a christmas carol

secret and self contained and as solitary as an oyster

introduces Scrooge as isolated, suggests potential transformation

hard and sharp as flint

simile emphasises Scrooges cruelty and lack of warmth

are there no prisons? are there no workhouses?

shows Scrooges lack of compassion and attitude to the poor

if they had rather die they had better do it and decrease the surplus population

reflects Malthusian views, highlights Scrooges inhumanity

I wear the chain I forged in life

Marley symbolises the consequences of greed

mankind was my business

theme of social responsibility and redemption

the spirit of Christmas present

represents generosity, warmth and community

this boy is Ignorance. this girl is Want

allegory warning society about neglecting the poor

god bless us, everyone!

Tiny Tim symbolises innocence and hope

if these shadows remain unaltered by the future

shows that the future can change through choice

a lonely boy was reading near a feeble fire

elicits sympathy for young scrooge

another idol has displaced me, a golden one

criticises scrooges worship of money

no warmth could warm, no coldness could chill him

shows emotional isolation

the ghost of Christmas yet to come

represents fear and inevitable death

the finger pointed from the grave to him

forces scrooge to confront his moratily

i will honour Christmas in my heart

turning point showing commitment to change

he became as good a friend, as good a master

shows scrooges complete transformation

scrooge was better than his word

emphasises lasting change

he had no further intercourse with spirits

supernatural guidance no longer needed

and it was always said to him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well

concludes message of redemption and generosity