Student Question
What differences exist in the Hell scene between the book A Christmas Carol and the 1970 movie Scrooge?
Quick answer:
In the book, Scrooge does not visit Hell; instead, he encounters a Grim Reaper-like figure and sees his tombstone in a cemetery, realizing he is the man described in Stave 4. He pleads with the ghost, expressing his desire to change. The notion of Hell is metaphorical, representing his personal torment. In contrast, the 1970 movie Scrooge includes a literal visit to Hell, which is not present in the book.
Unlike the movie, Scrooge does not visit Hell at all in the book. He does meet a character that looks much like the modern day Grim Reaper, but he does not go to Hell. He goes to a cemetery, and he sees his tombstone. He knows he is the man who has been described in Stave 4, and he is terrified. At this point, he pleads with the ghost.
“Spirit!” he cried, tight clutching at its robe, “hear me! I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse. Why show me this if I am past all hope?” (Stave 4, enotes etext p. 50)
Scrooge has been in his own personal Hell as he experiences his death. However, he does not actually visit Hell and the place is never described.
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