Setting and Context

Setting

Victorian London

Serious poverty was a very obvious and widespread problem in Victorian London, as can be seen from the presence of beggars on the street, and from the symbolic children Ignorance and Want, who represent the unmet needs of the poorest in society. Scrooge walks through this city oblivious to the sufferings of those around him.

The Countryside

Although he has lived his adult life in London, it is clear in Stave Two that Scrooge grew up in the countryside. In contrast to the moral corruption of the city, the countryside represents innocence and joy, which Scrooge begins to rediscover when he returns there.

The Weather

At the start of the novel, the weather is foggy, which symbolises Scrooge’s moral blindness. But when he returns to the countryside of his youth, it is sunny, showing that the light of truth is dawning upon him. At the end of the novel, Christmas Day dawns bright and sunny too, symbolising Scrooge’s bright new start upon a life of generosity

Scrooge’s Office

Scrooge’s office is small and cramped, which represents his narrow view of life as consisting of nothing but making money. The office is also extremely cold at the start of the novel, because Scrooge does not want to spend money on coal to heat it sufficiently. However, at the end of the novel, the office is warmed by Scrooge’s newfound generosity, as he tells Bob to buy more coal for the fire.

Fezziwig’s Warehouse

In contrast to Scrooge’s cramped, cold office, Fezziwig’s warehouse is spacious, warm and welcoming, especially when he prepares it for a Christmas party in Stave Two.

The Cratchit House

The Cratchit house is small but full of life, as the Cratchits have six children. It is lovingly tended by Mrs Cratchit, who always makes the best out of what she has. It is the scene of the Cratchit’s meagre Christmas Dinner, which they nevertheless enjoy, determined as they all are to have a happy Christmas together as a family.

Scrooge’s House

In contrast to the Cratchit house, Scrooge’s house is dark and empty. He lives there alone, and does not even light any more candles than is strictly necessary, preferring darkness, because it is cheap. The lonely, dark and empty house makes clear that Scrooge gains no enjoyment from his wealth.

Context

Economic Theory

Adam Smith, one of the founders of modern economic theory, proposed that private self-interest was in the best interests of all, because it would lead to a thriving economy and a general increase in wealth.

Thomas Malthus proposed that economic improvements for the poor were self-defeating, because they would simply have more children and end up just as poor as before. These theories provide the basis for Scrooge's comment about the 'surplus population'.

The Poor Law

Inspired by Malthus’ ideas, the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 meant that relief for the destitute was only available through workhouses, which were made so unpleasant that only the most desperately impoverished would apply to them for relief.

Setting Retrieval Practice