A Christmas Carol - Lesson 6 - Ignorance and Want Worksheet

In "A Christmas Carol," the characters of Ignorance and Want are depicted through vivid and impactful language that conveys their dreadful condition and society's neglect. The quote 'two children; wretched, abject, frightful, hideous, miserable' paints a stark picture of the two figures, emphasizing their dire state and the extreme neglect they suffer. These adjectives suggest not only their physical appearance but also their emotional and societal abandonment. This description serves as a powerful reflection on society's indifference to the plight of the poor, particularly children who are often the most vulnerable and voiceless in the face of poverty.

Another quote, 'They were a boy and girl. Yellow, meagre, ragged,' continues to highlight the physical manifestations of poverty on Ignorance and Want. The use of 'yellow' suggests illness or malnourishment, while 'meagre' and 'ragged' indicate a lack of sufficient food and clothing. These descriptions of the children's appearance are a direct commentary on the consequences of societal neglect and the failure to provide for the basic needs of all members, especially the young. The imagery evokes a sense of urgency and a call to action, challenging the prevailing attitudes of the time towards poverty and the responsibility of society to care for its most destitute individuals.