Quotes

• Scrooge speaking from a point of influence influenced by capitalism

  Capitalism was the belief that man must look after himself and if you're poor, it's your fault. Scrooge treats the poor as inhuman, desensitized creatures he has no responsibility over
• View of wealth in a capital society


  Wealth is predominantly viewed for personal benefit, but others believe it can and should be used in different ways
• Chain as a symbol

  Symbol of actions, good and bad, every action is a link of a chain that can drag you down if not careful
• Scrooge is the victim


  He leads an empty life, complaining about too much population yet having nobody
• Usage of the quote

  • Redemption, questions about the character Scrooge or the ghosts
• Scrooge as a victim: 'Scrooge can't see he's a victim now, but later he can. At that point, he is a victim and has tunnel vision because all he sees is what he thinks is right.'
• Boy is ignorance, girl is want: 'The boy represents ignorance, and the girl represents want. Society, especially the wealthy, is ignorant of the struggles of the lower class and the cycle of poverty and suffering. The girl symbolizes the basic needs that society ignores.'
• Scrooge as hard and sharp as flint: 'Scrooge is hard and sharp as flint, objectifying him as an impenetrable material with walls of money, individualism, and societal expectations, making it hard to see the real him.'
• View of Scrooge by others: 'Nobody likes him, they view him as a lost cause. When he changes, it is even more significant.'
• How other people view wealth in a capitalist society: 'Wealth is viewed predominantly for your own benefit, but in this court, we realize that this is not the consensus. Other people believe that wealth can and should be used in different ways and they almost see his wealth as being pointless. Being rich but living alone, barely using heating, and eating vegetables every day makes them question the point of being rich just watching your bank balance grow.'
• Scrooge treats his nephew poorly, pushing him away every time he gets close
• Scrooge's transformation: '"I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school boy, and I am as giddy as a drunken man"'
• Contrast between Scrooge at the beginning and the end

  Highlighted by the quote "I am as light as a feather, happy as an angel, merry as a school boy, and giddy as a drunken man"
• Scrooge realizes the harrowing fate that awaits him if he doesn't change
• The Cratchit family's unity and love make them resilient despite their financial struggles
• The Cratchit family works together despite their low income and challenges
• Breaking through the walls

  Requires breaking them down, which the spirits try to do
• Scrooge's belief that he must act and behave in a particular way


  Creates walls in society that prevent others from seeing the real Scrooge
• Scrooge's sharpness

  Makes it difficult for others to get close to him as it cuts and hurts
• Scrooge's affirmation of "I am" reflects his attempt to convince himself of his newfound feelings
• Scrooge's realization at the churchyard: '"A churchyard overrun by weeds, the growth of vegetation's death not life, a worthy place"'
• Scrooge is unsociable and creates walls that prevent others from changing him
• Comparison between Mr. Scrooge and the Cratchit family

  Mr. Scrooge works alone while the Cratchit family works together as a team
• The Cratchit family in "A Christmas Carol" is portrayed as a beautiful family despite their challenges
• Scrooge begins to lighten up as the chains of his past loosen
• Each spirit's message to Scrooge

  If you don't change, this will be your final abode
• Scrooge's life is presented as ending in a dark and depressing way
• The snow metaphorically represents people, with the clean snow on the roofs symbolizing the rich upper class and the dirty snow on the ground symbolizing the struggling lower class
• Reminder to Scrooge that money and material pursuits don't truly matter in the face of death
• Scrooge's grave is likely overrun by weeds, symbolizing neglect and decay