ACC Key Quotes- Materialism & Wealth

“Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business.”

• Speaker: Marley’s Ghost

• Stave: 1

• Analysis: Marley’s regret highlights the consequences of focusing on wealth instead of helping others. His ghost serves as a warning to Scrooge to avoid a similar fate.

• Effect on the reader: It critiques materialism and urges the reader to prioritize compassion over wealth, aligning with the novella’s moral lessons.

“Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?”

• Speaker: Scrooge

• Stave: 1

• Analysis: Scrooge’s cold response to the poor reflects his belief that wealth and poverty are simply matters of personal responsibility, with no moral obligation to help others.

• Effect on the reader: Criticizes the societal view of wealth and poverty, urging empathy and responsibility toward the less fortunate.

It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour.”

• Speaker: Narrator

• Stave: 3

• Analysis: This quote contrasts material wealth with the true value of happiness and human connection. It suggests that joy and kindness are more valuable than riches.

• Effect on the reader: Reinforces the idea that emotional wealth, not material wealth, brings lasting happiness and fulfillment.

“I have come to dinner. Will you let me in, Fred?”

• Speaker: Scrooge

• Stave: 5

• Analysis: Scrooge’s invitation to join Fred’s Christmas dinner signifies a shift from his previous obsession with money to valuing family and relationships.

• Effect on the reader: Emphasizes the idea that wealth is not the key to happiness; rather, love, connection, and generosity lead to a richer life.

“The case of this poor girl is very distressing. I wish I could do something to help her.”

• Speaker: Scrooge

• Stave: 3

• Analysis: Scrooge begins to recognize the human cost of wealth and the lack of compassion in his pursuit of money.

• Effect on the reader: Highlights the contrast between Scrooge’s earlier greed and his growing empathy, emphasizing the importance of generosity over material gain.