Themes: The Impact of Choices
It is important to recognize that Scrooge was not born a miserable, grasping exploiter of others: these qualities have evolved across the course of his life. This message is perhaps most clearly expressed in stave 2, as Scrooge is taken by the first of the spirits on a tour through his own past.
Their journey opens with Scrooge's childhood, before later transitioning toward his apprenticeship under Fezziwig. This is a Scrooge who still knows joy and affection and still has the capacity for healthy and positive relationships with others. Perhaps the most important scene in illustrating this theme, however, can be found with the introduction of Belle, Scrooge's former fiancé.
In this scene, Belle complains about Scrooge's own change in character, as she detects him falling deeper and deeper into his worldliness. Indeed, this complaint is mirrored within the narrative itself, where Scrooge's face (at this point in his life) is described in the following manner:
It had begun to wear the signs of care and avarice. There was an eager, greedy, restless motion in the eye, which showed the passion that had taken root, and where the shadow of the growing tree would fall. (Stave 2)
Belle herself is of the opinion that this change in character reflects a change in their relationship, one which would only promise misery if it were to be continued. This is not the same Scrooge she once knew, and the two have drifted too far apart for their affection to survive.
The spirit's final gift to Scrooge is a picture of what Belle's life has since become, and it provides a striking contrast to Scrooge's own loneliness. She has a large family, rich in joy and laughter. She chose to pursue love and family where Scrooge chose to pursue wealth and worldly success, and in this, she has chosen correctly.
It may not be entirely fair to state that Scrooge's failings have been entirely his own doing—to do so would be to underestimate the influence of others and of larger societal forces. Nevertheless, the point remains that Scrooge's present character has been constructed across the course of his life, from the values and lifestyle he has sought to pursue.
Expert Q&A
Why does the Ghost of Christmas Past show Scrooge his lonely boarding school in A Christmas Carol?
In A Christmas Carol, The Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge the boarding school where he was left alone for several purposes. Readers are able to see the reason for some of Scrooge's pain and understand that he isolates himself, at least in part, as a means of self-protection. Readers are also able to realize Scrooge's humanity, particularly as the adult Scrooge is moved to tears at the memory of himself sitting completely alone at Christmastime.
Why did Belle end her relationship with Scrooge in A Christmas Carol?
In A Christmas Carol, Belle breaks up with Scrooge because he no longer values her and she has been replaced by a "golden idol." Belle recognizes that Scrooge has inherently changed and is solely focused on amassing wealth, which has become his "master-passion." She is no longer in love with Scrooge and sees her life moving in a different direction.
In A Christmas Carol, what happens to Scrooge's belongings in Christmas Future and what does he learn?
In "A Christmas Carol", the future reveals that Scrooge's belongings are stolen and sold by his servants and other unfortunates after his death, a fact that leaves him shocked and repulsed. This grim reality, coupled with the indifference of the public towards his demise, makes him realize the emptiness and insignificance of his life. Recognizing the value of people over possessions, he resolves to change his ways, which he does by becoming kinder, more generous, and more loving.
How does Fezziwig's actions, described as insignificant by the ghost, impact Scrooge?
Fezziwig's actions profoundly impact Scrooge by reminding him of the joy and kindness his former employer brought without significant expense. Scrooge defends Fezziwig against the ghost's claim of insignificance, highlighting the power to render employees happy or miserable. This reflection prompts Scrooge to wish he could show similar kindness to his own clerk, Bob Cratchit, indicating an early transformation as he begins to value happiness over money and consider others' well-being.
Why is the Ghost of Christmas Present's quote about Tiny Tim's potential death significant in A Christmas Carol?
"If he be like to die, he had better do it and decrease the surplus population."
The Ghost of Christmas Present's quote about Tiny Tim's potential death is significant because it echoes Scrooge's earlier, callous remark about the poor dying to "decrease the surplus population." This repetition forces Scrooge to confront his own heartless views and highlights his growing empathy and remorse. Witnessing Tiny Tim's plight and hearing his own words used against him catalyzes Scrooge's transformation, as he begins to see the poor as victims of circumstance rather than burdens.
In A Christmas Carol, what does Scrooge initially value and how does this contrast with Fred or Bob Cratchit?
Initially, Scrooge values personal wealth and isolation, as shown by his miserly actions like keeping Bob Cratchit's fire small and refusing charity. In contrast, Fred values companionship and generosity, especially during Christmas, seeing it as a time to connect with others and help those in need. Similarly, Bob Cratchit values family and prefers spending time with them. Scrooge's encounters with the spirits ultimately shift his values towards friendship and family.
What does Marley's ghost tell Scrooge about the afterlife and what does Scrooge's response reveal about his values?
Marley's ghost informs Scrooge that he is condemned to wander in the afterlife, burdened by chains symbolizing his missed opportunities to do good. Marley regrets prioritizing business over humanity, revealing that true "business" should involve kindness and charity. Scrooge's response, praising Marley as a "good man of business," underscores his focus on profit over people. This exchange highlights Scrooge's need to reevaluate his values before it's too late, as Marley warns.
In A Christmas Carol, what lessons does Scrooge learn from witnessing poverty?
Scrooge learns from witnessing poverty that happiness and community can thrive without wealth. Through the Ghost of Christmas Present, he observes how the poor, such as the Cratchit family, find joy and togetherness during the holidays despite material lack. This experience reveals to Scrooge that money is not the most important aspect of life; instead, the spirit of the season and familial love are crucial for true happiness.
How does Charles Dickens illustrate Scrooge's transformation and realization about poverty in his fellow men?
Charles Dickens illustrates Scrooge's transformation by contrasting his initial greed and misanthropy with his newfound generosity and empathy. Initially, Scrooge is depicted as a cold, miserly figure indifferent to poverty. However, through supernatural interventions, he gradually realizes the importance of human connection and community. By the end of the story, Scrooge's joyful actions, such as donating to the poor and reconnecting with family, highlight his profound change in attitude towards poverty and his fellow men.
How do Scrooge's old Christmas celebrations contrast with the Fezziwigs' in A Christmas Carol?
Scrooge's early Christmases, as depicted in A Christmas Carol, contrast sharply with the joyful celebrations at the Fezziwigs'. As a child, Scrooge experienced loneliness at boarding school during the holidays, with a strained relationship with his father. In contrast, at Fezziwig's, Scrooge is surrounded by warmth and camaraderie, feeling genuinely happy and part of a family-like atmosphere, highlighting the joy and community spirit he lacked in his earlier years.
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