Redemption

To what extent do you consider ‘A Christmas Carol’ to be a tale of redemption?

A Christmas Carol is a celebration of Christmas and the good it inspires. During this period, people often forget about their nature of quotidian disputes, selfish tendencies and workhorse schedules in order to obtain friendship, charity and celebration. Several representatives of these integrities stand out in the Charles Dickens’ cast. The character Fred is a great example of good cheer while Fezzwig adds that quality of being an incredible friend and generous employer. Tiny Tim’s attitude of selflessness and bravery despite of his ill health is of a great nature, as well as the loving manner of the entire Cratchit family. Scrooge however, learns the lessons of the Christmas spirit through his visions of Christmas past, present and future. In each of this visions, Scrooge sees either the ill effects his misery nature has shaped or the good tidings that others bring about through their love and kindness. Throughout the tale, we learn that of great extent that ‘ A Christmas Carol’ is a tale of redemption. The transformation of Scrooge from a money-pinching grouch to a generous gentleman says so otherwise.

The great pleasure in ‘A Christmas Carol’ is viewing Scrooge’s conversion on his outlook on life. His redemption, a major subject in Christian art, is made possible through free will. While Scrooge is shown visions of the future, he pronounces that they are only visions of things that ‘may’ be, not what ‘will’ be. Scrooge has the power to change the future with his present actions, and Charles Dickens tries to impact this sense of free will to answer the reader, if scrooge can change, then so can anyone.