1.1.5

Stave 3

Test yourself

Stave 3: The Cratchits' Home

The clock strikes 1am and wakes Scrooge from his sleep. A bright light shines onto Scrooge's bed, which Scrooge suspects is coming from the next room. He goes into the room and finds the next ghost waiting for him.

Illustrative background for Room transformation Illustrative background for Room transformation  ?? "content

Room transformation

  • The room had “undergone a surprising transformation”.
  • The ceiling was covered in greenery (leaves, etc), with berries hanging from it. There was a huge feast heaped on the floor, forming a kind of throne.
  • On the throne itself sat the second ghost – it had a “joyful air”.
  • The Ghost of Christmas Present tells Scrooge to touch his robe and they are transported to the streets of the city on Christmas morning. Their first stop is Bob Cratchit's house.
Illustrative background for Cratchit's houseIllustrative background for Cratchit's house ?? "content

Cratchit's house

  • Mrs Cratchit and her daughters are wearing “ribbons” in their finest outfits, which are actually threadbare and old, but all they can afford.
  • One of the boys is proud to wear his father’s old shirt. The Cratchits make an effort to get dressed up because it is Christmas Day. They are incredibly grateful for what they have.
  • The Cratchits are enjoying preparing a Christmas meal with some treats – they usually would not be able to have any treats, but they save them for Christmas Day.
Illustrative background for Tiny TimIllustrative background for Tiny Tim ?? "content

Tiny Tim

  • Scrooge watches as Tiny Tim (Bob’s son) struggles to walk – he uses a crutch to move around.
  • We start to see Scrooge’s humanity coming out: ‘“Spirit,” said Scrooge with an interest he had never felt before, “tell me if Tiny Tim will live”’.
  • He has watched the Cratchit family, seen the love they feel for one another, and does not want them to suffer any more. He feels compassion for them, which he does not appear to feel at the start of the novella.
Illustrative background for Tiny Tim's futureIllustrative background for Tiny Tim's future ?? "content

Tiny Tim's future

  • The ghost says that he sees a vacant seat with a crutch next to it next Christmas Day – “If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die”.
  • Scrooge becomes distraught (incredibly upset) by this news and begs the ghost to change this outcome.
  • The ghost repeats Scrooge’s own words from Stave 1 back to him: “If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population”.
  • Scrooge is ashamed of his own words and hangs his head.
  • He is overcome with grief at both Tiny Tim’s future, and his own actions.
Illustrative background for Mr Cratchit's toastIllustrative background for Mr Cratchit's toast ?? "content

Mr Cratchit's toast

  • Scrooge’s attention is drawn back to the family when he hears Bob Cratchit toasting his name: “Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!”
  • Mrs Cratchit thinks that this toast is completely ridiculous and starts ranting about how “unfeeling” Scrooge is.
  • The family quietly drink their toast (to be polite) and are strangely quiet – just by saying Scrooge’s name, Bob Cratchit has taken some of the joy from the room.
Illustrative background for Cratchit's vs ScroogeIllustrative background for Cratchit's vs Scrooge ?? "content

Cratchit's vs Scrooge

  • Dickens notes that, although the family looked untidy, were “not well dressed” and had very little, “they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another”.
  • This directly contrasts to Scrooge himself, who has everything except for family and people who care about him – he has lots of money and things but is very lonely and unhappy.

Stave 3: Fred's Party; Ignorance and Want

Together, Scrooge and the ghost travel to several other Christmas parties – everyone is happy and enjoying spending Christmas with loved ones.

Illustrative background for Fred's partyIllustrative background for Fred's party ?? "content

Fred's party

  • They then visit Fred’s (his nephew’s) Christmas party.
  • Fred and his family are talking about Scrooge and the silly idea he has about hating Christmas.
  • Fred states that Scrooge’s “offences carry their own punishment… his wealth is of no use to him… Who suffers by his ill whims? Himself, always”.
  • Fred feels sorry for Scrooge because he causes himself to suffer more and more by shutting people out and being obsessed with money.
Illustrative background for Ignorance and WantIllustrative background for Ignorance and Want ?? "content

Ignorance and Want

  • Finally, the ghost tells Scrooge that his time is growing short. He moves his robes aside to reveal two small children – their names are Ignorance and Want.
  • The children are not happy and excited, as children should be – instead, these two children are suffering and unhappy. They look like “monsters”.
  • The ghost tells Scrooge that “they are Man’s” – he presents Scrooge with the idea that the children (and therefore people in general, especially those who need help) are the responsibility of everyone.
Illustrative background for Scrooge's responseIllustrative background for Scrooge's response ?? "content

Scrooge's response

  • Scrooge asks the ghost if there is anywhere the children can go – again, Scrooge has his own words from Stave 1 thrown back at him when the ghost responds, “Are there no prisons?” “Are there no workhouses?”
  • The clock strikes midnight and the ghost disappears. Scrooge sees a hooded figure moving towards him.

Jump to other topics

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson