In regard to giving his clerk a day off, Scrooge complains that it is neither "convenient" nor "fair." He feels that his pocket is being picked, that he is being robbed, by Bob's request for Christmas off. Scrooge feels he should not be expected to grant his employee the day or, even worse, to pay him for a day of no work.

In Stave 1, Marley's jaw drops when the bandage is removed to convince Scrooge of his reality and terrify him, as Scrooge had been dismissing him as a figment of his imagination. Marley's appearance as a corpse, with his jaw dropping due to the loss of muscle integrity post-death, is intended to shock Scrooge into believing in him. This horrifying spectacle is crucial for the effectiveness of the ghost's message for Scrooge's salvation.

Bob Cratchit requests Christmas Day off with pay from Ebenezer Scrooge. Although Cratchit does not explicitly ask, Scrooge anticipates the request and begrudgingly grants it, while making Cratchit feel guilty by suggesting that taking a paid holiday is akin to theft. This interaction highlights Scrooge's miserly and uncharitable nature, central to Dickens' critique of Victorian business practices and Scrooge's character development throughout the story.

The two men who visited Scrooge's office after his nephew wanted donations for the poor. They explained that many lacked basic necessities during Christmas and sought to raise funds for food and warmth. Scrooge refused to help, suggesting the poor should go to prisons or workhouses, and coldly remarked that those who would rather die should do so to reduce the surplus population.

Scrooge initially attributes Marley’s ghostly appearance to indigestion, joking that it might be caused by "an undigested bit of beef" or "a fragment of an underdone potato." He uses a pun, noting there is "more of gravy than of grave" about the ghost. Despite this skepticism, Scrooge's understanding evolves as Marley warns him of the chance to escape his fate, leading Scrooge to reconsider the ghost's presence as more than just a hallucination.

Scrooge believes Fred shouldn't be happy because he equates happiness with wealth and sees poverty as a reason for misery. When Fred wishes him a "Merry Christmas," Scrooge dismisses it as "Bah! Humbug!" and argues that poor people, like Fred and Cratchit, have no reason to be merry. He views Christmas as a time of financial burden, criticizing the idea of being joyful without money and dismissing charity for the poor.

In Stave 1, Marley's ghost warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits, although he does not name them or specify their purpose. Marley advises Scrooge that these visits offer him a chance to avoid Marley's own grim fate. He specifies the timing of the visits: the first spirit at one o'clock the next night, the second the following night at the same hour, and the third on the third night after midnight.

In A Christmas Carol, the image of Marley appears to Scrooge to help prepare him for the arrival of the three ghosts that are to come. Marley wants to help Scrooge redeem his life before his old friend ends up like him, wandering the earth as a ghost dragging a heavy chain.

Imagery in Stave 1 of A Christmas Carol vividly depicts the setting around Scrooge's countinghouse, reflecting his cold personality. Dickens describes the "cold, bleak, biting weather" and "dark, foggy atmosphere," appealing to visual and auditory senses with depictions of people stamping their feet and wheezing in the cold. The imagery of phantoms surrounding Jacob Marley, with their heavy chains and moans, enhances the eerie, oppressive mood, highlighting Scrooge's isolation.

The first Christmas spirit to visit Ebenezer Scrooge is the Ghost of Christmas Past. This spirit is the first of three that appear after the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns Scrooge of the impending visits. The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge on a journey through his earlier years to highlight the events that shaped his current disposition.

The irony in Scrooge's conversation with the ghost in Stave 1 lies in his initial disbelief and dismissive attitude. Instead of showing fear, he attributes the ghost's presence to indigestion, saying, "There's more of gravy than of grave about you." This is ironic because one would expect fear rather than denial in such a situation. Additionally, Scrooge's argumentative nature ultimately contributes to his personal growth, contrary to expectations.

Jacob Marley's punishment in "A Christmas Carol" is to wander the earth for seven years, burdened by heavy chains, padlocks, and cashboxes, symbolizing his sins and greed during his life. Marley's uncharitable and materialistic existence led to this torturous afterlife, where he is restricted by the weight of his past actions. He warns Scrooge of a similar fate and foretells the visit of three spirits to help redeem him.

In the first stave of A Christmas Carol, Dickens portrays Scrooge as embodying a lack of responsibility, particularly towards the poor, whom he dismisses as burdens. He believes he fulfills his duty through taxes supporting institutions like workhouses. Throughout the story, various characters like the Cratchits and Fezziwig exemplify social and familial responsibility. Scrooge's transformation involves embracing responsibility for others, leading to personal fulfillment and community connection.

Stave 1 of A Christmas Carol indicates its setting as England in 1843 through several elements: the use of English money like "half-crowns" and references to places such as Camden Town; the mention of Union workhouses established by the Poor Law of 1834; and the presence of societal structures reflecting industrialization and capitalism, such as wealth disparities between characters like Scrooge and Cratchit, highlighting the economic conditions of Victorian England.

In Stave One of A Christmas Carol, Dickens highlights the severe effects of poverty through the stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor in 1840s London. Characters like Scrooge and Marley are depicted as ignorant and unkind towards the poor, their greed leading to spiritual torment. Marley regrets his lack of compassion, emphasizing that true wealth lies in kindness and understanding. Poverty is portrayed as a moral issue, affecting both the impoverished and the indifferent rich.

In "A Christmas Carol," the ghost of Jacob Marley appears wearing chains made from cash boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, and deeds. These items symbolize Marley's greed and materialism during his life. Marley explains that he forged these chains through his obsession with wealth and must bear them eternally in the afterlife. His purpose in visiting Scrooge is to warn him of the consequences of a life devoted solely to money and to urge him to change his ways.

Scrooge's personality in Stave 1 is shaped by his past experiences. His lonely childhood at boarding school, the loss of his beloved sister, and his broken engagement with Belle due to his greed contribute to his isolation and obsession with money. Despite working for the kind Fezziwig, Scrooge fails to adopt his mentor's generosity. These events lead Scrooge to prioritize wealth over relationships, resulting in his bitter and reclusive nature.

Scrooge declines his nephew's Christmas invitation because he views Christmas as financially irresponsible and unprofitable, valuing money above relationships and festivities. He dismisses love and Christmas as ridiculous, reflecting his disdain for anything that doesn't increase his wealth. Additionally, he is indifferent to his nephew's marriage, showing no interest in his new family. Scrooge's "Bah, humbug!" attitude further emphasizes his belief that Christmas is a foolish celebration, unworthy of his participation.