Since its publication in 1843, Tiny Tim has been a favorite character from the Charles Dickens classic Christmas tale 'A Christmas Carol'.
Tiny Tim is a minor yet significant character in 'A Christmas Carol' who symbolizes the plight of the poor, innocence in a corrupt world and Ebenezer Scrooge's own conscience. Tiny Tim plays a pivotal role in the change of heart Ebenezer Scrooge experiences, as he changes his miserly ways and learns to value human relationships.
Whilst Tiny Tim has little dialogue in Charles Dickens' novella, his kindness and compassion is evident, epitomized by the famous line "God bless us every one".
1. "And even Tiny Tim, excited by the two young Cratchits, beat on the table with the handle of his knife, and feebly cried Hurrah!"
- Stave 3, 'A Christmas Carol'.
2. "God bless us every one!"
- Tiny Tim.
3. "A Merry Christmas to us all; God bless us, every one!"
- Tiny Tim.
4. "He hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas day who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see."
- Bob Cratchit.
5. "Then the two young Cratchits got upon his knees and laid, each child a little cheek, against his face, as if they said, "Don’t mind it, Father. Don’t be grieved!""
- Stave 3, 'A Christmas Carol'.
Tiny Tim Scrooge Quotes
Part of Scrooge's evolution is conveyed through his response to Tiny Tim and how this contrasts at the start and end of the novella.
At first he is indifferent to the poor and Tiny Tim, however by the third ghost's vision of the future he mourns the image of Tiny Tim's death from an unknown illness and becomes a second father to him when Scrooge awakens on Christmas Day.
6. "If they would rather die... they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."
- Ebenezer Scrooge.
7. "Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father."
- Stave 5, 'A Christmas Carol'.
8. "Spirit,... tell me if Tiny Tim will live."
- Ebenezer Scrooge.
Quotes About Tiny Tim
The main insight we gain into Tiny Tim is from other character's dialogue. Moreover, how people interact with Tiny Tim illustrates their character, as we favor those who help him and show the Cratchit family kindness.
9. "Tiny Tim, bore a little crutch, his limbs supported by an iron frame."
- Stave 3, 'A Christmas Carol'.
10. "He sat very close to his father's side, upon his little stool. Bob held his withered little hand in his, as if he loved the child, and wished to keep him by his side, and dreaded that he might be taken from him."
- Stave 3, 'A Christmas Carol'.
11. "Spirit of Tiny Tim, thy childish essence was from God".
- Stave 4, 'A Christmas Carol'.
12. "There was a chair set close beside the child, and there were signs of someone having been there, lately. Poor Bob sat down in it, and when he had thought a little and composed himself, he kissed the little face. He was reconciled to what had happened, and went down again quite happy."
- Stave 4, 'A Christmas Carol'.
13. "I see a vacant seat... in the poor chimney-corner, and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. "
- The Ghost of Christmas Present.
Tiny Tim Quotes From Bob Cratchit
One of the most emotive elements in the novella is the relationship between Bob Cratchit and his son Tiny Tim. Indeed his love for his son and his inability to help him tells us as much about the Cratchit family as these 'A Christmas Carol' Tiny Tim quotes do.
14. "I promised him that I would walk there on a Sunday. My little, little child! My little child!".
- Bob Cratchit.
15. "It really seemed as if he had known our Tiny Tim, and felt with us."
- Bob Cratchit.
16. "I am sure we shall none of us forget Tiny Tim".
- Bob Cratchit.
17. "I know, my dears, that when we recollect how patient and how mild he was; although he was a little, little child; we shall not quarrel easily among ourselves, and forget poor Tiny Tim in doing it."
- Bob Cratchit.
Tiny Tim Quotes From The Ghosts
Whilst none of the ghosts directly interact with Tiny Tim, by showing Scrooge that Tiny Tim will die if Scrooge does not change his ways, they help him change his outlook.
18. "If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, none other of my race... will find him here. What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."
- The Ghost of Christmas Present.
19. "So perhaps, in the future, you will hold your tongue until you have discovered where the surplus population is, and who it is. It may well be that, in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child."
- The Ghost of Christmas Present.
Here at Kidadl, we have curated more literature quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our Tiny Tim 'Christmas Carol' quotes, then visit our Charles Dickens Quotes or Oliver Twist Quotes.
We Want Your Photos!
Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Master of Letters specializing in Playwriting and Dramaturgy
Harriet SambrookBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Master of Letters specializing in Playwriting and Dramaturgy
An accomplished writer and theater enthusiast, Harriet has developed a passion for the dramatic arts throughout her career. Originally from Surrey, she completed her undergraduate studies in English literature at the University of East Anglia and later obtained a postgraduate degree in playwriting and dramaturgy from Glasgow University. Now based in Manchester, Harriet enjoys attending as many theatrical performances as possible. With prior experience in marketing and script editing, she brings a wealth of knowledge to any creative project she undertakes.
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.