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Scrooge as a Boy
As a boy, Scrooge was neglected but happy because he enjoyed his time by himself. He loved to read books and had few friends but pushed them away when they reached out to him. "'A solitary child, neglected by his friends, is left there still.'" ID/L (Dickens 31). -
Scrooge as an Apprentice
When Scrooge was an apprentice he was very happy with his life. He enjoyed going to work and working hard at Fezziwig's. He had fun at Fezziwig's Christmas party while it lasted. "During the whole of this time, Scrooge had acted like a man out of his wits. His heart and soul were in the scene, and with his formal self." ID/T (Dickens 36). -
Scrooge's Proposal
During Scrooge's young years he askes a lady to marry him. She rejects him because of his love for money more than herself. He was heartbroken "'I do; and I release you. With a full heart, for the love of him you once were'" ID/E (Dicken 38). -
Nephew's Christmas Party
The ghost of Christmas present takes Scrooge to his nephews Christmas party that he was originally invited to but didn't attend. While he is there he sees and hears what people think about him and has a rude awakening. "Uncle Scrooge had imperceptibly become so gay and light of heart. that he would have pledged the unconscious company in return, and thanked them in an inaudible speech if the Ghost had given him the time." ID/T (Dickens 59). -
Scrooge Sees the Cratchit Family
The ghost of Christmas present takes Scrooge to the Cratchit's house and he notices how thankful they are for how little they have. He sees tiny Tim and askes the Spirit if he will live showing compassion for one of the first times in a while. "'What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.' Scrooge hung his head to hear his own words quoted by the Spirit, and was overcome with penitence and grief." ID/A (Dickens 52). -
Christmas Eve
Scrooge is a greedy and mean old man whos only priority in life is to be a great wealthy businessman. He only cares about making money and nothing else. "... a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner!" D (Dickens 12). -
The Ghost of Marley Visits Scrooge
The Ghost of Marley visits Scrooge on Christmas Eve warning him of what is to come if he keeps on the path that he is on. When Marley comes he is wearing shackles representing his desire for money and worldly things showing Scrooge that he will end up the same way if he doesn't make a difference in his life. "'I wear the chain I forged in life'..... Scrooge trembled more and more" ID/A (Dickens 23). -
A Change of Attitude
Once Scrooge is back in his own bed on Christmas morning he has a world full of opportunities that he is now ready to take. He buys the Cratchits a big Christmas turkey, goes to Church, and even greets everyone nicely passing by. "'I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to everybody!'' D (Dickens 76). -
A New Side of Scrooge
Adding to the new side of generosity from Scrooge he shows us that he has changed completely by raising Bob Cratchit's paycheck and giving him warmth not because he has to, but because he wants to. This shows us a new and kind side of Scrooge who has changed for the better. "...and therefore I am about to raise your salary!'...'A merry Christmas, Bob!'" ID/S (Dickens 80). -
Scrooge's Death
The ghost of Christmas Future takes Scrooge to see his death. He hears people talking about someone who has died with no one to mourn him not knowing it was himself. When he finds out he is ready to make some big life changes. "'Am I that man who lay upon the bed?'... 'hear me! I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse.'" ID/S (Dickens 72).
