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Scrooge as an outsider
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. In this extract, the reader is introduced to Scrooge for the first time.
Explore how Dickens presents Scrooge as an outsider in this extract and elsewhere in the novel.
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Marking points
- 1 Focus on Dickens’ presentation of Scrooge as an outsider in both the extract and wider novel.
- 2 Use textual references and analyse methods such as weather imagery, repetition, social contrast and transformation.
- 3 Use relevant Victorian, Christian and family context to support interpretation.
- 4 May discuss Scrooge’s self-imposed isolation and later redemption.
Full-mark answer
A strong answer would analyse Dickens’ introduction of Scrooge as emotionally and socially isolated through cold weather imagery, repeated negatives and reactions from people and even dogs. It would note that Scrooge appears to choose this outsider status, then connect the extract to wider moments such as his lonely childhood, rejection of Fred, contrasts with the Cratchits and Fred’s family, and the warnings about his death. Context about Christian charity, family and Victorian social responsibility would support the analysis.
Why this answer loses marks
Moves through the extract describing content while repeatedly saying Scrooge is an outsider.
The examiner report says less successful responses described the extract without analysing how Dickens presents Scrooge as an outsider.