Greed

• The theme of greed is explored through the character of Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge's insatiable desire for wealth and material possessions blinds him to the needs of others and leaves him lonely and miserable. Through a series of visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge is forced to confront his greed and transform into a more generous and compassionate person.
• [Stave 1]

  "but that he was an excellent man of business on the very day of the funeral, and solemnised it with an undoubted bargain"


  • Scrooge conducts business in an inappropriate occasion; his only friend's funeral
  • Lack of consideration and sense of apathy
• [Stave 1]

  "Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand... a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner!"


  • Asyndetic listing: Greed and desire for more
  • Semantic field of hand gestures: His frantic desire and avaricious character
  • Religious reference: Greed is a deadly sin
• [Stave 1]

  "Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire"


  • Simile: Compared to 'flint', capable of being generous and spreading warmth but deliberately does not - proceeds to be cold and bitter
  • Personification: 'struck out' - harsh, characterisation, reluctant to be generous or open up
  • Juxtaposition: 'struck out'/'generous fire' - foreshadows transformation
• [Stave 1]

  "I live in such a world of fools as this? Merry Christmas! Out upon merry Christmas! What’s Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer?”


  • Rhetorical question: Poses his ignorance to the world around him, questioning it in bewilderment
  • Constant references to money, the very obsession that replaced his joy and belonging with his family and friends
• How is materialism defined in the text?

  Preference for material things over spiritual values
• Why is Stave Two central to Dickens' message about wealth?

  Scrooge points out the paradoxical nature of wealth
• How does Scrooge justify his actions regarding wealth?

  By condemning the pursuit of wealth
• What does Dickens comment on through Scrooge's beliefs about wealth?

  Attitudes towards wealth in Victorian society
• How does Dickens present wealth in some areas of the novella?

  As not exclusively amoral
• What does Marley’s Ghost call Scrooge?

  A man of the worldly mind
• What does Marley’s Ghost's insult imply about Scrooge?

  It alludes to Scrooge's materialistic attitude
• What does Dickens reveal about spirits in purgatory?

  They have misery because they lost power to help
• What does Dickens challenge through the spirits' misery?

  The importance of material things and comfort
• What does Fred say about Scrooge's wealth?

  It is of no use to him
• What does Dickens suggest about materialism through Fred's observation?

  Materialism is purposeless and should be abandoned
• How does Dickens use Marley’s character in relation to wealth?

  To highlight the unfavorable effects of wealth
• What does Marley’s chains symbolize?

  His misuse of wealth trapping him
• What lesson does Dickens convey through Marley’s character?

  Wealth can lead to a person's downfall
• Why does Belle leave Scrooge?

  Due to his greedy attitude towards money
• What does Belle's departure signify about Scrooge's character?

  His fixation with wealth deteriorates relationships
• Who is Fezziwig in relation to Scrooge?

  Scrooge's employer when he was young
• How does Fezziwig use his money?

  To make people happy
• What does Scrooge acknowledge about money and happiness?

  Happiness created is more important than amount
• What altruistic actions does Scrooge take in the final stave?

  Donates to charity and sends a turkey