Question

What is the basic situation (including the main conflict) in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens?

I already have all of the plot elements. I just need to know if writing the basic situation for this would be using Somebody Wanted But So or if it's just asking what the main situation is. Either way, I can't find out the answer.

mwestwood · Accepted Answer

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is another of his social criticisms. With the character of the parsimonious curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge, Dickens points to the terrible social prison of his time in which the disadvantaged poor moved, one that afforded only the choice between starvation and crime. He also pointed to the difficulties of interpersonal relations with people. These conflicts arise from Scrooge's initial refusal to change; for instance, Scrooge continues in his criticisms against his nephew Fred and is unforgiving of his marriage and untouched by Fred's charitable overtures to have Christmas Dinner with him.

So resistant is he to changing his heartless and stingy ways, that Scrooges's dead partner's ghost appears to conduct him to places which will produce a tremendous effect upon Mr. Scrooge, a spiritual awakening, so to speak. After his experiences with the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Future, Scrooge perceives the errors of his ways, and he strives to renumerate Bob Cratchitt by buying things for Tiny Tim, and he goes to Fred's house on Christmas.

vikas11 · Answer

The basic situation at the beginning of A Christmas Carol is that Ebenezer Scrooge is a cold-hearted and stingy man. An example of this is found in a excerpt from the book, which is as follows: “Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,” returned the gentleman, “a few of us are endeavoring to raise a fund to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?” “Nothing!” Scrooge replied. “You wish to be anonymous?” “I wish to be left alone,” said Scrooge. “Since you ask me what I wish gentlemen, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas, and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned-they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.” “Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.” “If they would rather die,” said Scrooge, “they had better do it and decrease the surplus population.” Ebenezer Scrooge also turned hostile towards his nephew, Fred. This happened because Scrooge keeps on criticizing Fred , is untouched by his invites to Fred’s house on Christmas, and is unforgiving of his marriage.

What is the basic situation (including the main conflict) in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens?I already have all of the plot elements. I just need to know if writing the basic situation for...

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