How much did Bob Cratchit earn in A Christmas Carol?

Bob earned fifteen shillings a week, which was very little for supporting a large family. After Scrooge changes, he gets a raise and help for his household.

Why did Bob Cratchit toast Scrooge?

Bob raised a glass to Scrooge as the “Founder of the Feast” because his wages paid for the family’s dinner. Mrs. Cratchit did not want to, but she drank to please her husband.

Is Bob Cratchit a good father?

Yes. Bob is gentle and loving, carries Tiny Tim on his shoulder and keeps the family cheerful despite their money worries.

From A Christmas Carol

Bob Cratchit

Scrooge’s clerk • Gentle and loving

Scrooge’s hardworking, gentle clerk who loves his family more than anything.

Who is Bob Cratchit?

Bob Cratchit is Scrooge’s clerk, who copies letters by hand in a freezing little room warmed by just one coal. He works long hours for very little money, yet he never grumbles. At home, Bob is a loving father who carries Tiny Tim on his shoulders and raises a cheerful toast to his family at Christmas dinner.

Bob Cratchit is a character in A Christmas Carol, the 1843 novel by Charles Dickens, retold for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.

What is Bob Cratchit like?

Patient
Gentle
Loving

Bob Cratchit’s story

Bob Cratchit works for Scrooge as a clerk, earning just fifteen shillings a week. His little office is so cold that he warms his hands at a candle, because Scrooge allows him only a tiny fire. On Christmas Eve he asks for the day off, and Scrooge grumbles that it is a poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket, but lets him go. Bob celebrates by sliding down a snowy hill with the boys and hurrying home.

At home, Bob and his wife are raising a big, loving family: Martha, Peter, Belinda, Tiny Tim and more. The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge their small Christmas dinner, which they treat like a royal feast. Bob carries Tim home from church on his shoulder. Even when Mrs. Cratchit is cross at the mention of Scrooge, Bob gently asks everyone to drink to him as the “Founder of the Feast.”

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows a sadder Cratchit home, quiet and grieving, which makes Scrooge desperate to change what lies ahead. When the real Christmas morning comes, Bob arrives a little late and expects a scolding. Instead he receives a raise, a promise of help for his family and a big warm bowl of punch. Bob’s patience is rewarded at last.

“I’ll give you Mr. Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!”

Bob Cratchit, proposing a toast to his employer at Christmas dinner. From the original 1843 novel by Charles Dickens.

A moment to remember

The day after Christmas, Bob rushes in late and braces for a scolding, but Scrooge jumps up with a big grin and gives him a raise instead.

Ebenezer Scrooge: his employer
Tiny Tim: his youngest son
Ghost of Christmas Present: the spirit who shows his Christmas dinner
Fred: his employer’s nephew

Talk about it

Bob stays cheerful even when things are hard. What helps you feel happy on a tough day?

Questions about Bob Cratchit

How much did Bob Cratchit earn in A Christmas Carol?: Bob earned fifteen shillings a week, which was very little for supporting a large family. After Scrooge changes, he gets a raise and help for his household.
Why did Bob Cratchit toast Scrooge?: Bob raised a glass to Scrooge as the “Founder of the Feast” because his wages paid for the family’s dinner. Mrs. Cratchit did not want to, but she drank to please her husband.
Is Bob Cratchit a good father?: Yes. Bob is gentle and loving, carries Tiny Tim on his shoulder and keeps the family cheerful despite their money worries.