Analyzing Scrooge's Character Development and Reader Response
This page continues the essay plan, focusing on later staves of "A Christmas Carol" and how they contribute to the reader's perception of Scrooge.
The plan explores Stave 4, where Scrooge witnesses his own death and its aftermath:
Quote: "uncared for was the body of this man"
This quote emphasizes Scrooge's isolation and the lack of genuine relationships in his life, potentially evoking pity from the reader.
Highlight: The plan notes that Scrooge believes he has changed at this point, adding complexity to the reader's emotional response.
The essay also addresses moments that challenge the idea of pitying Scrooge, particularly his interaction with the portly gentlemen in Stave 1:
Quote: "Are there no prisons?" "Or the Union workhouses?"
These quotes demonstrate Scrooge's initial callousness towards the poor, contrasting sharply with the pitiful moments from his past.
Definition: Union workhouses - Institutions where the poor were sent to work in exchange for food and shelter, often under harsh conditions.
The plan concludes by suggesting a balanced argument:
- Acknowledge the moments that evoke pity for Scrooge, particularly his childhood and moments of regret.
- Recognize the instances of Scrooge's selfishness and lack of generosity that make him less sympathetic.
- Consider how Dickens uses these contrasting elements to highlight Scrooge's transformation and the theme of redemption.
This structure provides a solid foundation for a Grade 9 essay on Scrooge's character development and the complex emotional journey Dickens takes the reader on throughout "A Christmas Carol".
