Symbolism  Ghost of Christmas Present: Joy of Christmas  Scabbard: Peace  Sprinkles from torch: Generosity/forgiveness (makes people happy with each other and happy with what they have no matter how little.)  Tiny Tim: Selflessness

Use of Torch  Angry people arguing in streets  The Cratchit home  Miner family gathered around table  Lighthouse (2 men working)  Ship (Workers thinking of Christmas Past)

Personification  “Master Peter Cratchit blew the fire, until the slow potatoes bubbling up, knocked loudly at the saucepan-lid to be let out and peeled.”  “…Spanish onions winking from their shelves in wanton slyness at the girls as they went by…”

Allusion  “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, upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see.”

Scrooge’s Haunting Words  “If he be like to die then he’d better do it and decrease the population.”  “Are there no prisons?” “Are there no workhouses?”

Societal Criticism  “Alas for Tiny Tim, he bore a little crutch, and had his limbs supported by an iron frame!” (No insurance. Limited access to health care. Only rich could afford medical care)  Martha, the oldest Cratchit daughter, has to work instead of go to school (Lack of education for the poor)

Theme  As we go through life, our most important job is to lighten the burdens of others and reduce suffering.  The spirit of Christmas, giving, and helping others should always be with us.