It also strikes a chord of humanity that we never even thought existed. The prospect of Tiny Tim’s imminent death makes Scrooge face his social responsibilities. However, now that he’s seen the reality for himself, he’s experienced an almost Damascene conversion to the cause of philanthropy. When two charity collectors came to him for a contribution, he sent them packing with a lecture about the surplus population and how prisons and workhouses were appropriate places for the poor. Previously, Scrooge was always so callous when it came to those less fortunate than himself. He’s shown Ebenezer the grim reality of poverty in London that rich people like himself prefer to ignore. The Ghost of Christmas Present, who appraises Scrooge of Tiny Tim’s possible death, has had a particularly powerful effect on the old miser. That a man who’s earned the deserved reputation of a heartless, mean old skinflint should respond like this is an indication of the profound effect that his visits by the various ghosts have had upon him. Scrooge’s stony heart is positively melted by the thought of Tiny Tim’s death. As a result, the boy does not die, proving that Scrooge’s transformation has a profound impact on the life of this innocent boy. Scrooge has direct influence over this situation as the employer of Tiny Tim’s father, Bob Cratchit.Īfter the final visit by the spirits, Scrooge becomes a direct influence on Tiny Tim’s life and health, becoming known as a “second father” to the young boy. Tiny Tim presents the humanity of poverty, and Scrooge is “overcome with…grief” to think that Tiny Tim might die because of poverty. What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. He is disheartened to hear his previous words about the poor parroted back to him: When Scrooge asks the spirit whether Tiny Tim will live, he learns that the little chair in which the boy sits will soon be vacant if the future remains “unaltered.” Scrooge protests, begging the spirit to tell him that the child can be spared. This innocent and thoughtful child clearly doesn’t deserve the fate of prisons or workhouses, and Scrooge’s attitude is transformed by observing the way Tiny Tim interacts with his father and his family. In this young boy, Scrooge sees the real face of poverty, and it conflicts with the stereotypes he has previously held. Tiny Tim breaks through Scrooge’s cold and indifferent heart and stirs within him feelings of true empathy. He tells the men that he already pays for them to be contained in “prisons” and “workhouses,” and he refuses to contribute anything more. Scrooge dismisses their efforts and refuses to contribute to the cause, telling the men that he cannot afford to make “idle people merry.” Scrooge believes that the poor deserve their situation, assuming that they refuse to work hard. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime.īefore the spirits visit Scrooge, he is busily working when men stop by to collect charity for the poor. Start your subscription to unlock this answer and thousands more. Scrooge dismisses their efforts and refuses to contribute to the cause, telling the men that he cannot afford to make “idle people merry.” Scrooge believes that the poor deserve their situation,… Before the spirits visit Scrooge, he is busily working when men stop by to collect charity for the poor.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |