redemption Flashcards
scrooge is reluctant to embrace oppurtunity for redemption
“he seized the extinguishercap and by sudden action pressed it down upon its head”
this ethereal delicate figure serves as more than a symbol of scrooges past. it symbolises the supernatural intervention necesarry for scrooge spiritual awakening. ‘cap’ in a futile attempt to evade the necessity of confronting his own humanity.
ghost aspires to illuminate both literal and metaphorical darkness through relevation
the illumination of the past and interconnected nature to the present offers scrooge chance for redemption but his attempt to cover signifies reluctance to embrace oppurtunity
desperation to be given redemtion
“i will live in the past present and future and all three spirits will stive within me”
he is saved from sin and has lead back to religious morals.
light as a feather
“happy as an angel”
Scrooge’s rebirth is salient. He is presented as being reborn into an innocent state of existence, eager to learn and love, juxtaposing his obstinate earlier presentation.
As his rebirth has religious allusions, it reinforces how his rebirth has brought him closer to religion and God.
redemption has lead him back to youth
“quite a baby”
“merry as a schoolboy”
Scrooge embarks on a pathway of redemption and salvation as he adopts a new liberating outlook on life. His elation with being provided a second chance highlights his transmogrification as he shows no resemblance to the misanthropic miser depicted in stave 1.
dickens use of pathetic fallacy
Dickens utilises pathetic fallacy to resemble the stagnancy and progression of Scrooge’s character. He frequently uses ‘fog’ to symbolise institutionalised oppression in conjunction with Scrooge’s obstruction to his own redemption
“the fog thickened”
desperate catalysed by neglection in death
“overrun by grass and weed”
Scrooge’s neglected and abandoned death is inextricably linked with his neglection and abandonment of people in need in society.
His uncared-for grave is an emblematic of his uncompassionate nature has left him devalued and forgotten among the decaying plants.
Scrooge’s desperation for redemption is catalysed through his understanding that his dire and bleak future is imminent.
He pleads for redemption and salvation as he understands that he needs to develop his social conscience and become a philanthropic member of society.
changes attitude to poor
Social commentator Dickens uses his anti-Malthusian tale to emphasise how the ignorance to the plight of the destitute is synonymous with innocent children being victimised and suffering.
Scrooge is emblematic of the upper class who perpetuate this suffering; hence Dickens creates Scrooge to feel remorse to make other upper-class members reflect on their contribution to social ills.
Tell me if tiny tim will live!
