How Does Scrooge Change In A Christmas Carol

Cold-Hearted to Caring

“No human being is so bad as to be beyond redemption,” Mahatma Gandhi. Charles Dickens illustrates this idea in his timeless classic, A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge, the protagonist, is a selfish man who shows no compassion for anyone but himself. He overworks his poor clerk, Bob Cratchit, hates Christmas, and has given up almost everything for money. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by three spirits. They warn him that he will face a sad, miserable fate if he does not adjust his mean ways. Through his use of tone and characterization, Dickens reveals an important message-everyone is capable of change.

Dickens uses tone to show the development of Scrooge throughout the story. There is a huge difference in atmosphere, as well as

Scrooge’s character slowly evolves each time the spirits show him an event. “‘No,’ said Scrooge- ‘No. I should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now. That’s all’” (Dickens 44). This is the first time Scrooge feels regretful for what he has done. The memory of Fezziwig reminds Scrooge how lively and enjoyable work was for him as an apprentice. The more Dickens tells about Scrooge's past, present, and future, the more Scrooge’s character develops. Scrooge’s younger, jolly self is shown through the window of Fezziwig’s. Instead of reacting in a disgusted and upset way, Scrooge is excited when the Ghost of Christmas Past takes him to the scene. This response is the opposite of what is expected. Dickens is slowly showing that there is more to Scrooge’s unsympathetic self. Scrooge’s realization of how badly he treated Bob Cratchit is a way of Dickens showing an alter in Scrooge’s character. Scrooge, a heartless, selfish man, is least expected to become loving and thoughtful. Yet, through tone and characterization, Dickens shows that no matter the person, they can better their