How Does Scrooge Change? Flashcards
A vehicle to…
To promote the change of those in society who idolise monetary gain and dismiss familial bonds and altruistic behaviour through the character of Scrooge
Initially point
Initially, Scrooge is presented as being callous and egocentric. Additionally, he is completely unreceptive to change and shows an ignorance to the existence of the ghosts.
Initially… (quote 1) where should the poor go, in Scrooge’s eyes?
“Are there no prisons?”
Scrooge suggests that prisons are the place for those in need of help, through this, Dickens is exposing the prominent view that the poor were lazy and deserving of their fate, which is later juxtaposed by the Cratchit family.
Initially… (quote 2)how does Scrooge respond to the Portly gentlemen?
“I wish to be left alone”
Through Scrooge’s exclamation to the Portly gentlemen it is revealed that Scrooge revels in misanthropy and that he intentionally isolates himself, which purposefully evokes no empathy from the reader.
Initially… (quote 3) how is Scrooge’s miserly nature exposed?
“I can’t afford to make idle people merry”
- through this phrase Scrooge’s miserly nature is revealed and he is presented in a negative light, which in turn promotes Dickens message that as a society we should distance ourselves from complacency and indifference and we should seek to be more altruistic and compassionate
However, as the text develops point
Scrooge begins to recognise his wrong doing through the depiction of his younger self and through the Cratchit family
However… (quote 1) what quote shows that Scrooge is beginning to change but still has his core materialistic values?
“I learnt a lesson” “let me profit by it”
- Scrooge proclaims that he has learnt something and that he is ready to change, however he immediately juxtaposes this by making a reference to monetary gain, suggesting that this capitalist outlook is deep rooted within his morals
However… (quote 2) what quote shows genuine concern for the life of Tiny Tim ?
“ tell me he will be spared” followed by “if these shadows remain unaltered”
- Scrooge shows genuine empathy for the first time in the novella, suggesting that he is beginning to reform.
- “if” suggests that it is not too late and that Tiny Tim’s fate is not sealed, through this, Dickens is promoting the fact that it is not too late for the reader to be altruistic either.
Ultimately point
Scrooge attempts to redeem himself, not only by showing repentance for his sins, but also by actually atoning for his sins and making things right, as shown by his new found relationship with tiny Tim and the donation of the Turkey. Additionally Scrooge also amends the familial bonds between himself and Fred
Ultimately… (quote 1) what quote shows Scrooge’s purchase of the turkey
“He paid for the turkey”
This shows Scrooge’s purchase of the Turkey which emphasises the fact that he has transitioned from his prioritisation of monetary gain
Ultimately… (quote 2) what quote shows Scrooge’s relationship with Tiny Tim
“He was a second father”
- through the way in which he formed a familial bond with Tiny Tim it is shown that he becomes increasingly empathetic and shows genuine remorse for his previous actions
Ultimately… (quote 3) what quote shows his new appreciation of family?
“Wonderful unanimity, wonderful happiness”
- this phrase emphasises his new appreciation of family something that he had as a child but lost as an adult as a result of his neglect as a child. This acts as a warning to parents, because Dickens argues that childhood experiences ultimately shape you as a person
