Point: symbol of the human cost of Scrooge's fixation with money

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Belle refers to the relationship between her and Scrooge as an “unprofitable dream”, illustrating Scrooge’s obsession with the financial gain of his relationships.

a i h d m… a g o

Belle tells Scrooge that “another idol has displaced me… a golden one,” referring to the wealth that he is prioritising over her. The metaphor of “idol” is an interesting choice from Dickens due to its connotations - it is often associated with a god-like figure that people worship, perhaps even referencing false gods in the Bible, illustrating the extent of Scrooge’s fixation with money. Dickens critiques materialism and the growing obsession with wealth in Victorian capitalist society. Belle represents emotional warmth and genuine human values, acting as a foil to Scrooge.

Belle confesses to Scrooge that even she cannot “believe that you would choose a dowerless girl”, emphasising that his previous affection for her has been replaced entirely by greed. Dickens uses a lexical field of money and gain during his descriptions of Scrooge and Belle, exemplified here by the adjective “dowerless”. This is significant as it reveals Scrooge’s misanthropic and miserly attitude. Dickens proves to the reader that Scrooge does not hold any meaningful relationships with people as he looks at things through a financial viewpoint.

Scrooge orders the Ghost of Christmas Past to “Show me no more! Conduct me home. Why do you delight to torture me?” This is significant as it epitomises Scrooge’s regret through commands, as Scrooge feels out of control, an exclamation, emphasising his urgency and rhetorical question, drawing attention to his confusion and regret. Dickens uses emotive language, referring to the situation as “torture”, which effectively conveys the powerful emotions that Scrooge is feeling.