Discussion

Your final exam question asks you to write a short essay in which you discuss reasons for giving to charity and relate the essay to “The Christmas Tin” by Amanda Craig.

Giving to charity can be a rewarding experience – this idea is generally accepted as true. However, there are people who remain unconvinced of this. Their reasons vary: they feel that they lack the funds, they fear that the money or items they donate will not reach those who need them, or they think that their donation will not solve anything. 

In “The Christmas Tin”, the main character hesitates because she feels pressured to give to charity: “Although it was possibly the twentieth time that year she had been expected to hand over money for some cause or other (...)” (l. 5-6). This suggests Polly is sometimes unaware of the causes she is donating to. It also implies that giving to charity might be more satisfying when you choose your own cause, because it reflects your wish to help with a specific issue. Furthermore, it suggests that...