and dependence on employers.

Family and Relationships

• "Scrooge was his sole executor... his sole friend, and sole mourner" - Narrator, Stave I
  • Context: Describes Marley and Scrooge's business relationship.
  • Analysis: Emphasizes the lack of genuine affection in their relationship.
• "Mrs Cratchit made the gravy..." - Narrator, Stave III
  • Context: Cratchit family preparing Christmas dinner.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates unity and importance of family.
• "God bless us every one!" - Tiny Tim, Stave V
  • Context: Tiny Tim's sentiment of goodwill.
  • Analysis: Conveys message of equal opportunity and societal care.

Transformation and Redemption

• "I am not the man I was" - Scrooge, Stave IV
  • Context: Scrooge after his transformation.
  • Analysis: Shows his change from miser to philanthropist.
  • Message: Everyone is capable of change.
• "every idiot who goes about with Merry Christmas on his lips..." - Scrooge, Stave I
  • Context: Scrooge's initial contempt for Christmas.
  • Analysis: Illustrates his initial aversion, contrasting his later transformation.

Death and Loss

• "My little, little child! cried Bob. My little child!" - Bob Cratchit, Stave IV
  • Context: Bob's grief over Tiny Tim's predicted death.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates Bob's loving relationship with his children and the impact of loss.

Study Tips

• Group quotes by themes or characters.
• Understand context and analysis for each quote.
• Reflect on how each quote contributes to the overall themes of the novella.