The Cricket on the Hearth

Questions About The Cricket on the Hearth

by Charles Dickens

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Answered Questions (3)

I find, A Christmas Carol, a much easier read than The Cricket on the Hearth. However, I am determined to read this book even though I am a little put off by the erratic prose and find it difficult to get into the story. I know it's a silly question, but could someone explain what the cricket is? Is real, imaginary or something idiomatic like, A Spanner in the Works?
Brandon The cricket is real and throughout the book it is a device Dickens uses to help set mood and tone. When the cricket is chirping all is well in the hom…moreThe cricket is real and throughout the book it is a device Dickens uses to help set mood and tone. When the cricket is chirping all is well in the home - like when John Perrybingle returns to his loving wife - and when it is not chirping there is a darkness - like when Tackleton and the dubious stranger appears. It's best explained when Dot goes on a little spiel concerning the cricket referring to their home being 'the luckiest in the world' and how the insect help her with her doubts and loneliness when it's 'harmless music' was so full of 'promise and cheer.' The Victorians were a superstitious bunch and they firmly believed that a cricket in the house meant a happy home just as much as they believed that a household fairy brought good luck and fortune to the residents of the home. In short the cricket is a symbol of happiness rooted in everyday superstition of the times.(less)
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Marianne John is not the narrator - the narrator is omniscient. I see the narrator as filling perhaps the usual role of the ghost of Christmas present from A C…moreJohn is not the narrator - the narrator is omniscient. I see the narrator as filling perhaps the usual role of the ghost of Christmas present from A Christmas Carol. Watching, enjoying, perhaps nudging people towards their better natures a bit, but unable to interact as a full character in the story. I also see it as a memory recalled - Dot, John, and the Baby are now long gone from the little house, but the echoes of happy memories remain.(less)
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So, why's this considered a Christmas story when one line indicates it takes place in January?
Jo Dickens gave us Christmas as we know it today. Back then, Christmas Day was the church-going day; Twelfth Night - around January 6 - was the day of fe…moreDickens gave us Christmas as we know it today. Back then, Christmas Day was the church-going day; Twelfth Night - around January 6 - was the day of feasting and games and the cutting of the Twelfth Cake. So it is sorta-kinda in the Christmas period. (less)
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