Ebenezer Scrooge Flashcards
How is Scrooge presented at the beginning of the novella?
Miserly and misanthropic, with a strong aversion to Christmas and the society around him in general.
What is a defining feature of the novella?
Scrooge’s impressive character development; he followed his journey of redemption to avoid purgatory.
What is the purpose of Scrooge’s character development?
To highlight that anyone is capable of change (so they should actively alter their weaknesses) and that Christmas is a time of charity and compassion and should be celebrated as such.
What does Dickens achieve by presenting Scrooge as an idealized man in the final stave?
He subtly informs the readers of his ideal way to celebrate Christmas.
What is Dickens often credited for?
Playing a vital role in shaping Christmas celebrations due to his altruistic and emotional approach through the character of Scrooge.
What does Dickens show his readers through Scrooge’s remarkable transformation?
Anyone, including the reader, can change to align themself with true Christmas values.
How does Dickens prove that change is possible for anyone?
At the beginning, Scrooge is presented as unchanging, but his gradual development as the tension in the story increases draws attention to each of the ways he changes.
How is Scrooge presented in stave one?
An unsympathetic, archetypal villain. The narrator compares him to the weather using an extended metaphor to present him as unlikeable. “cold within him”= cold, hostile and unappealing character.
How is Scrooge presented in stave two?
GOCP teaches him the importance of reflection, and we see regret emerge and a desire to change which causes us to sympathize with him. Scrooge says he would like to “say a word or two” to Bob which shows he actively wants to change, showing the start of his reformation.
How is Scrooge presented in stave three?
GOCP builds on concept of change by showing the Cratchits on Christmas day. Scrooge develops empathy and compassion , specifically towards TT, an interest he “had never felt before”. He can recognize change within him, which signposts the extent of his reformation.
How is Scrooge presented in stave four?
The spirit teaches him his actions will have consequences, causing him to realize wealth will not keep him company after death and he has to put his materialistic obsessions to rest. He will remember “the lessons” he has been taught and change for the better.
How is Scrooge presented in stave five?
Scrooge was “better than his word”, highlighting his transformation and directly contrasting his behaviour in stave one. In one, he said he would fire Bob if he tried to replenish the coal, but in five he told Bob to “make up the fires”. He also donated to the portly gentleman despite his refusal in the first stave.
What is the significance of time in Scrooge’s development?
Past teaches him that reflecting on the past betters you as a person e.g. he wanted to “say a word or two to his clerk right now” when his reflection on Fezziwig cause him to realise his treatment towards Bob was unfair. Future taught him that his action have consequences - if he “wanted to keep” his things that were stolen by the charwoman then he should’ve been more “natural in his lifetime”
