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A Christmas CarolQuotation Booklet

Year 10

Stave One SummaryWithin Stave One, we are introduced to Scrooge. He is a harsh, arrogant, middle class man who is unwilling to offer help to those in need. At his place of work, he is visited by his nephew, Fred, who invites him to Christmas dinner. An invitation that Scrooge quickly declines. He is then visited by two portly gentlemen and he quickly refuses to offer any donations to charity and the men leave empty handed. At this, Scrooge turns to his clerk, Bob Cratchit, annoyed that he must allow him to have Christmas Day off work, and still be paid. He has a boring, melancholy dinner and makes his way home. However, as he approaches the front door of his house, he notices that his door knocker has changed, changed into the face of his old business partner, Jacob Marley. Stunned, Scrooge bolts inside, checking the inside of the door for Marley’s old ponytail. In a panicked state, Scrooge makes his way upstairs, checking his rooms, seemingly confirming that he is in fact alone. He locks himself into his bedroom and prepares some gruel. Suddenly and simultaneously, the bells in Scrooge’s house begin to ring and after a minute or so, they cease together. That is when he hears the dragging of chains and the sudden appearance of a transparent figure floating through his locked bedroom door. It is Jacob Marley. Scrooge is stunned and doesn’t believe what he is seeing. When they talk, Marley tells Scrooge of his ill-fate as a result for his arrogance and unwillingness to help those in need. He warns Scrooge that he will suffer the same fate if he does not change his ways. He also warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits before disappearing into the night.

Key Quotations

Key Quotation Explanation Thematic/Character Link‘Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend and sole mourner.’

Reader is introduced to Marley’s fate. It indicates that Marley was isolated toward the end of his life with Scrooge as his only comfort. It seems that Scrooge’s life mirrors that of Marley’s, which could foreshadow Scrooge’s future if he does not change.

ScroogeMarley Redemption/Change

‘Scrooge never painted out old Marley’s name’

This shows Scrooge’s frugality. He is unwilling to spend money unnecessarily.

Wealth

‘He was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner!’

Asyndetic list.

Listing these aggressive/harsh adjectives emphasises how ruthless Scrooge is and could show how frugal he is. Each adjective describes how he grasps onto his wealth to show his brutality.

WealthScroogeRedemption/Change

‘Hard and sharp as flint’ Simile.

Scrooge has a hard exterior which is impenetrable.

‘Flint’ could imply that he can easily cause harm to others and shows how brutal and ruthless he is.

ScroogeRedemption/Change

‘Solitary as an oyster’ Simile

‘Solitary’ implies that he purposely isolates himself and is reluctant to let others near in, however, similar to


an oyster, once prized open, it is soft on the inside. Suggesting that Scrooge has the ability to change, despite encouraging change within him being a difficult task.

‘No warmth could warm, no wintery weather chill him’

Pathetic Fallacy.

Scrooge is cold-hearted. It shows his harsh and stern temperament and implies that he is stubborn and ruthless.


‘Dismal little cell’ This describes the conditions of Bob Cratchit’s working area. It suggests that he is trapped, it is dull and mundane. There is no room for enjoyment at his place of work.

Wealth/PovertyCratchits

‘What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You’re rich enough’

Fred cannot understand why Scrooge acts in the manner that he does. He believes that Scrooge could use his wealth to better others, and himself in order to bring about happiness.

This shows Fred’s kind nature and generosity.

Family

‘Nephew […] keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine’

Scrooge is reluctant to welcome his family into his life. He shows that he does not value Christmas and the happiness that it brings to those around him.

This contrasts to Fred who favours Christmas and continually encourages Scrooge to see the positive side to the season.

ScroogeRedemption/ChangeFamily

‘I have always thought of Christmas time […] as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time’

Fred’s character emulates the joy and happiness that Christmas brings.

His generosity and forgiveness of Scrooge’s behaviour stems from the good will of the season. This contrasts to Scrooge, who does not believe in the happiness that Christmas brings.

FamilyFred

‘Many thousands are in want of common necessaries, hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir’

This shows the divide between the rich and the poor and highlights the desperation of those in need.

Wealth/PovertyResponsibility

Many of the things that Scrooge takes for granted are unthinkable for those living in poverty. This emphasises Dickens’ encouragement to treat those in need with compassion and care, especially at times such as Christmas.

‘Are there no prisons?’

‘Are there no workhouses?’

Scrooge represents the upper class attitudes to the poor here. He believes that he has contributed sufficiently enough due to The Poor Law.

He does not see the poor as his responsibility as he believes that there is enough provision for those in need. This shows how stubborn and brutal Scrooge and upper class attitudes were.

Wealth/PovertyScroogeRedemption/Change

‘Decrease the surplus population’

Scrooge is referencing the growing population in London due to the Industrial Revolution.

As the poor do not offer economic gain to society, he does not see any logical or useful gain in offering them aid. He believes that they only suffer because of their own actions as there is help already available to them. Therefore, should they not accept that help, they take their lives into their own hands. It is not his responsibility to help them.


‘Not a knocker, but Marley’s face’

This is the first sign of the supernatural. It is subtle and hints at something sinister that is to come. The purpose of this is to scare Scrooge and make him feel paranoid.

SupernaturalMarley

‘It was not angry or ferocious, but looked at Scrooge as Marley used to look’

The normality of Marley’s expression makes the apparition more sinister. Scrooge has seen this expression many times before and seeing it once again strikes fear in him.

Supernatural Marley

‘The hair was curiously stirred, as if by breath of hot-air’

It makes the spirit seem unearthly. His hair moves slowly as if blowing in the

Supernatural

wind. It seems as if the afterlife has trapped him already.

‘Quite satisfied, he closed his door, and locked himself in; double-locked himself in, which was not his custom’

This shows Scrooge’s fear of the supernatural already. He begins to feel vulnerable, which is out of character for his usual stubborn self, who cannot be questioned.

Supernatural

‘Soon it rang out loudly, and so did every bell in the house’

Marley is somewhat teasing Scrooge by having the bells ring. It is as if he is announcing his arrival slowly in order to build tension and to make Scrooge feel anxious/fearful.

Supernatural

‘It was long, and wound about him like a tail; and it was made of cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledges, deeds and heavy purses’

Marley is weighed down by his sins. He carries all of his wrong-doings with him for eternity due to his ill-treatment of people whilst alive.

This shows his frugality, which we see mirrored in Scrooge’s character. Implication that this will be Scrooge’s fate also if he does not change.


‘If that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death’

Fate and destiny will catch up with those wrongdoers who do not offer kindness to those in need.

Marley continues to be punished, the only good deed he can do now is to help his friend to change so that he does not suffer the same fate.

Responsibility

‘I wear the chain I forged in life’ He is forced to carry the weight of his sins with him for eternity. It is a reminder of how he neglected those in need and profited from the ill-fate of others whilst he was alive.

Responsibility

‘But you were always a good man of business, Jacob’

Scrooge’s first thought upon hearing of Marley’s fate relates to his business.

This shows that Scrooge does not think that his treatment of others is wrong.

Wealth/Poverty

‘Couldn’t I take them all at once, and have it over, Jacob?’

This shows his naivety and current unwillingness to change.

He doesn’t realise the severity of the situation just


yet.

Stave TwoSummaryAt the opening of this stave, Scrooge wonders whether his visit from Marley was real, or just something of the imagination. However, he remains alert and is nervous for the potential visit from the first of the three spirits. 12 o’clock passes and Scrooge then begins to countdown to the hour in nervous anticipation for the spirit’s arrival. As the clock strikes one, the curtains of Scrooge’s bed are drawn back vigorously, revealing the first spirit. It is a small, flame like figure, wearing a pure white tunic, belted around the middle, and is carrying a sprig of fresh holly and holds a candle extinguisher under its arm. It introduces itself to Scrooge as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Scrooge touches its heart and rises from the ground and glides out of the window alongside the spirit. The spirit takes Scrooge to his old boarding school first, where he sees a solitary child, neglected by his friends, reading in a long, bare classroom. Shortly after, his little sister, Fan, bursts through the door exclaiming that she has come to take the boy home. He accepts and the pair leave. Scrooge remembers his sister’s innocence and beauty and is saddened by the reminder of her loss. The scene changes and Scrooge is now in the presence of his old manager, Fezziwig. Fezziwig insists that a young, apprentice Scrooge close up, ready for Christmas celebrations. The Fezziwig’s hold a tremendous Christmas party, which reminds Scrooge of the fun memories that he has of Christmas. He begins to feel guilty for his treatment of his clerk, Bob Cratchit, when witnessing how well he was treated as an apprentice. Shortly after, the spirit takes Scrooge to his counting house, where he is in the presence of his old fiancée, Belle. Belle is calling off their engagement as she feels that Scrooge has changed and has replaced her in his affections with money. The spirit then shows Scrooge Belle’s fate. She is happily married with children. She leaves and Scrooge is left feeling upset. He refuses to see more and insists that the spirit leave. He is exhausted by the visit and must sleep.

Key Quotations

Key Quotation Explanation Thematic/Character Link‘It was a strange figure – like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man’

The image of the child references how the spirit will remind Scrooge of his childhood innocence and youth as an apprentice.

‘Old man’ could reference Scrooge’s current self to imply that he can change from being reminded of his past.

Supernatural

‘Your lip is trembling […] and what is that upon your cheek?’

This is the first sign of emotion and change that we see from Scrooge.

It shows how his past memories are a source of comfort for Scrooge that he continues to hide from reality. He has forgotten his youth as he has become so accustomed to focusing on his business and wealth.


‘Why he was rejoiced beyond all bounds to see them’

This shows sheer happiness felt by Scrooge that he has not recognised for many years.


‘A solitary child, neglected by Scrooge was isolated as a Scrooge

his friends’ child, just as he is as an adult.

This could offer an explanation for his actions as he has become accustomed to being alone with his thoughts, just as he was when he was a young child. It shows a sense of vulnerability from Scrooge that the reader has not yet seen.

Redemption/Change

‘There was a boy singing a Christmas Carol at my door last night, I should like to have given him something’

This is his first sign of guilt.

He is reminded of his feelings of isolation when he was a young child and does not want children in need to feel this way too.


‘I have come to bring you home, dear brother!’

This shows the endearing relationship that Scrooge had with his sister.

Scrooge associated ‘home’ with his young sister so show their close bond and relationship.

Family

‘Clapping her tiny hands and bending down to laugh’

Fan represents childhood innocence within the novella, especially as she does not grow up within Scrooge’s memories due to her untimely death.

This is how Scrooge remembers his sister, as an innocent child. This emphasises the helplessness of children to Scrooge as well as offering a comfort that he no longer allows himself to feel.

Family

‘Always a delicate creature […] but she had a large heart’

Recognition of Fan’s innocence and kind nature.

The spirit reminds Scrooge of his love for his sister and in doing so, reminds him that the final link that he has to her is Fred, a man whose company he so regularly denies.

Family

‘Mr and Mrs Fezziwig took their stations, […] shaking hands with every person individually’

The Fezziwigs were generous and caring.

This memory shows Scrooge how he should treat those who work for him, as he is reminded of how he was

FamilyResponsibility

treated when he was a young apprentice.

The Fezziwigs celebrate Christmas as it should be, with friends and family, appreciating each individually and offering thanks to all.

‘His heart and soul were in the scene, and with his former self’

Scrooge is reminded of how he once enjoyed Christmas.

Here, we see Scrooge is overcome with happiness and he enjoys the company that he now denies himself of. This is the first time that he truly enjoys Christmas within the novella.


‘I should like to say a word or two to my clerk just now’

Scrooge feels guilty for his treatment of Bob Cratchit.

He has witnessed and been reminded of how fairly and generously he was treated as an apprentice and begins to regret his treatment of Bob in return.

This can be linked to his visit to Bob’s house (S3) where he realises the extent of Bob’s poverty.


‘Another Idol has displaced me’

‘A golden one’

Money has replaced Belle in Scrooge’s affections.

This indicates that Scrooge, once apprenticed, became so infatuated with monetary gain that he abandoned his loyalties to his family and loved ones. This shows the drastic change from when he was a young apprentice, who enjoyed celebrating Christmas with the Fezziwigs.

Wealth/Poverty

‘Even if I have grown so much wiser, what then? I am not changed towards you’

Younger Scrooge believes that he was naïve when he was young and poor.

He feels that he has become wiser and more fulfilled as he has developed his business. He cannot understand why Belle does not see his wealth as a positive aspect of their lives together.

Wealth/Poverty

‘May you be happy with the life you have chosen’

Belle wishes Scrooge well, which can show her kind heart and good nature. The qualities that Scrooge no

Wealth/Poverty

longer possesses.

This statement is ironic, as Scrooge believed that wealth would make him content, but actually, it has left him isolated and unhappy. He begins to see the true effects of greed now.

Stave ThreeSummaryScrooge wakes feeling confused by the days that have past. It is time for the visit of the second spirit and yet, his room is empty. A bright light beams from underneath his bedroom door, and much to his amazement, when he opens the door, he sees that his room has been decorated extravagantly for Christmas. He sees a giant spirit, dressed in a green robe, wearing a wreath of holly with hanging icicles around his head. The spirit is jovial and greets Scrooge merrily as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Scrooge addresses the spirit and shows that he is willing to learn the lesson that he is here to teach. They walk the streets, where the spirit sprinkles incense on passers-by in an attempt to bring about a small happiness for each.

Their first visit is Bob Cratchit’s house, where his wife prepares their Christmas lunch. After the children return from work and Bob returns with Tiny Tim, they sit down to eat. They have a triumphant, yet small, dinner together and shortly after, they share a small Christmas pudding. They gather around the fire, where they make a toast to Christmas and to the ‘founder of the feast’, Scrooge himself. Scrooge is taken aback by this and feels pity for Tiny Tim, who suffers from a disability, needing support and iron frames to help him walk. Scrooge asks what will become of Tim’s future and is told that he will not survive if he does not get aid. Scrooge feels guilty and saddened.

As they travel to their final location, the spirit shows Scrooge the jovial celebrations of various people to show him that Christmas is a time for happiness. Soon, they arrive at Fred’s house, where he, his wife and their friends are celebrating. Fred reveals that he feels sorry for Scrooge and doesn’t understand why he insists of isolating himself from his family. They play games and dance to music. Scrooge enjoys the games and becomes so invested that he forgets that he is not really present and he doesn’t want to leave. As the spirit’s visit comes to a close, Scrooge notices that the spirit has grown older. The spirit reveals two children under his robe and tells Scrooge that they are Ignorance and Want, they represent man’s greed. Scrooge is shocked and asks the spirit if there is nobody to help them, to which, the spirit replies with Scrooge’s own, harsh words that he had spoken to the portly gentlemen in stave one. And with that, the spirit disappears and a mist begins to float toward Scrooge on the ground.

Key Quotations

Key Quotation Explanation Thematic/Character Link‘It was his own room. […] but it had undergone a surprising transformation’

This shows us the power of the spirit. This indicates to the reader the abundance that Christmas brings and the potential abundance that Scrooge could provide for those in need.

Supernatural

‘In easy state upon this couch, there sat a jolly giant, glorious to see’

‘It was clothed in one simple deep green robe, or mantle, bordered with white fur’

This creates an image of Father Christmas. The first impression of the spirit that the reader is given is that it rejoices during Christmas time.

Green robe is used to emulate Father Christmas once more. This spirit represents the generosity that Christmas brings. The spirit’s

Supernatural

attitude to nature is a direct contrast to Scrooge, who refuses to welcome Christmas into his life.

Christmas was a new tradition in society and therefore, this image would resonate with Victorian readers.

‘Its dark brown curls were long and free: free as its genial face, its sparkling eye’

The spirit seems gentle despite is grand size.

Repetition of ‘free’ could imply that it is a free spirit who willingly chooses to help others, a contrast to Scrooge.

Supernatural

‘Girded around its middle was an antique scabbard; but no sword was in it’

An ‘antique scabbard’ is a sheath to hold a great sword. The fact that the scabbard is empty symbolises the peace that the spirit wants to bring.

This emphasises the good nature of the spirit and again, shows its generous and caring side.

Supernatural

‘To-night, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it’

Scrooge is no longer reluctant to learn. He welcomes change for the first time.

The verb ‘profit’ suggests that he realises that life can ‘profit’ in many various ways, and not just by economic gain.


‘The sight of these poor revellers appeared to interest the spirit very much’

The spirit is observant and watches out for those in need, something that Scrooge has never done.

It could be said that he is teaching Scrooge to observe the plight of others without explicitly stating so.

Wealth/Poverty

‘Hurrah! There’s such a goose, Martha!’

‘There never was such a goose’

This emphasises their poverty. Their celebrations of having a ‘goose’ for their Christmas dinner shows how very little belongings they have. A goose was known as a ‘poor man’s turkey’ and would be purchased and eaten by families that could not afford turkey during Christmas time.

This could show the innocence and close bond of the family as they remain

CratchitsFamilyWealth/Poverty

content with the little belongings that they have due to the quality of their relationships.

‘Mrs Cratchit, kissing her a dozen times, and taking off her shawl and bonnet for her’

This shows the adoration that Mrs Cratchit has for her family.

It indicates the appreciation that the family have for one another. This contrasts to the lack of affection that Scrooge holds for his family, and yet, he was reminded that this is possible within his memory of Fan in stave 2.

FamilyWealth/PovertyCratchits

‘Alas for Tiny Tim, he bore a little crutch, and had his limbs supported by an iron frame’

This shows his innocence and vulnerability. ‘Tiny’ suggests that Tim is fragile and weak and can be easily hurt.

Tim’s is a result of the lack of medical care and sufficient food as a result of his father’s poor salary. He becomes a key figure in Scrooge’s transformation due to his kind spirit.

FamilyWealth/PovertyResponsibility Cratchits

‘As good as gold […] and better’

Bob’s pride in Tim’s kind and generous nature is evident here.

Tim, who is crippled, spends his days at church wishing others well. He becomes a religious figure in that sense. He is sacrificed to aid Scrooge’s transformation.


‘Then all the Cratchit family drew round the hearth’

This indicates the appreciation that the family have for one another. They are content to spend time with one another as opposed to being distracted and preoccupied by materialistic gain.

The hearth is a central point in their house, offering a small warmth and comfort for the family who have very little belongings.


‘God bless us every one’ Tiny Tim offers love and kindness to all of mankind despite the conditions in which he lives. He understands the wealth in family and love instead of money.


This indicates his warm heart and loving nature. All qualities that emphasise his innocence and vulnerability.

‘I see a vacant seat […] in the poor chimney corner, and a crutch without an owner’

A sombre mood is created here where Scrooge learns that Tiny Tim will not survive is there is no intervention due to his physical state.

His death will be a direct result of Scrooge’s unwillingness to pay Bob a sufficient wage to support his family. This shows that the consequences as a result of Scrooge’s frugality.

CratchitsFamilyWealth/PovertyResponsibility

‘If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future’

This indicates a lesson for Scrooge as the spirit hints that this fate can be changed with the help that he can offer the family in the future.

It is also a warning of the terrible things to happen if Scrooge refuses to change.

Supernatural Responsibility

‘If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population’

The spirit repeats Scrooge’s words to him.

This is thought-provoking for Scrooge and encourages him to reflect on his treatment of the poor. The spirit does this on purpose to emphasise to Scrooge just how unfairly he has treated those in need.

ScroogeResponsibility

‘Scrooge hung his head to hear his own words quoted by the Spirit’

Scrooge feels guilty for not helping Bob sooner and for his ignorance towards the poor. He is ashamed of himself.

We see that Scrooge’s reaction to the poor has change and we witness that he is disappointed in his treatment of the poor.

ScroogeRedemption/ChangeResponsibility

‘I’ll give your Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast’

This shows Bob Cratchit’s loyalty to Scrooge. Despite how he treats him, he still appreciates Scrooge as his superior.

This shows how generous Bob is, a quality that he passes onto his family.

Wealth/Poverty

‘They were not a handsome family, […] but they were happy’

This emphasises the simplicity of the lives of the Cratchits, who have no

Family

worldly possessions other than each other. The demeanour of the family emphasises to Scrooge that money is not essential for happiness, but good company and family is.

‘There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour’

Fred’s laughter emulates the childishness of his mother’s laughter as a child, seen in stave 2.

He carries the happiness and generosity that Christmas encourages and shares this with others.

Fred

‘His wealth is of no use to him’

‘I am sorry for him; […] Who suffers by his ill whims! Himself, always’

Scrooge has forced himself into isolation by refusing to spend time with his family and as a result, he is nowhere near as content as he could be. Without Fred’s compassion, Scrooge would have nobody to show him any affection.

Wealth/PovertyFamily

‘I mean to give him the same chance every year, whether he likes it or not, for I pity him’

This shows Fred’s commitment to his family, a commitment that his mother seemingly found important too.

He understands the importance of having those that you love around you and therefore, shows persistence in offering Scrooge an open hand.

He emulates the forgiveness that Christmas should bring.

Family

‘Uncle Scrooge had imperceptibly become so gay and light of heart’

Irony – Scrooge openly enjoys the company of those that he so frequently denies. This emphasises his isolation as he is there in spirit and not form, which could aid in creating regret for denying Fred’s Christmas invitation.

ScroogeRedemption/ChangeFamily

‘They were a boy and girl. Yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish’

These negative adjectives depict an unnatural image of young children and shocks the reader, who feels pity for the children. The reader would feel a sense of responsibility for these children, just as Dickens wanted.

Responsibility

‘Pinched and twisted them, and pulled them into shreds’

This shows that the children have been purposely manipulated by society.

Responsibility Wealth/Poverty

Aggressive verbs emphasise the ill-treatment of the poor to suggest that they do not have a choice but to suffer their fate.

This will be a continuous cycle if this fate not ended. It emphasises the plight of those in need, appealing to the emotions of both Scrooge and the reader who would be startled by this image if young children.

‘They are Man’s’

‘This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want’

They’re an allegory for Man’s greed. Dickens uses the children to symbolise the treatment and abandonment of the poor. He does this to indicate that it is the responsibility of everybody to care for/help those in need in order to better society.

Responsibility Supernatural

‘Have they no refuge or resource?’

‘Are there no prisons?’

‘Are there no workhouses?’

Scrooge feels uncomfortable when fronted with the children. He feels a sense of guilt and sorrow for the children which could indicate that he has changed.

Again, the spirit repeats Scrooge’s words to him to encourage him to reflect on his treatment of the poor. The spirit strategically leaves Scrooge with these questions as a way of emphasising to Scrooge that this will be the fate of many, should he refuse to change.

Responsibility Scrooge Redemption/Change

Stave FourSummaryFrom the mist rises the final spirit. The ‘Phantom’ is a hooded figure, shrouded in a long black cloak with no visible face or body, except for a single extended hand. Scrooge feels scared and vulnerable by the presence of this figure before him and attempts to talk to it. However, the spirit does not reply. It is silent. It simply guides Scrooge to its first location, the business district of London. Two businessmen are discussing the death of an unnamed man. They discuss how his funeral will be cheap and will have little attendees, insisting that they will only attend if there is a lunch provided. Two other men discuss the same death, and show little care for the man who has died. Scrooge is taken aback by their lack of empathy and doesn’t quite believe that this could be a result of his death. The spirit then takes Scrooge to a poverty-stricken area of town, where a charwoman, a laundress and an undertaker are selling the belongings of a recently deceased man. They show no shame in laundering his belongings and have taken many belongings, including the curtains off his bed. Shortly after, the spirit shows Scrooge the bedroom of the deceased man, who lays alone and abandoned.

Shocked, Scrooge asks the spirit to show him those that are effected by the death of this man. The spirit abides, showing him a delighted couple whose debts have been transferred, and then, the Cratchits. The house is quiet and it is revealed that Tiny Tim has died. The family are in mourning, and it is a stark contrast to the energetic and

exhilarated family that Scrooge sees in stave three. Bob enters and tells his wife that Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, had offered help, which Mrs Cratchit says is more than Scrooge has. Finally, the spirit takes Scrooge to a graveyard. As he moves closer to the grave, he sees that the name upon the grave is his own. Scrooge asks if these visions can be changed or if they are sealed as fate. He vows that he is not the man he once was and declares that he will honour the lessons that the three spirits have taught him forever.

Key Quotations

Key Quotation Explanation Thematic/Character Link‘The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently, approached.’

The triple and adverbs establishes the movement of the spirit. It seems graver and deadlier than the other ghosts to establish a more solemn mood and atmosphere to suggest that something grave is about to happen.

Supernatural

‘When it came near him, Scrooge bent down upon his knee’

This shows Scrooge’s fear and apprehension when meeting the final spirit. Scrooge seems to be in a more vulnerable position when in the presence of the final spirit.

Supernatural

‘It was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form’

It is a frightening figure that mirrors the image of the ‘grim reaper’. It seems mysterious, unpredictable and deadly, both qualities that the future holds for Scrooge and those around him.

Supernatural

‘Left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand’

This creates an ominous mood. The mystery behind the spirit captivates Scrooge and he obeys without a single word being said to him.

Supernatural

‘Scrooge feared the silent shape so much that his legs trembled beneath him’

The presence of the spirit leaves Scrooge felling afraid. He is unable to control his limbs, emphasising how intimidating the spirit is for Scrooge. Aside from the appearance of Marley’s ghost, this is the first time that Scrooge shows his more fearful and vulnerable side.

Supernatural

‘I fear you more than any Spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, […] I am prepared to bear your company’

Despite feeling intimidated by the spirit, Scrooge welcomes its lesson. He has learned not to resist the teachings of the spirits from his last two visits and now wants to change.


‘It’s likely to be a very cheap funeral’

‘I don’t mind going if a lunch is provided’

The businessmen lack compassion for Scrooge. It emphasises that while Scrooge prided himself on being a good businessman, he was still not respected by those around him.

Wealth/Poverty

These men also seem rude and ignorant possibly representing Dickens view of the upper classes.

‘Old Scratch has got his own at last, hey?’

This implies that the man who these businessmen are discussing is not well liked. Scrooge does not know that this is himself at this point and is taken aback that people would discuss a person in such a way. This shows how disrespectful their behaviour is.

Wealth/Poverty

‘Every person has a right to take care of themselves. He always did’

This shows the lack of respect that people have for Scrooge. This also demonstrates Scrooge’s legacy. In the wake of his death, his frugality remains as a constant reminder of his nature for others.


‘You don’t mean to say you took ‘em down, rings and all, with him lying there?’

Referencing the curtains on the dead man’s bed.

This shows how thorough they were in removing all belongings from this man. This shows how hated he was and how little people cared for him.

Wealth/Poverty

‘Scrooge listened to this dialogue in horror’

Scrooge is shocked by the brutality of the actions that he is witnessing. The ironic thing is that he cannot understand how people can be so heartless, yet he has acted in this way for many years.

Scrooge

‘The case of this unhappy man might be my own’

Scrooge understands now that his actions are unacceptable and wrong. He recognises that his future will not be filled with happiness if he does not change. He feels guilty for his treatment of others and now he wants to change.


‘This is a fearful place. In leaving it, I will not leave its lesson, trust me’

Scrooge’s first vow to change. He implies that he has learned something crucial and shows some commitment to not endeavour to have the same future as the man whose death he has witnessed.


‘Quiet. Very quiet. The noisy little Cratchits were as still as statues in one corner’

This contrasts to the depiction of the Cratchit family house that Scrooge witnessed in stave 3.

FamilyCratchits

This shows the aftermath of Tiny Tim’s death. The family are in mourning, a stark contrast to how the death of the businessman was presented earlier in the stave. Tim’s death has removed the joy and exhilaration felt in abundance in stave 3. Scrooge, therefore, witnesses real sorrow ad regret from those who loved Tim.

‘The mother laid her work upon the table, and put her hand up to her face’

Mrs Cratchit’s lack of concentration emphasises her grief. She tries to remain strong for her family but cannot contain her emotions any longer, blaming her tears on the candlelight as a way of hiding her true emotions.

FamilyCratchits

‘I think he’s walked a little slower than he used, these few last evenings’

‘He broken down all at once. He couldn’t help it’

Simple, daily tasks seem more difficult with the loss of Tim. The family are clearly trying to continue with their daily routine; however, they struggle greatly with the loss of a member of their family. The strain of the loss seems to take its toll on the family.

FamilyCratchits

‘The room above, was lighted cheerfully, and hung with Christmas’

This is poignant. Tiny Tim’s love for Christmas and his Christmas spirit remain behind in the house as a reminder of his good nature. This is reassuring for his family, who miss him dearly.

Scrooge, however, would see this and be reminded of the life that Tim fed into his family during their Christmas dinner, potentially emphasising his guilt at not offering help to Bob and his family.

FamilyCratchits

‘Walled in by houses; overrun by grass and weeds, the growth of vegetation’s death, not life’

‘Choked up with too much burying, fat with repleted appetite’

The gravestone seems isolated and abandoned, just as Scrooge is when he is alive. The graveyard is dark and littered with overgrown plants and weeds. There seems to be no upkeep to the unkempt area.

This seems like an appropriate place for a relentless and merciless person to be buried and Scrooge recognises this. He understands that this will become his fate if he does

Scrooge

not change.‘I am not the man I was’

‘I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year’

Scrooge declares that he has changed and will redeem himself for his wrongdoings.

With this, he promises to honour the teachings of the spirits. This reveals Scrooge’s true vulnerability, where he seems to beg for forgiveness due to the guilt that he now feels.


Stave FiveSummaryScrooge wakes and is elated to find that he is in his bedroom once more. He exclaims that he feels exhilarated and is evidently relieved to have survived the visits of the three spirits. On his knees, he prays to Jacob Marley and declares that he has changed once more. Flustered and confused, Scrooge realises that he does not know what day it is, when suddenly, church bells catch his attention and he runs to the window. From the window, he shouts to a young boy, who confirms that it is Christmas day. Scrooge asks the boy to run to the butchers and purchase the prize turkey, he offers to pay the boy half a crown for doing so, and vows to send the turkey to Bob Cratchit’s house as his first act of kindness. Scrooge is shaking with excitement and happiness and struggles to shave as he dresses himself for Christmas day. He leaves the house and encounters the two portly gentlemen that he met in stave one. He apologises for his treatment of them and offers them a donation, with back payments, which is welcomed gladly. He visits church and finally, Fred’s house, where, much to Fred’s delight, he spends Christmas dinner. The next morning, he arrives at the counting house early to find that Bob Cratchit is late. Bob arrives, terrified of Scrooge’s reaction. However, Scrooge barely recognises his punctuality and raises his salary. He promises that he will help Bob’s family. Scrooge becomes a second father to Tiny Tim, who does not die, and keeps his vow to change his ways.

Key Quotations

Key Quotation Explanation Thematic/Character Link‘Best and happiest of all, the Time before him was his own, to make amends in’

Scrooge is elated to realise that he is back in his bedroom. He appreciates and understands the importance of time and how he needs to make the most of his wealth by helping others, therefore, he rejoices at the idea that he has this opportunity to make amends for all of his wrongdoings.


‘I will live in the Past, Present and the Future’

This references Scrooge’s confirmation that he has learned a lesson from each of the spirits, and he declares to Marley that he will carry these lessons with him in the future as a reminder of what how he should act and the good that he can do, as opposed to the selfishness that he was known for.

ScroogeRedemption/ChangeSupernatural

‘I am light as a feather, I am happy as an angel’

These similes contrast to Scrooge’s depiction in stave


‘I am as merry as a schoolboy, I am as giddy as a drunken man’

1.

They indicate the enormity of his transformation and emphasise that his harsh exterior has been removed to reveal a generous and carefree nature that Scrooge has hidden for so long.

‘No fog; no mist; clear, bright jovial, stirring, cold’

Pathetic fallacy.

The fog here could represent how the weight Scrooge’s sins has been lifted with the visits of the three spirits. His happier, more content spirit is reflected in the surroundings of London.

The reader sees London in a different just, just as Scrooge does as he reflects on his new found generosity.


‘”I’ll send it to Bob Cratchits” whispered Scrooge, rubbing his hands and splitting with a laugh’

Scrooge’s first act of generosity.

He immediately thinks of a way in which he can better the experience/lives of the Cratchit family. He is glad of the lesson that he has learned and this is the first time we see Scrooge in an excited manner when offering something to somebody.

‘Rubbing his hands and splitting with a laugh’ could indicate that he cannot control his excitement and some of the childhood innocence that he has lost has been restored.

ScroogeRedemption/ChangeResponsibility

‘He looked so irresistibly pleasant, in a word that three or four good-humoured fellows said, “Good morning, sir!”’

Those he passes on the streets recognise his new demeanour and welcome it.

This contrasts to stave 1, where Dickens describes how guide dogs would divert their masters away from Scrooge as even they were aware of Scrooge’s ignorant nature.


‘Not a farthing less. A great many back-payments are included in it, I assure you’

Scrooge’s generosity is instilled once more.

He voluntarily donates to the portly gentlemen that he ignored within stave 1. By paying ‘back-payments’, he is

Wealth/PovertyScroogeRedemption/Change

able to make up for the lost time that he addresses on his own at the beginning of the stave.

‘Let him in! It is a mercy that he didn’t shake his arm off’

This shows Fred’s forgiving nature.

His excitement to see Scrooge could also mirror the excitement that Fan had when she saw Scrooge at the boarding school in stave 2. This could show how similar his characteristics are to his mother who has passed away.

FamilyFred

‘His hat was off, before he opened the door; his comforter too’

This shows how nervous Bob is when he has arrived at work late.

Naturally, he worries about Scrooge’s reaction and assumes that he will be punished. This shows the fear that Scrooge once instilled into those around him. His later actions (raising Bob’s salary) come as more of a surprise for Bob who is afraid of Scrooge.

Cratchits

‘I’ll raise your salary and endeavour to assist your struggling family’

Scrooge shows determination to improve the misfortune of the Cratchit family.

Scrooge shows an awareness of his responsibility to help those in need. This action is a stark contrast to his reluctance to pay Bob for Christmas Day off in stave 1. We see the extent of Scrooge’s change here.

ScroogeRedemption/ChangeResponsibility Wealth/Poverty

‘Scrooge was better than his word’

This indicates Scrooge’s redemption.

This cements Scrooge’s new characteristics and shows his new found generosity. This could indicate that he has not only aimed to help those around him, but a broader audience as well, showing that he now wants to help others rather than feeling that it is an unnecessary obligation.


‘To Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father’

Scrooge’s generosity has guaranteed Tim’s survival, showing how the simple

Scrooge/CratchitsRedemption/ChangeResponsibility

changes that Scrooge has made have had a direct impact on the future and wellbeing of those around him.

This reinforced Dickens’ message that we can help and make a difference to those in need if we act in a selfless manner.

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