generosity - a Christmas carol

Generosity thesis

Dickens explores the significance of generosity and the border lessons and his moralistic impact on readers about Christian values of charity and compassion.

The narrative revolves around the transformation of the protagonist, Scrooge, highlighting how generosity contrasts from greed and ultimately leads to a more compassionate and joyful existence. Dickens also shows this through the characters who embody the spirit of giving such as Scrooge’s nephew Fred.

Point 1

Scrooges initial lack of responsibility or generosity – isolation and dehumanisation of the poor

‘squeezing wrenching clutching grasping covetous old sinner’

Asyndetic list of verbs: emphasise the extent of his greed – Scrooges immoral characteristics are ongoing casting him as an unrepentant ‘sinner’

“Sinner “– Dickens makes it clear how morally corrupt he is as sin specifically is a challenge to Christian values and the meaning of Christmas and shows how he completely rejects generosity

Seven negative adjectives mirrors how there are seven deadly sins – Dickens parallel Scrooge and sins to highlight how the rich and more inclined moral transgression than the poor

‘edge his way along the crowded paths of life’

The metaphor of ‘edge…paths’ where ‘paths’ represents society reinforces how Scrooge reject society and his antisocial. He deliberately avoids the company of others and is isolate himself. This then causes him to reject any kind of compassion and generosity towards others.

‘decrease the surplus population’

Dehumanising term for the poor which reflects Scrooges lack of humanity. It reflects his callous indifference towards the plight of the poor and his belief that they’re suffering is a natural consequences of their circumstance not a problem deserving societal intervention and compassion.

Context and writers purpose for point 1

context - poor law

wp - Dickens use scrooge to represent the greed and lack of generosity of Victorian society who show ignorance and prejudice against the poor

Point 2

Scrooges transformation and embodiment of Christian values and generosity – saves Tiny Tim‘s life

‘as good a friend, as good a master, and as good man’

Repetition and listing expresses the extent of his transformation; his sense of charity is now widespread and open to everyone

‘ good’ contracts ‘sinner’ in Stave 1

‘he was a second father’

The metaphor of a father – Scrooge shows social responsibility/charity; redeemed himself by saving tiny Tim‘s life

Fulfils Dicken’s moralistic purpose

‘golden sunlight’ ‘heavenly sky’

Pathetic fallacy: contrast to dark/fog

Everything to you

point 3

Freds moral generosity – highlights the contrast between generosity and selfishness 

‘a merry Christmas uncle! God save you!’

Freds warmth and goodwill immediately marks him as a moral counterpoint to Scrooge.

The use of religious illusion in ‘God save you!’ subtly evokes Christian values of compassion and grace which Fred lives out through his unshakeable kindness.

Dickens presents Christian Mercy as essential to true humanity powerful linking Freds magnanimity to the novels moral core

‘I am sorry for him; I couldn't be angry with him if I tried.;

Fred says this about his uncle, after Scrooge rejects his cheerful invitation to Christmas dinner and insults him. Instead of responding with resentment, Fred expresses pity and compassion.

‘Sorry’ - reflects empathy rather than condescension- recognizes that Scrooge’s isolation and bitterness stem from his own unhappiness. Fred sees beyond Scrooge’s avaristic surface and responds with emotional generosity.

The phrase “if I tried” shows that anger doesn’t come naturally to Fred — he instinctively forgives.

Moral strength: Fred is a foil to Scrooge. While Scrooge hoards wealth, Fred shares warmth, joy, and patience.