Summary of Staves - ACC

Stave 1 – Marley’s Ghost visits Scrooge

• Summary: Marley’s ghost is wrapped in chains and warns Scrooge to change his ways or suffer the same fate. He tells Scrooge to expect three spirits to visit him.

• Significance: This scene introduces the theme of redemption and sets up Scrooge's chance to change. It is also the turning point that sets the entire story into motion.

• Key Quote: "I wear the chain I forged in life."

Stave 2 – The Ghost of Christmas Past visits Scrooge

• Summary: The Ghost of Christmas Past, appears. It shows Scrooge scenes from his own life, including his childhood, his early career, and his lost love with Belle, revealing how his greed isolated him.

• Significance: This scene provides insight into Scrooge’s past, showing the root causes of his coldness and greed. It’s key to understanding his character and sets up his emotional journey.

• Key Quote: "Your lip is trembling. And what is that upon your cheek?"

Stave 3 – The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge the current Christmas celebrations

• Summary: The Ghost of Christmas Present, shows Scrooge the Christmas celebrations happening in the present. They visit the Cratchit household, where Scrooge witnesses the struggles and joy of Bob Cratchit’s family, especially Tiny Tim. Scrooge is moved by the Cratchits’ love and the festive joy of other people, despite their hardships.

• Significance: This scene illustrates the theme of generosity and the contrast between Scrooge’s selfishness and the Cratchit family’s warmth. It is a turning point in Scrooge’s transformation.

• Key Quote: "God bless us, every one!"

Stave 4 – The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge his future

• Summary: The final spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, shows Scrooge a dark and desolate future. Scrooge sees his lonely death and the Cratchits mourning Tiny Tim’s death. He witnesses people talking about his passing with indifference (lack of concern) and even relief. Scrooge is horrified by the future and begs for a chance to change.

• Significance: This scene represents the ultimate consequence of Scrooge’s life choices. It is the most terrifying and dramatic of the spirits, pushing Scrooge to make a radical change in his behaviour.

• Key Quote: "I will not take this lesson lightly. I will change."

Stave 5 – Scrooge wakes up on Christmas morning and changes his ways

• Summary: Scrooge is overjoyed that he has been given another chance at life. He immediately begins to change his ways, becoming generous. He buys a feast for the Cratchit family, gives money to charity, and treats others with kindness. Scrooge also develops a loving relationship with Fred, his nephew.

• Significance: This is the resolution of Scrooge’s character arc. The scene showcases his complete transformation from a miserly old man to a benevolent, warm-hearted figure. It represents the power of redemption.

• Key Quote: "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."