Discussion Topic
The symbolic role of light in A Christmas Carol
Summary:
In A Christmas Carol, light symbolizes enlightenment, hope, and transformation. It represents the potential for Scrooge's redemption, illuminating his path from darkness and ignorance to awareness and compassion. The light accompanying the spirits and the final scene of Christmas morning signifies the warmth and joy of newfound generosity and the bright future that awaits a changed Scrooge.
In Stave 2 of A Christmas Carol, what does the light represent?
Light is a common symbol in literature, often used to represent enlightenment or knowledge. While it certainly can also have all of the meanings listed in the pervious answers, it might also represent Ebenezer Scrooge moving from ignorance to knowledge.
At the beginning of the book, Ebenezer is lacking empathy for others, but he also seems genuinely unaware of their lives. He asks Fred why he got married. He asks if the work houses are still open. He is not aware that Tiny Tim is crippled. In so many ways he really is ignorant of those around him.
As the story continues, Scrooge begins to literally and figuratively "see the light." He learns more about those around him, becomes more aware of his own actions, and changes as a result. He changes because he has been enlightened.
In Stave I of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol ,...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
Ebenzer Scrooge is visted by the ghost of Jacob Marley, his now-deceased former business partner who has appeared before the miserly, bitter old man to warn him of the perils to come unless he changes his ways. It is, of course, the Christmas season, and the story of the birth of Jesus hangs in the air as a reminder of the season’s true meaning. The ghost of Jacob Marley rhetorically inquires of himself and of Scrooge the reason he let so many holy seasons pass without acknowledging those around him:
“At this time of the rolling year,” the spectre said, “I suffer most. Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode! Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!”
In Stave II, after the ghost of Marley has warned Scrooge and informed him that he would be visited by three spirits, the old man waits anxiously in his bed. At the prescribed time, the first of the three spirits announces itself:
“He spoke before the hour bell sounded, which it now did with a deep, dull, hollow, melancholy ONE. Light flashed up in the room upon the instant, and the curtains of his bed were drawn.”
Interpretations of the meaning of the light can vary, but, in the context of Marley’s acknowledgment of the true meaning of the season, and in the context of Scrooge’s imminent moral awakening, it is possible that the light represents both the “blessed Star” and the moment Scrooge’s transcendental transformation from “scrooge” to jovial, benevolent pillar of the community.
References
I have always read the light as being representative of love and caring for others. Remember how Scrooge is bothered by it and requests the spirit to pull his cap down on his head further so the light would be extinguished? The spirit becomes upset and offended, but at this point in Scrooge's "growth", he is not yet ready to open up completely to the love and emotions that come with having friends and family surround you during the holidays. He is ready to squash it or "turn it out" as he has done in his earthly life so far. This is why the spirit becomes so upset and angry with him...one, the spirit wants to bask in that light (it is beautiful and warm), and two, Scrooge isn't learning much when he continues along the same path he has always traveled.
In A Christmas Carol, what does the ghost's light symbolize?
When Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, in stave one, he is taken aback by the bright light which springs from its head. In the story, this light is symbolic of hope and goodness in the world. This is evident by the fact that Scrooge is keen for the ghost to extinguish the light: an act which is representative of his cold-hearted and miserly nature before he begins the process of change.
The ghost's extinguisher cap also reveals much about the symbolic nature of the light. When the ghost first meets Scrooge, he makes an important comment about the relationship between the light and the cap:
"What!'' exclaimed the Ghost, "would you so soon put out, with worldly hands, the light I give? Is it not enough that you are one of those whose passions made this cap, and force me through whole trains of years to wear it low upon my brow!''
In other words, the light and the cap represent the struggle between good and evil. On the one side, the light shines brightly when encouraged by good deeds and strong relationships but is threatened by men, like Scrooge, when they are selfish and greedy. It is interesting the note that Scrooge tries to extinguish the light when he is confronted by painful experiences. This, perhaps, represents his inner struggle as he attempts to accept the mistakes he has made and reform his character.