Bad habit Quote by George Saunders
“The one thing about A Christmas Carol that always bothers me is that Cratchit is so sweet and perfect. He's like an Ivy League kid who just is labeled "poor." He doesn't have any bad habits. He's never cranky with his kids.”
About This Quote
Source Short Story Collection: Tenth of December, 2013
The character is idealized, lacking realistic flaws, which can feel unrealistic and diminish empathy.
In simple terms: Cratchit is portrayed as overly perfect.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the value of nuanced characters.
Themes
characterization
realism
empathy
social class
idealization
Mood
thoughtful
critical
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- reading groups
- teaching literature
- writing workshops
- character analysis
Key Concepts
literature
social critique
character archetype
Questions to Reflect On
- How does idealization affect our connection to characters?
- What does this say about societal views on poverty?
A Different Perspective
Perfection can obscure genuine human experience.
