The Journey Of Ebenezer Scrooge In A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens

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A Christmas Carol Literary Analysis Throughout A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens tells an irrefutable narrative that follows the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge as he is taken through the past, present, and future of Christmas by three different spirits. In Stave 1, Scrooge is approached by the spirit of his deceased friend, Jacob Marley. “‘I wear the chain I forged in life... I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.’” (Dickens 42). Throughout his life, Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s business partner, and Scrooge himself, were solely focused on their business and making money, and it has caused Marley to be punished by the chains he created, which illustrates an important part of…show more content…
In Stave 3, Scrooge’s nephew, and only relative, is enjoying his own holiday season with his wife and friends; however, Scrooge is absent and is at work. “‘...[T]he consequences of his taking a dislike to us, and not making merry with us, is, as I think, that he loses some pleasant moments, which could do him no harm,’” his nephew observes (Dickens 118). This testimonial to Scrooge’s personality shows that he is very fond of choosing money over family and friends and that his family is aware of what he is missing out on. Another example of Scrooge’s bitter mindset is on page 29 of Stave 1. “‘You don’t think me ill-used, when I pay a day’s wages for no work.’ The clerk observed it was only once a year. ‘A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!’“ This argument between Scrooge and his clerk, Bob Cratchit, confirms how much Scrooge loves to save and hoard his money, rather than pay someone to spend time with their family on a work day. Scrooge does not agree with the idea that Christmas be a paid vacation day and continues to reject all things associated with Christmas, especially the idea of kindness and giving. Mr. Cratchit, although not as financially gifted as Scrooge, knows the importance of family and time together, something Scrooge does not…show more content…
“‘Another idol has displaced me; and if it can cheer and comfort you in time to come, as I would have tried to do, I have no just cause for grief.’” (Dickens 74). In this statement from his ex-fiance, Belle shows that if Scrooge was not so focused on wealth, but more focused on time with her, then Scrooge would have been able to stay with her. Instead, unfortunately, she was forced to leave him as he seemed to love money more than her. Belle’s statement also shows how important it is to Scrooge to keep everything he has rather than spend it on what he believes are useless things. In Stave 1, Scrooge is approached by charity collectors and asked to donate money to help the poor. “‘Are there no prisons?’... ‘And the Union workhouses?’...’ Are they still in operation?’...’ I help to support the establishments I have mentioned- they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.’“ Scrooge sees nothing wrong with not donating to the poor. He believes it is unnecessary to give back because he has done the bare minimum. He is too greedy and miserly to give away his money, just like Jacob
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