wealth

• Materialism is defined as ‘the preference of material things and physical comfort over spiritual values’
• Dickens explores the idea of wealth in "A Christmas Carol" and portrays it as having both positive and negative effects within the novella
• In Stave Two, Scrooge points out the paradoxical nature of wealth, describing it as "the even-handed dealing of the world" and highlighting the pursuit of wealth as something people condemn
• Marley's Ghost insults Scrooge by calling him a "man of the worldly mind," alluding to Scrooge's materialistic attitude
• Dickens presents the idea that spiritual values, such as helping others, are more essential and beneficial from both a moral and religious standpoint than material things and physical comfort
• In "A Christmas Carol," materialism is portrayed as purposeless and should be abandoned as it doesn't benefit anyone, as seen when Scrooge's pursuit of wealth is shown to be of no use and doesn't do any good
• Dickens uses Marley's character to highlight the negative effects of wealth, showing how Marley's misuse of wealth caused him to become trapped in purgatory
• The breakdown of the relationship between Scrooge and Belle is a direct consequence of Scrooge's fixation with wealth, as Belle leaves him due to his eager and greedy attitude towards money
• Fezziwig, Scrooge's former employer, is presented as a character who used money in a praiseworthy way, showing that it is possible to be both wealthy and moral
• Scrooge uses his wealth to benefit others in the final stave, making donations to charity and sending a turkey to Bob Cratchit's house, ultimately becoming a better person through his altruistic actions