A Christmas Carol Essay. Christmas Itself Is the Main Theme

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Text response ‘ in A Christmas Carol the main character is Christmas itself. To what extent do you agree?’ Charles dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ first written in 1842 is a social commentary on the sudden industrial growth of the capitalist Victorian society in which he lived. Dickens for most is condemning the division between the rich and the poor, which existed within England at the time. The novel is set in the festive and upbeat time that is Christmas, which to Dickens was no better way of representing a society that had many blemishes. Dickens presents us with a man who fought hard to succeed in business however lost touch with not only himself but also the wider community including those close to him. The main character to a certain extent however is Christmas itself because not only is the backdrop and the setting Christmas but it is also used to demonstrate why scrooge is the way he is, whilst also highlighting many issues within the community which needed addressing. Dickens seeks to first utilize Christmas as way of highlighting the need for the wealthy to support the poor. Christmas, a time that Dickens strongly believed was a time of giving to those less fortunate and needing nothing in return. The scene when the charity collectors visit Scrooge is an example of this. It is in this scene on Christmas Eve, where he is asked to make “some slight provision for the poor and destitute, which suffer greatly at the present time.” The men are endeavoring to raise funds to buy the poor some basic necessities, with this time of year being chosen because “it is a time, of all others, when want is keenly felt and abundance rejoices”. Dickens strong and values centered around helping the less fortunate is exemplified in this with the Christmas period being no better time for the wealthy and the more fortunate to help. Secondly Christmas is used to

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