PARLOUR
PARLOUR is a term used to describe distinct rooms in different settings within the narrative. In one context, the parlour refers to the cold, old room in the school where Scrooge and his sister Fan are entertained by the schoolmaster before departing. This parlour is characterized by its chilly atmosphere and aged appearance, serving as a place of brief respite and hospitality for the siblings during their time at the school.

In another context, the parlour denotes the space behind the screen of rags in Old Joe's shop. Here, the parlour functions as a clandestine meeting area where various characters gather to conduct their business, specifically to appraise and negotiate over stolen goods. This version of the parlour is marked by its secretive and somewhat disreputable nature, providing a setting for the exchange and evaluation of items acquired through questionable means.

Although the term "parlour" is used to describe rooms in both the school and Old Joe's shop, each serves a distinct purpose and atmosphere within the story. The school parlour is associated with childhood, nostalgia, and a sense of cold formality, while Old Joe's parlour is linked to secrecy, commerce, and moral ambiguity. Both settings play important roles in the development of the narrative and the depiction of the characters' experiences.