Family

• "Will you let me in, Fred?" (Stave 5)
• Personal Pronouns:

  • The use of the personal pronouns "you" and "me" emphasises Scrooge's vulnerability as it demonstrates his newfound wish to establish familial bond with Fred, highlighting the moral and emotional transmogrification Scrooge has undergone by the end of the novella.
  • Dickens draws the reader's attention to the vulnerability Scrooge now exhibits to emphasise the novellas didactic message for individuals to uphold kindness and value human connection.
  • Scrooge's plea to be let in symbolises his progress through his transmogrification from a misanthropic outsider to a man seeking warmth and connection as he actively works to mend his broken familial relationships.
• Symbolism:

  • Scrooge's plea to be "let...in" by Fred is laden with symbolism as Scrooge's request to enter Fred's house also implies his plea for emotional reconciliation and acceptance. Scrooge's wish to connect with Fred corroborates his moral transformation, demonstrating Scrooge's newfound appreciation for the importance of family.
  • The physical act of asking to be let in represents Dicken's advocacy for a broader societal transmogrification from an exclusive to inclusive society. The door Fred opens symbolises the gateway to familial connection, which Dickens positions as the antidote to social injustice.
• Key context it relates to:

  • Charles Dickens: In ACC, scrooges redemption is highlighted by his request to establish a familial connection with Fred. Scrooge's emotional development reflects Dickens' belief in the transformative power of altruism and human connection to combat social injustice.
  • Victorian Morality: Through Scrooge's request to emotionally connect with Fred, Dickens highlights the didactic message underpinning the novella, that redemption is attainable through confession, remorse, and acts of kindness.
• WOW Knowledge:

  Kantian Ethics:

  • From a Kantian perspective, ACC explores moral duty and the categorical imperative. Scrooge's transformation reflects his shift from self-interest to recognising his moral obligation to benefit humanity.