Bob Cratchit

Bob Cratchit

Bob’s warmth exposes Scrooge’s cold use of authority. His family’s vulnerability connects an employer’s decisions to life beyond the workplace.

Endures harsh employment → Nurtures his family → Imagines devastating loss → Receives practical support

Cold work, warm affection

“one coal” — Narrator about Bob’s fire, Stave 1
paired with “Tiny Tim upon his shoulder” — Narrator, Stave 3

The minimal fuel makes inequality concrete. Carrying Tim turns care into a visible physical act; Bob’s limited income does not imply limited affection.

Gratitude under pressure

“the Founder of the Feast” — Bob about Scrooge, Stave 3
paired with “I’ll raise your salary” — Scrooge to Bob, Stave 5

Bob’s toast is generous but meets Mrs Cratchit’s anger. The pay rise answers workplace exploitation more directly than praise: changed authority improves the family’s resources.

Push the argument

Bob’s kindness need not mean the working conditions are acceptable. Mrs Cratchit’s criticism prevents the reader from confusing gratitude with justice.

Recall

How does the pay rise connect the office to the family meal?

Read A Christmas Carol. Scene locations are used because page numbers vary by edition.