Skip to content

There was nothing of high mark in this. They were not a…

“There was nothing of high mark in this. They were not a handsome family; they were not well dressed; their shoes were far from being water-proof; their clothes were scanty; and Peter might have known, and very likely did, the inside of a pawnbroker’s. But, they were happy, grateful, pleased with…” quote by Charles Dickens
Download Open image
““There was nothing of high mark in this. They were not a handsome family; they were not well dressed; their shoes were far from being water-proof; their clothes were scanty; and Peter might have known, and very likely did, the inside of a pawnbroker’s. But, they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another, and contented with the time; and when they faded, and looked happier yet in the bright sprinklings of the Spirit’s torch at parting, Scrooge had his eye upon them, and especially on Tiny Tim, until the last.””

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

Source Novel: A Christmas Carol, 1843

Despite material lack, the family finds happiness, gratitude, and contentment, highlighting the value of love and spiritual richness over wealth.

In simple terms: Even poor families can be happy and grateful.

Key Takeaway

Value love and gratitude over material wealth.

Themes

family gratitude spirituality

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • holiday gatherings
  • family meals
  • community support
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Christianity social class

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance gratitude with addressing material needs?
  • What role does community play in fostering contentment?
A Different Perspective

It may romanticize poverty and overlook systemic hardships.

3.2 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Charles Dickens

Explore all 2,309 Charles Dickens quotes

More Family quotes

Browse all 36,913 Family quotes