A Christmas Carol - Transformation
“He became as good a friend, as good a master, as good a man as the good old city knew…”
Discuss Scrooge’s transformation in A Christmas Carol.
In Charles Dickens’ novella ‘A Christmas Carol’, Ebenezer Scrooge’s transforms himself from an undesirable, self-centred old man to a gentleman with characterisations to exemplify that the most valuable things in life are those which are not tangible; family, friends, love and happiness. The protagonist had the ability to help the unfortunate and deprived Cratchit’s; he also had the obligation to help society, consequently altering into a generous, giving man. Scrooge’s decision to change was also purely selfish, due to the thought of losing his wealth.
Dickens creates transformation in his characters to highlight the importance of kindness and its effects. We meet Scrooge in stave one, a man who is as “solitary as an oyster” and so cold “a chill does not affect him”, this leads readers to feel pessimistic and negatively towards Scrooge. His ill treatment of Bob Cratchit and his cold, dark nature is then contrasted to that of the warm “lively” Fezziwig, Scrooge’s old employer. Fezziwig with his “Christmas party” and the generosity toward Scrooge and his other apprentice presents readers with the happiness and contentment brought about by being generous and giving. The contrast of employee treatment allows Scrooge to see his twisted ways and allows readers to view how their generosity could lead to the happiness of others and a fulfillment of duty as an employer. The greatest and most obvious character transformation is between the initial Scrooge and the final Scrooge. “Wheezing...” and almost machine-like Ebenezer Scrooge is despised and on the outskirts of society, even the blind are seen as lucky for not having to “set eyes on evil himself”. However, Scrooge’s change and journey allows him to recognize his duty to others and how helping those around him, he receives joy and pleasure. This transformation
Discuss Scrooge’s transformation in A Christmas Carol.
In Charles Dickens’ novella ‘A Christmas Carol’, Ebenezer Scrooge’s transforms himself from an undesirable, self-centred old man to a gentleman with characterisations to exemplify that the most valuable things in life are those which are not tangible; family, friends, love and happiness. The protagonist had the ability to help the unfortunate and deprived Cratchit’s; he also had the obligation to help society, consequently altering into a generous, giving man. Scrooge’s decision to change was also purely selfish, due to the thought of losing his wealth.
Dickens creates transformation in his characters to highlight the importance of kindness and its effects. We meet Scrooge in stave one, a man who is as “solitary as an oyster” and so cold “a chill does not affect him”, this leads readers to feel pessimistic and negatively towards Scrooge. His ill treatment of Bob Cratchit and his cold, dark nature is then contrasted to that of the warm “lively” Fezziwig, Scrooge’s old employer. Fezziwig with his “Christmas party” and the generosity toward Scrooge and his other apprentice presents readers with the happiness and contentment brought about by being generous and giving. The contrast of employee treatment allows Scrooge to see his twisted ways and allows readers to view how their generosity could lead to the happiness of others and a fulfillment of duty as an employer. The greatest and most obvious character transformation is between the initial Scrooge and the final Scrooge. “Wheezing...” and almost machine-like Ebenezer Scrooge is despised and on the outskirts of society, even the blind are seen as lucky for not having to “set eyes on evil himself”. However, Scrooge’s change and journey allows him to recognize his duty to others and how helping those around him, he receives joy and pleasure. This transformation