Key learning points

1. Reputation was important to wealthy Victorians because it ensured access to power, influence and social connections.
2. The wealthy lived in large houses and had lavish lifestyles, attending operas, dinner parties and embarking on holidays.
3. Dickens uses negative language and words linked to the cold to imply Scrooge's life was lonely due to his selfishness.
4. He uses positive language to present Fezziwig as a jolly, lively figure who is well-liked and respected.
5. He contrasts his depictions of both men to suggest that compassion can ultimately lead to a happy life.

Keywords

• Affluent - having a lot of wealth or money; rich or prosperous

• Miser - a person who hoards wealth and is reluctant to spend it

• Philanthropy - the act of giving money or resources to help others or support causes

• Compassion - sympathy and concern for the suffering or misfortune of others, often with a desire to help

• Semantic field - a group of words related in meaning and used in a certain context (e.g. emotions = happy, sad, angry)

Common misconception