Ignorance and Want

We often remember A Christmas Carol for its delightful joy, and warm festive spirit, but there was a stark message contained within this novella, most poignantly expressed through the figures Ignorance and Want, two children, horrifically scarred by their poverty.



In this episode, we explore these characters in more detail. Were they based on real children in London at the time? Why are they included at an otherwise joyful part of the story? What is Dickens trying to tell his readers through these figures?



The items discussed in this show can be seen at dickensmuseum.com.



Inimitable is produced and presented by Jordan Evans-Hill. Speakers include Dr Cindy Sughrue, Director of the Charles Dickens Museum, Dr Frankie Kubicki, deputy director and Emma Harper, curator. Guest speakers include Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, Dr Lee Jackson, Pen Vogler, Simon Callow and Miriam Margolyes.