Scrooge Symbolism In A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ allegorical novella, A Christmas Carol, was written to spread awareness of the everlasting Christmas Spirit throughout the year. Ebenezer Scrooge, a fictional character, brought to life/fabricated as he represents the social hierarchy troubles that were going on in Victorian England. Scrooge lives his life as a less fortunate pauper and holds money as his golden idol; however, by letting avarice consume him, it almost lead to his ultimate downfall. Fortunately, four specters pay him a visit and allow him to view his entire life until death, in order to save him from living a forgotten and unfulfilled life. The Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, sent by Scrooge’s dead business partner, Jacob Marley, are the unearthly …show more content…
By showing Scrooge scenes from his youth, the figure hopes to help him escape his fate. A bright light shines from the phantom’s head symbolizing knowledge and truth. The mysterious specter shows Scrooge essential scenes from his past. By showing Scrooge his early life as a solitary young boy, he begins to feel a deep sadness, for when he attended school his family did not care for him and he was alone. The apparition then takes Scrooge to see his first employer, Fezziwig, who treated Scrooge as a son with kindness and love. This contrasts Scrooge's miserly and cruel behavior in the present time towards Bob Cratchit. Finally Scrooge pays a visit to Belle, his ex-fiancé and sees her happily married with children. He feels regretful and realizes the life he missed due to his obsession with wealth. Reliving these tender moments from his past stirs feelings in his hardened, cold heart. He finally begins to experience emotions such as sadness, joy, and regret. Overcome with nostalgia and grief, Scrooge attempts to extinguish the light flowing from the figure’s head in an effort to hide from his past. However, he is unsuccessful because like knowledge and truth, the past can never be