The Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come: An Exploration of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
One of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been retold and adapted countless times since its initial publication in 1843. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly businessman who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the three spirits of Christmas, has become synonymous with the holiday season. But what is it about this story that has resonated with audiences for nearly two centuries?
When Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, he was responding to the social and economic changes happening in England at the time. The Industrial Revolution had led to an increase in wealth for some, but it had also created a wide gap between the rich and the poor. Dickens wanted to draw attention to the plight of the poor and to encourage his readers to be more charitable and compassionate.
Ebenezer Scrooge[protagonist]
The character of Ebenezer Scrooge is the perfect embodiment of this message. He is a wealthy businessman who is completely consumed by his love of money and his disdain for anything that does not directly benefit him. But through the visits of the ghostly spirits, Scrooge is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and to see the world through a different lens.
The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge on a journey through his childhood and early adulthood, showing him how his love of money and his obsession with self-preservation have led him to become the cold, unfeeling person he is today. The Ghost of Christmas Present, meanwhile, shows Scrooge the harsh reality of life for the poor and the working class, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows him the bleak future that awaits him if he does not change his ways.
Through these visits, Scrooge is able to see the true meaning of Christmas — kindness, compassion, and generosity — and to realize that his actions have real consequences for those around him. He is able to change his ways and become a kind and generous person, spreading joy and cheer to those around him.
But A Christmas Carol is not just a story about Scrooge’s redemption. It is also a story about the power of community and the importance of coming together to support one another. From the Cratchit family, who despite their poverty, still manage to find joy in the holiday season, to Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, who continues to spread the spirit of Christmas despite his uncle’s disdain, the story is a reminder that we are all connected and that our actions have a ripple effect on those around us.
A Christmas Carol is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. It is a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas and the importance of kindness, compassion, and generosity. So, as we head into the holiday season, let us remember the lessons of Ebenezer Scrooge and strive to be more like the Cratchit family, spreading joy and cheer to those around us.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.