Stave 5

• "I'll send it to Bob Cratchit's"

  "Second father"


  • Scrooge becomes altruistic and benevolent - his acts of atonement towards the Cratchits are exemplary of this.

  • As Scrooge symbolises social reform, his transmogrification in attitudes to the poor resembles how easy social reform would be for society if all individuals took accountability for their selfishness

  • Dickens uses Scrooge as a microcosm of the upper class to make them reflect on the immense positive impact if everyone adopted a social conscience - the deprivation of the lower classes would be alleviated.

  • Dickens highlights that the uniting of the classes, consequently eliminating social ills, would make society seem like a family, caring for the most vulnerable.
• "He went to church, and walked about the street."


  • His religious rebirth is clear as he actively seeks solace from God as he is relieved with his chance at redemption.

  • Scrooge has now embraced the true Christian values of generosity, compassion, and helping the less fortunate.

  • The syntax of church being first highlights how he now understands the importance of religious teachings and how they provide an integral moral foundation to an individual.
• "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy."


  • Scrooge's elation at the chance to live the life he wished away is revealed by the triple simile.

  • "I am as light as a feather" is the antithesis of Scrooge in Stave 1 being "hard and sharp as flint". The juxtaposing similes highlight how he feels liberated from the burdens of once carrying his "own low temperature" and being misanthropic.

  • The religious simile "as happy as an angel." highlights how Scrooge feels that his redemption has left him back to the path of God and faith. He was previously a "sinner", embodying the seven deadly sins, yet his redemption has led to his restoration of religious morals - imperative to Victorian society.
• "Quite a baby"

  "As merry as a schoolboy."


  • Infantile language indicates his rebirth. Both "baby" and "schoolboy" connote to innocence and youth - Scrooge is showcasing how through repenting for his sins, he regained his ability to see the world in an untainted light with his new youthful innocence.

  • "Baby" is the start of life, signifying that Scrooge has gone from being an "old sinner" to the most innocent form of human life; the ultimate rebirth.

  • The idea of rebirth is salient in Christianity. It is believed that a rebirth indicated a person developing a strong personal and emotional connection with God.

  • Jesus Christ was reborn to provide salvation for mankind, perhaps suggesting that Scrooge's rebirth will provide salvation and relief for others.