Model Essay: Explain How Scrooge Changes throughout the Novella?

Scrooge's character goes under a significant amount of transformation from a miserly, selfish man to a compassionate generous figure. Scrooge does it by encountering 3 different spirits, the ghost of Christmas past, present and future who helps Scrooge to transform his character by showing him different aspects of his life in order to help him transform. Dickens' portrayal of the transformation also showcases the social inequalities of Victorian society. 

At the beginning of the novella, Scrooge is described as having a miser personality by using the asyndetic listing of the 7 adjectives ‘squeezing, wrenching, grasping, clutching, covetous old sinner!’ These descriptions showcase Scrooge's frugality, selfishness and avaricious character. The 7 adjectives have a direct link towards the 7 deadly sins which is a biblical reference to showcase the roots towards an evil person which is exactly how Scrooge is presented in the Stave.  Moreover, this establishes that the rich are way more sinful than the poor which is the direct link between Scrooge and the sinners. The choice of words like “squeezing” and “wrenching convey a sense of discomfort and agony, showing that Scrooge’s greed is not only a moral flaw but also something that affects him physically and mentally. Scrooge has to go through a lot in order to assimilate into society as he is very isolated and a lonely character due to his social struggles which also draws attention to Scrooge’s miserly personality traits. The effect on the reader is one of immediate revulsion and pity. The asyndetic listing, with its rapid-fire, harsh adjectives, creates a vivid impression of a man who is not only greedy but deeply troubled. This overload of negative qualities paints Scrooge as a villainous figure, making his eventual transformation more striking and redemptive. The reader is invited to feel disgusted by his actions and is encouraged to question the morality of Scrooge’s way of life, particularly within the context of Victorian society's growing awareness of social inequality and the plight of the poor. The discomfort evoked by these words might also provoke sympathy for Scrooge’s isolation and internal conflict, setting up a sharp contrast between his current state and the moral lessons he will later learn. This also engages the reader emotionally, creating a strong desire to see Scrooge change for the better, reinforcing the theme of redemption that is central to the novella. 

Additionally, Dickens uses the simile ‘hard and sharp as flint.’ The use of this simile is to show that Scrooge has a lack of warmth, kindness and compassion towards the world around him and he is really struggling to interact with the people around him as specifically implied by the adjective ‘hard.’ Additionally, the adjective ‘sharp’ highlights the pain implying that Scrooge would rather be isolated than be with other people which further links to Scrooge’s miserly personality. Over and above that, Dickens compares Scrooge to ‘flint’ because flint is used to light a fire which foreshadows the theme of change and redemption into Scrooge to become warm and loving so this then suggests that his personality may change. As well as this, Dickens uses ‘solitary as an oyster’ which establishes that Scrooge has decided to isolate himself from the world around him. ‘Solitary’ connotes that Scrooge has forced himself to be lonely and the ‘oyster’ implies that Scrooge is a tough and very closed minded character, so Dickens is comparing Scrooge to the challenges of life which is suggesting the theme of capitalism. Dickens also uses the imagery of an oyster opening up and the sparkling pearl inside the oyster to foreshadow a flicker of change and a possible worthwhile change in Scrooge which is the reason why these 2 similes have been put together in the novel as Dickens is wanting to link this with ‘flint’ as they both symbolise the same idea in the theme of redemption which also foreshadows the ghost of christmas past appearing in Stave 2. 

In Stave 2, Scrooge is introduced to the ghost of a Christmas past. Scrooge responds to the ghost as being ‘recoiled in fear and began to back away.” This quote showcases Scrooge’s initial reaction being fear and avoidance to change. The use of the past tense verb ‘recoiled’ highlights Scrooge instinctively pulling away from the spirit, showing his reluctance to confront his past. This quote suggests Scrooge’s resistance to self reflection and change at the start of his journey. Additionally, the use of the phrase ‘back away’ demonstrates Scrooge’s lack of emotional intelligence and his unwillingness to face the emotional turmoil associated with revisiting his past. As his current state he is living in spending years feeling regret, loss, isolation and so the idea of confronting them is terrifying. Moreover, Scrooge learns from the fact that the ghost of Christmas past is confronting him with his fears of isolation and loneliness. The quote “I am not the man I was,” marks the first major revelation for Scrooge as he recognizes that he has changed over time and not for the better. By acknowledging this, Scrooge is beginning to accept that his character is slowly changing and he's becoming more self aware and taking responsibility for his personal decline. He recognises his bad past decisions and foreshadows the start of Scrooge's transformation. This statement then foreshadows the emotional and moral growth that will follow. The realisation that he was once a different person brings feelings of regret and sorrow, which are essential for his eventual transformation.   

In Stave 3, Scrooge is introduced to the ghost of a Christmas present who helps him with his eventual redemption. “Scrooge entered timidly, and hung his head before the spirit,” showcases Scrooge’s response to the ghost of Christmas present as being quite shy and humble suggesting that he feels overwhelmed by the spirits presence. This is also a big juxtaposition towards his earlier arrogance when he was first encountered by the ghost of Jacob Marley. The use of the adverb ‘timidly’ indicates that Scrooge is beginning to understand the gravity of the situation and feels vulnerable in the face of the new spirit existing. The phrase ‘hung his head further’ shows that Scrooge is aware of the inferiority in the presence of the spirit. He is not the proud, wealthy man he once was, but someone who is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. This moment signifies a shift in Scrooge's attitude- from resistance and isolation to openness and humility.  This foreshadows redemption.  Moreover, the quote, “Come in! Exclaimed the ghost. Come in and know me better, man!” The Ghost of Christmas Present extends an invitation to Scrooge that represents not just an invitation to learn, but an invitation to change. The ghost’s enthusiastic and welcoming attitude encourages Scrooge to embrace the lessons of the present and make a choice about how to act moving forward. This marks the pivotal moment where Scrooge’s transformation becomes possible — he must choose to understand and embrace the spirit of Christmas. The phrases “know me better, man!” symbolizes the personal connection Scrooge is invited to make with the idea of Christmas. It reflects the invitation to move beyond a superficial understanding of Christmas as mere festivity and wealth to a deeper, more human connection based on kindness, generosity, and love for others. Scrooge's learning here is not just intellectual, but deeply emotional, as he opens his heart to the possibility of change. 

In stave 4, Scrooge encountered the ghost of christmas yet to come. “Scrooge bent down upon his knee; the chilling influence of its shadow was upon him.” Scrooge’s initial response to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is one of submission. The fact that he “bent down upon his knee” suggests that he recognizes the ghost’s authority and the power it holds over him. This marks a stark contrast to Scrooge’s earlier dismissals of the other spirits, where he was more resistant or reluctant to engage with their lessons. Here, he is humbled and frightened, immediately acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. The chilling shadow also symbolizes the fear and regret that Scrooge will experience if he continues his path of greed and isolation. It reflects how Scrooge is beginning to see the inevitable consequences of his actions: a future filled with loneliness, death, and missed opportunities. Additionally, “The case of this unhappy man might be my own.” is a pivotal moment in the novella. Scrooge begins to see the connections between himself and the people in the vision he’s shown by the spirit. He realizes that the man’s death — an unnamed figure whose passing goes unremarked and unmourned — is a reflection of his own future if he does not change. This moment of self-awareness is crucial because it signifies that Scrooge has learned that his life has not just alienated others but will result in his own social and spiritual demise.

Scrooge has changed an awful lot throughout the novella and it really showcases the fact that somebody who starts as a miser person can easily change into somebody that is kind and gentle. 

AO1: 8/10

AO2: 8/10

AO3: 5/6

AO4: 3/4

Total marks 24/30 (grade 6-7) Level 5 

Grade 9 Essay:

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound transformation from a miserly, self-centered businessman to a compassionate and generous benefactor. Dickens uses a series of encounters with three spirits to facilitate Scrooge’s emotional and moral growth. Through his interactions with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, Scrooge confronts the consequences of his actions and is ultimately redeemed. Dickens’ portrayal of this transformation not only highlights the possibility of personal redemption but also critiques the social and economic inequalities of Victorian society.

At the beginning of the novella, Scrooge is presented as the embodiment of greed and selfishness. Dickens uses vivid language to describe his character, particularly in the asyndetic listing of the seven adjectives: "squeezing, wrenching, grasping, clutching, covetous old sinner!" The harshness of these words reveals Scrooge’s intense greed, his reluctance to share wealth, and his utter disregard for others. The use of the asyndetic listing creates a rapid, almost violent rhythm, mirroring the oppressive and suffocating nature of his greed. This line is also a biblical allusion to the seven deadly sins, implying that Scrooge’s avarice is a moral failing of the highest order. Dickens’ choice of adjectives such as "wrenching" and "clutching" emphasizes the physical discomfort of Scrooge’s greed, suggesting that it is not just a moral flaw but one that deeply afflicts him both mentally and physically. Scrooge’s complete detachment from the plight of the poor is evident when he dismisses the notion of charity for the needy with the cold question: “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” His response to the poor represents a stark critique of Victorian capitalism, where the wealthy, like Scrooge, are indifferent to the suffering of the impoverished.

Scrooge’s transformation begins with his encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Past. Initially, Scrooge recoils from the spirit, demonstrating his reluctance to confront his own history. The verb "recoiled" highlights Scrooge’s instinctive fear of self-reflection and change. Scrooge’s desire to avoid his past signifies his deep-seated guilt and shame, which he has suppressed for years. However, as the spirit leads him through his past, Scrooge is forced to confront the decisions that led to his current state. When Scrooge exclaims, "I am not the man I was," he experiences the first inkling of self-awareness. The past tense here suggests that Scrooge is beginning to recognize that he has changed for the worse, and this moment marks the first step in his emotional and moral awakening. The realization that he was once a more compassionate and idealistic young man evokes deep regret. This moment is pivotal as it foreshadows the emotional growth Scrooge will undergo as he grapples with his choices and attempts to atone for them. Scrooge’s remorse for the loss of his sister, Fan, and his rejection of his former fiancée, Belle, demonstrate how his obsession with wealth has led to personal isolation and emotional desolation. Dickens portrays the lost opportunities for love and connection as part of the moral cost of Scrooge’s greed.

In Stave 3, Scrooge is confronted by the Ghost of Christmas Present. This spirit is markedly different from the others, exuding warmth, generosity, and vitality. When Scrooge timidly enters the spirit’s presence, the adverb “timidly” suggests that Scrooge is no longer the arrogant, self-assured man he once was. The phrase “hung his head” further illustrates his humility and the growing recognition of his faults. The contrast between Scrooge’s initial reaction to the Ghost of Christmas Present and his earlier arrogance towards Marley’s ghost highlights his developing self-awareness. The phrase “Come in! and know me better, man!” represents an invitation to Scrooge not only to understand Christmas on a superficial level but to embrace its deeper values of compassion, generosity, and community. The spirit’s enthusiastic, almost infectious invitation is a powerful symbol of the possibility of transformation. Scrooge’s emotional journey is encapsulated in his reaction to the Cratchit family’s humble Christmas dinner. Witnessing Tiny Tim’s vulnerability and the Cratchit family’s joy in the face of poverty evokes a profound sense of guilt in Scrooge. His emotional response is significant because it indicates his growing empathy, a crucial step towards his redemption.

The final stage of Scrooge’s transformation occurs in Stave 4 with the appearance of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. This spectral figure, shrouded in darkness and silence, symbolizes the fear and isolation that Scrooge has been avoiding throughout his life. When Scrooge kneels before the ghost, the act of submission indicates his full acceptance of the need for change. The chilling shadow of the ghost is symbolic of the inevitable consequences of Scrooge’s greed: a lonely death without love or recognition. Scrooge’s words, “The case of this unhappy man might be my own,” represent a moment of epiphany. He begins to see the grim future that awaits him if he does not change, and this awareness serves as a catalyst for his final transformation. The image of the "unhappy man" whose death is met with indifference is a powerful reflection of the emotional and social isolation that Scrooge has imposed on himself. The realization that his actions have alienated him from humanity is a pivotal moment in his moral awakening.

In the final moments of the novella, Scrooge’s transformation is complete. The man who once sought only wealth and power is now the epitome of generosity and compassion. When he wakes on Christmas morning, he is overwhelmed with joy and immediately sets out to make amends for his past behavior. His donation to the Cratchit family and his newfound relationship with his nephew Fred are evidence of his deep transformation. Scrooge’s final redemption is not just personal but social; he becomes an active participant in the welfare of others, thus challenging the social norms that valued wealth over human connection.

Through Scrooge’s journey, Dickens delivers a powerful critique of Victorian society’s class divisions and the moral failings associated with unchecked capitalism. Scrooge’s transformation from a figure of greed to one of generosity embodies Dickens’ belief in the possibility of redemption through self-awareness and compassion. The novella demonstrates that even the most hardened individuals can change if they are willing to confront their past, embrace empathy, and accept responsibility for their actions. In this way, A Christmas Carol not only tells the story of Scrooge’s personal redemption but also serves as a call to action for societal change, urging readers to consider the value of human connection over material wealth.