Compare And Contrast Scrooge And The Grinch

A Christmas Carol and How the Grinch Stole Christmas were two famous Christmas-themed stories. The protagonists, Scrooge and the Grinch, were memorable due to their dynamic nature and how they changed their perspectives. But the Grinch was notably more dynamic for several reasons.

Although Scrooge was evil, this was due to his neglect and indifference to human suffering. "If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population" (Dickens 8). The Grinch; however, had full intentions. The Whos teased the young Grinch for indulging in Christmas cheer, an incident of childhood trauma. This was due to his unique appearance. "For fifty-three years, Christmas has brought me nothing but misery" (Dr. Seuss, 2000). Scrooge also loathed Christmas as a child, but the main reason was his increased lust for wealth as an adult; Scrooge’s perspective was more on money and the poor than the Christmas spirit itself.

Additionally, The Grinch perceived Christmas as merely a time when people exchanged gifts. "That's what it's all about, isn't it? That's what it's always been about. "Gifts, gifts... gifts, gifts, gifts!"(Dr. Seuss, 2000). It

His heart had "grown three sizes that day" (Dr. Seuss, 2000). The heart is symbolic of human nature. Someone with a big heart is kind, caring, and joyful. He had realized what the Christmas spirit truly meant, and it was automatic, without the intervention of others. "Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more" (Dr. Seuss, 2000). He then ‘felt’ for the first time. He had changed his perspective on Christmas, leading to immense, unexpected emotion. Scrooge also needed the intervention of three spirits to enlighten him about his wrongdoings. The Grinch chose to change, while Scrooge changed mainly due to his internal conflict and potential death. He was also distraught by how much others hated