Ehe development of Scrooge’s Character Essay

But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear your company, and do it with a thankful heart. Will you not speak to me? † The underlined sentence shows a complete character reversal, such a drastic change in Scrooge’s character in comparison to that at the beginning of the book. We are shown a person who gains an insight into his true character. At the onset of the book some may have seen it an impossible task to change a seemingly impenetrable character such as Scrooge into a good man and that he was past redemption. However, Dickens shows that no matter whom the person is, irrespective of what that person has done in the past, everyone is able to have a second chance and that forgiveness is an attribute which we should all ourselves hold. The spirit takes him to the Cratchit’s house once again. However, there is no laughter this time, just silence. Scrooge is eager to find out what is troubling the Cratchit’s and this is revealed when Bob Cratchit returns to the house. It is then that he remembers the empty stool by the fire and the crutch resting upon the floor. This is a shocking reminder that Tiny Tim has died. It now lies heavily on Scrooge;s conscience as he could have prevented it. As the family is torn apart and he witnesses Mr Cratchit break down into tears he also sees his children rushing to his side. There is still a lot of love within the family even though there is not happiness. Scrooge felt that he had been through enough and that nothing else could shock him especially after all he had seen so far. But Scrooge couldn’t be more wrong. As the Ghost takes him to see his own grave Scrooge releases a loud cry. Prior to this the ghost takes Scrooge along the streets where he lives. He makes Scrooge listen to the conversations people are having on the street about a recent death; â€Å"It’s likely to be a very cheap funeral,† said one speaker; â€Å"For upon my life I don’t know of anybody to go to it. Suppose we make up a party and volunteer? † Scrooge feels pity for the fellow who has died as no one misses him and no one feels sorry that that he has gone. He listens as a few men decide that they will volunteer to go to the funeral but only if there is a large spread put on for lunch. Hhe also witnesses people bringing many items to the pawnbrokers from the deceased man’s home, pulling down curtains and removing bed linen and even removing the shirt which the man is laid to rest in whilst in the coffin. These sights disgust Scrooge especially when he realises that it is he who he pities. The change in Scrooge’s character is shown within one line â€Å"I am not the man I was. Ii will not be the man I must have been† which he cries to the spirit whilst clutching at its robe. Dickens uses a very clever comparison when he shows the reader the future detailing Scrooges death and Tiny Tim’s death. As Tiny Tim’s family long for him to be with them and cry in sorrow, Scrooge only has people stripping him of his materialistic possessions and a few businessmen volunteering to go to the funeral as long as they are fed. Theses two deaths show a boy who was loved dearly contrasted with a man who was hated within his town. This shows that even after death our relationship with other people and the way we have behaved still live in. The harsh scenes that Scrooge has witnessed throughout this night have left a deep impression on him, significantly changing him and his life. The following morning being Christmas Day, Scrooge awakens displaying many new, startling emotions. He says, â€Å"I am as light as a feather. I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy, I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to everyone! † As Scrooge buys a large turkey and sends it to the Cratchit’s house for dinner he then dresses and arrives at the house of his Nephew who greets him warmly shaking his hand and offering him a seat. As the room fills and they sit down to eat Scrooge feels great warmth, for the first time he can truly see again and he forgets about his business and about money and begins to live his life opening his heat to those around him. The Following morning on Boxing Day, Scrooge makes a conscious effort to get to work early so that he can catch Bob Cratchit arriving late for work as he did every year. He acts like he would have usually done pointing out that he is late and asking his for his excuses and then he says â€Å"I am not going to stand for this sort of thing any longer, and therefore, I am about to raise your salary. † It is then that Bob realises Scrooge is not the miserly cold man he one was, but is now transformed. Dickens talks of Scrooge’s actions which followed and how he kept the word he had given to the Spirits, he informs us that Tiny Tim did not die and that Scrooge became a wonderful citizen and a great friend to the Cratchit’s as he did to he Nephew. When Dickens published this book he aimed it not at the poor but at the upper class. This was obvious as the poor in Victorian times would not have been able to read such books as these. He wanted to change society’s views and create awareness of the poverty that existed. His emphasis on Children’s ignorance and want I think is a brilliant use of imagery. Dickens subtly insults the rich calling them ignorant and greedy. Despite this, however, Dickens did not receive criticisms for this book but received high commendations and it is still regularly referred to and read by children and adults of our generation. This book is just one of the wonderful creations of Dickens’ imagination, carrying a powerful and profound message that will educate all generations to come.