Question

A common view held during the time period of “A Christmas Carol” was that the poor were largely responsible for their own situation and could change it if they chose to. In what ways does Scrooge represent this opinion in the excerpt? Explain.

Answer 1

Scrooge displays his views on the poor multiple times throughout, "A Christmas Carol". One of those times being when the portly gentleman ask if Scrooge is okay with donating to the poor. Scrooge demands, "'And the Union workhouses? Are they still in operation?'" (*Insert author here* *insert page of quote here*). The Union workhouses are a place where poor families and children work hours with little pay in order to be able to put food on the table. Scrooge is suggesting that the people should work harder in these workhouses, and that in doing so, these families wouldn't be poor.