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.