Scrooge Flashcards
(3 cards)
“Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?”
This quote is Scrooge’s response when asked to donate money for the poor. His callousness is evident in the rhetorical questions he asks, which imply that those in need deserve their fate. The repetition of “are there no…” highlights his indifference to suffering.
The reference to prisons and workhouses reflects Scrooge’s adherence to the idea of punishment for the poor rather than compassion or help. This attitude is rooted in the Victorian social structure, where the poor were often seen as deserving of their misfortune.
Scrooge’s response shows his lack of empathy and moral blindness. He believes in the self-sufficiency of individuals and has no concept of social responsibility.
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
This is a key turning point for Scrooge, marking his complete transformation from a miserly, selfish man to one who values love, generosity, and community.
The word “honour” implies a deep, respectful commitment, suggesting that Scrooge will integrate the true spirit of Christmas into his everyday life. He no longer sees Christmas as a one-off event, but as a way of living.
The phrase “all the year” shows Scrooge’s recognition that being a good person, generous and kind, should not be restricted to a single day but should be sustained throughout the year.
This change signals that redemption is about more than just external actions — it’s about internal moral and spiritual change.
“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy.”
This line is the embodiment of Scrooge’s complete transformation after his journey with the ghosts. His metaphors — “light as a feather”, “happy as an angel”, and “merry as a schoolboy” — convey a sense of freedom, joy, and innocence.
The fact that he compares himself to a schoolboy is significant. Scrooge, at his core, is rediscovering his childlike joy and wonder, which he had abandoned in his pursuit of money and power.
The physicality of “light as a feather” suggests that Scrooge has let go of the heavy burden of greed, guilt, and isolation. His heart is now unburdened, and he is free to embrace life with love and generosity.
