Living the Change: "Second Father" and "Total Abstinence Principle"
Scrooge doesn't just feel different - he actively lives out his transformation by becoming a "second father" to Tiny Tim. This shows how his redemption extends beyond just changing his attitude to actually helping vulnerable people.
The phrase "Total Abstinence Principle" is actually quite clever wordplay. We usually think of abstinence as giving up alcohol, but here Scrooge is giving up greed, cruelty, and isolation instead. The word "spirits" could refer to both alcohol and the ghosts who visited him.
His nurturing, compassionate treatment of Tiny Tim represents a complete contrast to his earlier behaviour. Many children suffered during the Industrial Revolution, so Scrooge's care for Tiny Tim symbolises second chances and moral responsibility towards society's most vulnerable.
Key Point: Scrooge's redemption arc moves through three stages with the spirits - reflection, empathy, and fear of consequences - leading to genuine change.