Quotes

• Secret and self-contained and solitary as an oyster: 'This description of Scrooge in Stave 1 reveals a very important part of his character because he chooses to be isolated from society as much as possible. The alliteration of secret, self-contained, and solitary suggests the snake-like qualities of danger. The simile "solitary as an oyster" implies that although Scrooge is surrounded by people, his hard outer shell prevents close relationships. This description may hint at hidden value within him.'
• He carried his own low temperature always about with him: 'Descriptive words related to cold in the first Stave reflect his personality, making himself and others miserable. Contrasted with his nephew Fred who heats himself with rapid walking in the cold, symbolizing their opposite personalities.'
• Scrooge's childhood trauma


  Is linked to his present behavior of treating people poorly out of fear of abandonment
• I have always thought of Christmas time as a good time, a kind forgiving charitable Pleasant time: 'Fred, Scrooge's nephew, serves as a foil to Scrooge, highlighting the theme of Christmas as a time of kindness, forgiveness, and charity. This contrasts with Scrooge's initial character and emphasizes his transformation and redemption.'
• Scrooge was a solitary child neglected by his friends at boarding school after his mother died, which contributes to his issues later in life
• Ghost of Christmas Present uses Scrooge's words against him


  After he pleads for Tiny Tim to be spared from his illness
• Marley's fate serves as a warning to Scrooge about the consequences of his actions
• Scrooge's quote

  "If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."
• Marley's chain is made up of the tools of his trade, symbolizing his greed and selfishness
• During the Industrial Revolution, the Malthusian theory was referenced to justify exploiting the poor in workhouses
• Marley's speech: '"Mankind was my business, the common welfare was my business, charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence were all my business."'
• Dickens Victorian readers would have been Christian themselves
• Scrooge lacks empathy for the struggles of the poorer class
• It is our moral duty to be kind and look after each other
• Dickens advocates for social justice through Marley's character
• Marley reinforces the Christian view that actions in life have consequences in the afterlife
• Scrooge's view on happiness: '"The happiness he gives is quite as great as if it cost a fortune."'
• Scrooge's lack of empathy is highlighted by his treatment of Bob Cratchit
• The Ghost of Christmas Past made a belittling comment about the money spent by Fezziwig, triggering Scrooge to defend him
• The person Scrooge refers to in Stave 2 is his old boss Fezziwig, whom he apprenticed for as a boy
• The happiness Marley gives is quite great even if it cost a fortune
• Scrooge initially pays his clerk Bob Cratchit an unlivable salary and forces him to work in poor conditions, but later raises his salary and treats him with kindness and respect
• Scrooge's perspective on the value of money and being a good employer changes after defending Fezziwig
• Scrooge's perspective on life was controlled by business and money until the Ghost of Christmas Past provoked him
• Speaker: 'Quote'
• Scrooge's paternal instincts are sparked by Tiny Tim's situation, driving him to want to change and save the boy's life
• Dickens uses Tiny Tim's fate to highlight the theme of social injustice and the impact of neglect on vulnerable individuals
• Employees had few rights at the time the book was written, being dependent on the generosity of their employers for a reasonable salary and work environment
• Belle: 'I have seen your nobler aspirations fall off one by one until the master passion gains engrosses you'
• If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child referred to, Tiny Tim, will die
• Marley's refusal to live by Christian ideals leads to him suffering in purgatory
• Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit's son, represents social injustice and the vulnerability of the innocent in society
• Belle breaks off her engagement with Scrooge due to his growing obsession with money, neglecting other important aspects of life
• Speaker: 'I mean to give the same chance every year for I pity him'
• Scrooge's abandonment issues contribute to his focus on money and isolation from the world
• Fred welcomes Scrooge back with open arms after his Redemption Journey


  Shows hope for Scrooge's future
• Fred reaches out to Scrooge every year in the hopes of building a relationship


  Shows that Scrooge's only family member left still cares for him
• Fred pities Scrooge

  Despite Scrooge's negative traits, Fred sees beyond his outer shell and believes he can change
• Fred extends an olive branch to Scrooge


  Reflects the spirit of Christmas and Christianity
• Fred wants to be a part of Scrooge's life despite being treated poorly


  Proof that Scrooge's isolation is by choice