Class & Injustice in A Christmas Carol
Jason PerinbamShare
Struggling to explain how Charles Dickens presents the themes of class and injustice in A Christmas Carol? This breakdown helps you unpack how the novella critiques the harsh realities of 19th-century Britain—and why it still matters today. Want full analysis, 50+ quotes, and Grade 9 essays? Grab our A Christmas Carol Cheat Sheet—available now on the Products Page!
Why Is Class So Important in A Christmas Carol?
Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol at a time when the gap between rich and poor was massive. The novella was his way of spotlighting the brutal injustices faced by the working class—especially during Christmas, a time that should be full of generosity.
He wanted wealthier readers to reflect on their privilege—and do something about it.
Dickens' Message on Injustice
Throughout the novella, Dickens criticises the way the rich ignore the suffering of the poor. Scrooge’s transformation reflects the idea that privilege comes with responsibility.
From the Cratchit family’s struggles to the symbolism of Ignorance and Want, Dickens makes it clear:
- Society is failing the vulnerable
- Change is only possible through compassion and collective action
Who Represents the Working Class?
- Bob Cratchit – Overworked and underpaid, but still kind and dignified
- The Cratchit Children – Especially Tiny Tim, who symbolises the innocent victims of inequality
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Ignorance & Want – Ghostly children who symbolise the neglected poor of society
- “This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both.”
Dickens uses these characters as a warning to the upper class: if injustice continues, society itself will collapse.
Scrooge’s Role in the Class System
At the start, Scrooge is the ultimate elitist:
“Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?”
He sees poverty as a personal failure, not a social issue. But as he sees the consequences of this thinking—especially in Tiny Tim’s death—he begins to change.
By the end, he:
- Raises Bob Cratchit’s salary
- Helps the poor
- Embraces the spirit of generosity
His transformation represents hope for change, and Dickens’ belief that the rich must take action to make society more just.
Key Vocabulary: Use These in Your Essays
Use these high-level words to impress examiners:
- Disenfranchised – Deprived of power, rights, or opportunity
- Oppressive – Cruel or unjust use of power
- Exploitative – Taking unfair advantage of others
- Compassionate – Showing empathy and concern
- Altruistic – Selflessly concerned for the well-being of others
3 Key Quotes + Analysis
1. “If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.” – Scrooge (Stave 1)
- Analysis: Scrooge echoes the harsh logic of capitalism. Dickens uses this shocking quote to criticise the dehumanisation of the poor and the danger of apathy.
2. “This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want.” – Ghost of Christmas Present (Stave 3)
- Analysis: The personification of social issues as ghostly children highlights how poverty and lack of education are society’s greatest threats.
3. “He tried to warm himself at the candle.” – Narration about Bob Cratchit (Stave 1)
- Analysis: A subtle yet powerful image of the working class’s suffering. Bob’s attempt to stay warm shows how the poor are forced to survive with almost nothing.
Want Full Notes, Grade 9 Essays & More Quotes?
This is just a snippet of our A Christmas Carol Cheat Sheet, which includes:
✅ Full character profiles for Scrooge, the Ghosts, Cratchits & more
✅ Grade 9 exemplar essays with examiner-style commentary
✅ Complete theme breakdowns (Poverty, Redemption, Class, etc.)
✅ 50+ top quotes with high-level analysis
🚀 Upgrade your revision—download the full guide now!
P.S. Struggling with analysis or quotes? Our text-specific cheat sheets break down An Inspector Calls, A Christmas Carol, and more into Grade 9-ready notes.
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