Friday, October 24, 2008

Why does Scrooge change in A Christmas Carol?

It is truly the combined efforts of the three ghosts that bring about Scrooge's metamorphosis.  The Ghost of Christmas Past starts the change process by reminding Ebenezer of the people and places he used to love -- Fezziwig's business, Belle, Fan.  The Ghost of Christmas Present shows that Christmas is a feeling and a state of mind, neither of which have anything to do with monetary expenditures.  He sees the miners and those on the ship having a lively time in spite of their surroundings, and the Cratchit family seeming content with their Christmas, even in spite of the meager rations of food.  Thus, he is taught that money does not necessarily buy happiness.  Christmas Yet to Come drives the point home by showing Scrooge that, although he is rich, he is leaving no legacy for those that follow after him. All three, and particularly Tiny Tim within the Christmas Present trip, have a profound effect on Scrooge and ultimately bring about his lasting personality change.

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