A Christmas Carol
Redemption is the idea of being saved from sin or evil. In Scrooge
we see a man who is transformed from a greedy, selfish miser into a
generous and good-natured character by the end. We clearly see this
in the differences between Stave 1 and Stave 5….
“He was so fluttered and so glowing with his good intentions.”
The adjective “glowing” links to the idea of light vs darkness, where
light means warmth and happiness. This is paired with “good
intentions” to highlight Scrooge’s newfound feelings towards
Christmas and everyone around him. This is a significant contrast to
his earlier ideas..
“Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.”
Again, linking to the idea of light vs darkness where darkness brings
thoughts of evil, coldness, and isolation. The fact Scrooge likes this
idea, implies that Scrooge is a lonely, cold man.
“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry
as a schoolboy.”
Multiple similes emphasise Scrooge's joy and elation at his second
chance. The innocence of the “angel” and the “schoolboy” contrast
with the hellish image of Marley's ghost, showing the reader that he
will be saved. Includes anaphora; “I am” redefining himself as an
innocent man who is no longer worried about money. The weight is
off his shoulders.
These similes also contrast with the Stave 1 description of Scrooge
“hard and sharp as flint”. The adjective “hard” suggests that he
lacks warmth, empathy and compassion while the adjective “sharp”
suggests pain, implying that Scrooge has no mercy towards others.
“He became as good as a friend, as good as a master, and as good a
man..”
,Here, Scrooge has clearly kept his promise to the Ghosts of Christmas
because he is no longer like “misanthropic ice” - begins to socialise
instead of hating people. And he is kind to Bob Cratchitt, whereas in
Stave 1, he keeps him in a “dismal, little cell”. Again, Dickens has
used these similes to significantly contrast the new and improved
Scrooge to his dark and cold earlier self.
Dickens' message to the reader is that if someone as stubborn as
Scrooge could change, then so can anyone. Therefore, giving readers
hope that they too, can make amends and fix their mistakes, rather
than facing punishment in the afterlife.
, Christmas Spirit
Fred actually celebrates Christmas and promotes the idea of Charity.
When Scrooge rejects his invitation, and disapproves of Fred’s
thoughts, his nephew responds..
“It has done me good and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!”
The repetition of “good” shows how Christmas should be seen as a
positive occasion - Fred is who we should aspire to be as he can
always find the light in a situation. This also reminds readers to
embrace the “good” things in life, and not complain. Dickens is
showing us through this dialogue that our society (portrayed by
Scrooge) takes so much for granted and we need to be grateful.
Further emphasising the juxtaposition between both characters and
their family dynamic.
Scrooge and Fred’s relationship represents the challenges with family,
especially when two sides strongly hold opposing ideologies.
The Cratchits are another example of the great effects of family.
“...nobody said or thought it was at all a small pudding for a large
family”
This is found in Stave 3 where the Ghost of Christmas Present shows
Scrooge the Cratchit’s family dinner. Throughout the chapter, there
are significant hints that the family is poor yet grateful for what they
have. Even though the pudding is small, nobody dares to say a word
because the family are grateful for what they have, that they can
spend time with each other on Christmas Day. Their positive spirits
are not only similar to Fred’s but reminds the readers and Scrooge
that if those less fortunate can find a positive amongst many
negatives, then so should we. It is Dicken educating us readers
another lesson about gratitude and to keep the Christmas spirit alive,
no matter what hardships occur.
Their outstanding efforts are displayed through Mrs Cratchitt..
Redemption is the idea of being saved from sin or evil. In Scrooge
we see a man who is transformed from a greedy, selfish miser into a
generous and good-natured character by the end. We clearly see this
in the differences between Stave 1 and Stave 5….
“He was so fluttered and so glowing with his good intentions.”
The adjective “glowing” links to the idea of light vs darkness, where
light means warmth and happiness. This is paired with “good
intentions” to highlight Scrooge’s newfound feelings towards
Christmas and everyone around him. This is a significant contrast to
his earlier ideas..
“Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.”
Again, linking to the idea of light vs darkness where darkness brings
thoughts of evil, coldness, and isolation. The fact Scrooge likes this
idea, implies that Scrooge is a lonely, cold man.
“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry
as a schoolboy.”
Multiple similes emphasise Scrooge's joy and elation at his second
chance. The innocence of the “angel” and the “schoolboy” contrast
with the hellish image of Marley's ghost, showing the reader that he
will be saved. Includes anaphora; “I am” redefining himself as an
innocent man who is no longer worried about money. The weight is
off his shoulders.
These similes also contrast with the Stave 1 description of Scrooge
“hard and sharp as flint”. The adjective “hard” suggests that he
lacks warmth, empathy and compassion while the adjective “sharp”
suggests pain, implying that Scrooge has no mercy towards others.
“He became as good as a friend, as good as a master, and as good a
man..”
,Here, Scrooge has clearly kept his promise to the Ghosts of Christmas
because he is no longer like “misanthropic ice” - begins to socialise
instead of hating people. And he is kind to Bob Cratchitt, whereas in
Stave 1, he keeps him in a “dismal, little cell”. Again, Dickens has
used these similes to significantly contrast the new and improved
Scrooge to his dark and cold earlier self.
Dickens' message to the reader is that if someone as stubborn as
Scrooge could change, then so can anyone. Therefore, giving readers
hope that they too, can make amends and fix their mistakes, rather
than facing punishment in the afterlife.
, Christmas Spirit
Fred actually celebrates Christmas and promotes the idea of Charity.
When Scrooge rejects his invitation, and disapproves of Fred’s
thoughts, his nephew responds..
“It has done me good and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!”
The repetition of “good” shows how Christmas should be seen as a
positive occasion - Fred is who we should aspire to be as he can
always find the light in a situation. This also reminds readers to
embrace the “good” things in life, and not complain. Dickens is
showing us through this dialogue that our society (portrayed by
Scrooge) takes so much for granted and we need to be grateful.
Further emphasising the juxtaposition between both characters and
their family dynamic.
Scrooge and Fred’s relationship represents the challenges with family,
especially when two sides strongly hold opposing ideologies.
The Cratchits are another example of the great effects of family.
“...nobody said or thought it was at all a small pudding for a large
family”
This is found in Stave 3 where the Ghost of Christmas Present shows
Scrooge the Cratchit’s family dinner. Throughout the chapter, there
are significant hints that the family is poor yet grateful for what they
have. Even though the pudding is small, nobody dares to say a word
because the family are grateful for what they have, that they can
spend time with each other on Christmas Day. Their positive spirits
are not only similar to Fred’s but reminds the readers and Scrooge
that if those less fortunate can find a positive amongst many
negatives, then so should we. It is Dicken educating us readers
another lesson about gratitude and to keep the Christmas spirit alive,
no matter what hardships occur.
Their outstanding efforts are displayed through Mrs Cratchitt..
