A Christmas Carol – Scrooge (Analysis of Transformation)
The dramatic transformation in which Scrooge undergoes, is also one that is
possible for the reader too.
Evidently, Dickens strives to underline the loneliness of Scrooge from the very
outset of the novella: “his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole
assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend, and sole mourner.”
The repetition of “sole” greatly narrows the impressions that manifest to the
reader, about Scrooge – readers are forced to view Scrooge through a lens of
solitude…
“hard and sharp as flint” “flint” being the material of choice to ignite fires; appears
to be a deliberate comparison, implying that there too lies a potential spark of
warmth in Scrooge. Whether or not this manifests, is dependent on the manner that
in which it is handled.
Even the depths of solitude and isolation in which Scrooge is submerged are
surmountable (structural). The immediacy and intensity that characterises
Dickens’ vilification of Scrooge, dramatize the transformation he is to undergo.
Further reinforced in the simile of “solitary as an oyster”
Another example of witty, sarcastic dialogue:
“There’s more of gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are!”
Ghost of Christmas Past “solitary child, neglected by his friends” –
invariably, calls to mind the initial theme of solitude Dickens’ fosters. Here, the
initial, creative description “solitary as an oyster” is displaced by the potently
simple “solitary child”, ascribing a more human feel/element to it.
The marked juxtaposition between “neglected” and “friends” undoubtedly
develops empathy; for if Scrooge’s very friends “neglected” him – inverting the
relationship which friendship constitutes - it appears that the solitude within
which Scrooge lives, was once by force.
When Scrooge “sobbed” in response to reflection on his past neglect, it is one of
catharsis and marks a turning point in play, signifying the start of his transformation.
The image of “flint” seemingly springs to mind here, as only under the right
conditions can it produce sparks and fire; and with Scrooge, such conditions appear
to be empathy and compassion. These characteristics, that the Ghost of Christmas
Past demonstrably exhibits, are the catalyst to his catharsis – that is, Scrooge’s
metaphorically sparks of fire.
Scrooge, as “hard” and “sharp” as he is, is similarly moved when meditating on his
sister Fan, former employer Fezziwig, and his former fiancée, Belle. He is reminded
that it are relationships which govern an individual’s happiness and wellbeing, not
the cyclops of materialism – “the golden idol” – i.e. the pursuit of money
The dramatic transformation in which Scrooge undergoes, is also one that is
possible for the reader too.
Evidently, Dickens strives to underline the loneliness of Scrooge from the very
outset of the novella: “his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole
assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend, and sole mourner.”
The repetition of “sole” greatly narrows the impressions that manifest to the
reader, about Scrooge – readers are forced to view Scrooge through a lens of
solitude…
“hard and sharp as flint” “flint” being the material of choice to ignite fires; appears
to be a deliberate comparison, implying that there too lies a potential spark of
warmth in Scrooge. Whether or not this manifests, is dependent on the manner that
in which it is handled.
Even the depths of solitude and isolation in which Scrooge is submerged are
surmountable (structural). The immediacy and intensity that characterises
Dickens’ vilification of Scrooge, dramatize the transformation he is to undergo.
Further reinforced in the simile of “solitary as an oyster”
Another example of witty, sarcastic dialogue:
“There’s more of gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are!”
Ghost of Christmas Past “solitary child, neglected by his friends” –
invariably, calls to mind the initial theme of solitude Dickens’ fosters. Here, the
initial, creative description “solitary as an oyster” is displaced by the potently
simple “solitary child”, ascribing a more human feel/element to it.
The marked juxtaposition between “neglected” and “friends” undoubtedly
develops empathy; for if Scrooge’s very friends “neglected” him – inverting the
relationship which friendship constitutes - it appears that the solitude within
which Scrooge lives, was once by force.
When Scrooge “sobbed” in response to reflection on his past neglect, it is one of
catharsis and marks a turning point in play, signifying the start of his transformation.
The image of “flint” seemingly springs to mind here, as only under the right
conditions can it produce sparks and fire; and with Scrooge, such conditions appear
to be empathy and compassion. These characteristics, that the Ghost of Christmas
Past demonstrably exhibits, are the catalyst to his catharsis – that is, Scrooge’s
metaphorically sparks of fire.
Scrooge, as “hard” and “sharp” as he is, is similarly moved when meditating on his
sister Fan, former employer Fezziwig, and his former fiancée, Belle. He is reminded
that it are relationships which govern an individual’s happiness and wellbeing, not
the cyclops of materialism – “the golden idol” – i.e. the pursuit of money
