Themes: Change And Redemption

Question 1

Redemption and christianity

Answer 1

Through the character of Scrooge Dickens shows that redemption is possible even after many years of sin.

Question 2

How does Scrooge achieve redemption?

Answer 2

Scrooge is spared Marley’s fate by drastic self-reflection and a willingness to change, despite his age.

Question 3

What effect may Scrooge’s redemption have on a Victorian reader?

Answer 3

It may have triggered self reflection in the educated Victorian readership.

Question 4

Scrooge personality after change and redemption

Answer 4

Scrooge undergoes a holistic change; he becomes generous, light-hearted, charitable, compassionate, and sociable.

Question 5

What devalues Scrooge’s transformation?

Answer 5

Scrooge does not seek redemption - redemption seeks out Scrooge

Question 6

Quotations which describe Scrooge’s redemption

Answer 6

‘There was a boy singing a Christmas carol at my door last night. I should like to have given him something: that’s all’ (Scrooge, S2)
He was not the dogged Scrooge he had been. (S3)
He [Scrooge] became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew. (S5)

Question 7

Quotations which describe Scrooge’s willingness to change

Answer 7

‘Tonight, if you have ought to teach me, let me profit by it.’ (Scrooge, S3)
‘I hope to live to be another man from what I was.’ (Scrooge, S4)
‘I will not shut out the lessons that they [the ghosts] teach. ‘(Scrooge, S4)