Christmas Carol Summary

Christmas Carol Summary

• Setting: London, Christmas Eve, seven years after Jacob Marley's death. Scrooge, a miserly old man, is central to the story.

• Character Sketches:

• Scrooge: Lonely, aging, hates Christmas, miserly, refuses charity, treats Bob Cratchit poorly.

• Jacob Marley: Scrooge's deceased business partner, a miser condemned to wander with heavy chains.

• Bob Cratchit: Scrooge's underpaid clerk, a kind man with a family.

• Tiny Tim: Bob Cratchit's crippled and sick son.

• Fred: Scrooge's nephew, hosts a Christmas party.

• Belle: Scrooge's former fiancé, now happily married, contrasted with Scrooge's miserliness.

• Stave One:

• Scrooge is visited by Jacob Marley's ghost, warning him about his fate if he doesn't change.

• Marley's ghost warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits to help him change his ways.

• Stave Two (Ghost of Christmas Past):

• Scrooge is shown glimpses of his past, including his lonely childhood, his apprenticeship under Mr. Fezziwig, and his former engagement with Belle.

• Mr. Fezziwig's Christmas party is a highlight of this past, showcasing a time of generosity and happiness that Scrooge once knew.

• Belle's happiness and Scrooge's rejection are contrasted highlighting his love for money.

• Stave Three (Ghost of Christmas Present):

• Scrooge witnesses various Christmas celebrations, including a market, a miner's cottage, and a lighthouse.

• He sees Fred's Christmas party and the Cratchit family's simple yet joyful gathering.

• The Cratchit family's celebration is especially poignant, highlighting Bob's warmth and the sickness of Tiny Tim.

• Scrooge is warned to avoid Ignorance and Want.

• Stave Four (Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come):

• Scrooge is shown a future Christmas when he is dead.

• His death is insignificant; the funeral and mourning are not widely felt outside of his immediate employees.

• The only emotion shown around his death is the Cratchit family's grief over Tiny Tim's death.

• Scrooge's own neglected grave is shown, a pivotal moment which leads him to reflection.

• Stave Five:

• Scrooge wakes up changed and embraces his new-found compassion and generosity.

• He becomes charitable towards the poor, raises Bob's pay, embraces Fred and the Cratchit family as his own.

• Scrooge is transformed from a miserly man into a joyous and philanthropic one.

Quotes - Stave One

• Scrooge is described as lonely and isolated.
• He is insensitive to the cold and to others' needs (in terms of charity).
• He is a callous individual who prioritizes money and status over people's needs.

Quotes - Stave Three

• Scrooge witnesses the Cratchit family's joyful Christmas dinner (a small yet significant moment).
• The Ghost reveals the severity of Tiny Tim's illness which serves as a strong warning.
• Scrooge is warned about the dangers of Ignorance and Want.

Quotes - Stave Four

• Scrooge witnesses his own death and the indifference of others, particularly concerning his funeral.
• It shows the impact of his actions on those around him with Tiny Tim's death as a focal point.