Dickens Use of Symbolism in A Christmas Carol Essay example

Dickens Use of Symbolism in A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens wrote a large number of novels but this particular novella was very popular as it told the story of a typical Christmas in Victorian times. The word Scrooge derives from the character Scrooge in this novella, which proves that Dickens story really did make an impact on the reading public. In A Christmas Carol there are three main themes that would have been influenced by the times when Dickens was writing, the themes are: Poverty, ignorance and happiness (Christmas spirit). In the following paragraphs I am going to study the themes and see what symbolism is used. I am going to write about the symbols as I go through the†¦show more content†¦Later when Scrooge gets back to his lodging he is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley who was wearing a massive chain made up of cashboxes, keys and some padlocks. This symbolises the slave labour that was going on at that time and how Scrooges money making is what is weighing him down. Jacob tells Scrooge that if he does not change his ways and mix with people in life then he must travel among them after death. He also warns him that he too wears a chain larger than his and that he will be visited by three spirits who will try to help him change his ways before it is too late. When Scrooge is visited by the first spirit (Christmas Past) he is shown things that had happened in his own past. The first thing he is shown is when he was a boy at boarding school and the second is when Scrooge is a young apprentice for Mr Fezziwig. Mr Fezziwig is described as: a large kind man whose jollity is infectious. He is best judged by the company he keeps - almost every deserving poor person is welcome at his ball. This symbolises the happiness felt for other people when Christmas comes around. Scrooge also tells us how Mr Fezziwig has the power to make people feel happy or unhappy. Scrooge has the same power but he and Fezziwig use it in opposite ways. 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