What did Scrooge say about workhouses?
What did Scrooge say about workhouses?
Scrooge,” said the [one of the gentlemen], taking up a pen, “it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time.
Who says Are there no workhouses?
“Have they no refuge or resource?” cried Scrooge. “Are there no Prisons?” said the Spirit, turning on him for the last time with his own words. “Are there no workhouses?” The bell struck Twelve.
What is Ebenezer Scrooge’s famous catchphrase?
Scrooge’s last name has come into the English language as a byword for stinginess and misanthropy, while his catchphrase, “Bah! Humbug!” is often used to express disgust with many modern Christmas traditions.
Why does Scrooge ask about prisons and workhouses?
The rhetorical questions “Are there no prisons?” “And union workhouses?” are used to show where Scrooge believes the poor people belong, suggesting that he believes his status suggests that poverty is not directly relevant to him, and that nothing to do with the poor matters.
What were English workhouses?
In Britain, a workhouse (Welsh: tloty) was a total institution where those unable to support themselves financially were offered accommodation and employment. Most were employed on tasks such as breaking stones, crushing bones to produce fertiliser, or picking oakum using a large metal nail known as a spike.
What does Scrooge say the poor refusing to go to prisons or workhouses should do?
Scrooge refuses to give them a donation, claiming that the prisons and workhouses should provide for such people. He declares that if they cannot go to prison or the workhouses the poor should die ‘and decrease the surplus population’.
Are there no workhouses, mr.scrooge?
Are there no workhouses? First Collector: At this festive time of year, Mr. Scrooge, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute. Ebenezer: Are there no prisons?
Why is Ebenezer Scrooge important in A Christmas Carol?
In A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge becomes the mouthpiece of Thomas Malthus, who argued that England’s population growth would supersede food supply, so the poor had no right to live if they were not productive and could not contribute to the economy and sustain themselves.
What did Ebenezer Scrooge say about the surplus population?
“If they would rather die,” said Scrooge, “they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.” “Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner!”
What did Ebenezer Scrooge say to Bob Cratchit?
“He was conscious of a thousand odours floating in the air, each one connected with a thousand thoughts, and hopes, and joys, and cares long, long, forgotten!” “Mr. Scrooge!” said Bob; “I’ll give you Mr. Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!” “The Founder of the Feast indeed!” cried Mrs. Cratchit, reddening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBoWtV2bAJM
