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Through the present time, most people have the financial resources to
relish in simple luxuries such as air conditioning in homes and other
finer establishments. Unfortunately, there are many people who struggle
to put food on their table because they face economic strife on a daily
basis. English writer Charles Dickens was deeply disturbed by the
depravity of the poor population and used extreme measures urging the
government and society to reassess their economic power. A Christmas
Carol, recognizes and brings to light its darker and frequently ignored
problems. In A Christmas Carol, Scrooge continues to remain blind
towards humanity’s issues. His attitude portrays much similarity to the
government and power during Dickens time of the Industrial Period.
Work houses, greed, and the growth in population are all major factors
that affected the economy hardships he wanted to be addressed.
During the Industrial Revolution, people who could not afford a
decent place to live or the means to support themselves were sent to
the work houses. At the time, workers were reluctant to work there
due to the harsh treatment of work labor. Dickens used A Christmas
Carol as a way for people to see how degrading life was for the people
who worked and to acknowledge there are those who needed hope.
After the publication of this story, he brought to light the forgotten
people who were poor and at a disadvantage during the Victorian
period of England. Regarding work houses, the story brought in how
people who were not well-off lived under a stringent class oppression
and poor sanitation simply because they could not afford it. For
example, the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge who was bitter and
frugal with his money, refused to give money to two gentlemen who
wanted to give charity to the destitute for the hope of a better life.
Because of his cold exterior, Scrooge questioned them in regarding
whether there were enough prisons and Union workhouses. When
they replied that such developments were open and “many can’t go
there; and many would rather die,” Scrooge does not show any
sympathy (Dickens 15). This is a prime example of showing how
society’s sense of humanity was questioned toward such people in
their dire time of need. This book shows that work houses were in
retched conditions and not sufficient enough to preserve the life of
those who could not properly take care of themselves enough to be
comfortable and financially stable.
Although the holidays are a time to give charity to those who
need it, Dickens shows how that is not the case for those who
suffer at the hands of greedy people. Ebenezer is so greedy and
frugal that he does not willingly choose to help his employee Bob
Cratchit out in such a difficult time. Not only is Cratchit and his
family poor, their youngest son Tiny Tim is very sick. On the night
of Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former
business partner Jacob Marley. Marley attempts to warn Scrooge to
loosen tight grip on his money and forewarns him about three
visitors who will later prove his point. However, Scrooge denies
such happenings. In the night the Ghost of Christmas Past wakes up
Scrooge and takes him to Cratchit’s home in order to observe the
family. Through this experience he is able to realize the young child
suffering from sickness. Through this part of the story’s plot,
Dickens exposed that selfishness and greed were dominant
problems in the Victorian period of England. He showed that
greed is the backbone to the economic sufferings that is taking place
in society. In this situation, the story is a way to urge the wealthy
and privileged to part with some of their money and express
humanity to the poor.
Through harsh times, money plays a fundamental role in
determining one’s status in society. Without being able to afford a
sturdy living space, many people are forced to live on the streets or
in dilapidated buildings. Unfortunately, with space being limited,
people have nowhere else to go. With the growth of population, as
exhibited in A Christmas Carol, there is an increase in surplus. As
with regarding work houses, Scrooge, without a care, states that,
“If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the
surplus population” (Dickens 15). This directly proves that
economics and surplus are related closely. Dickens has proven
that society needs to take better care of the people around them
and take the time to create social reforms that would secure
them and ensure they have an equal chance to live properly.
Charles Dickens was a man of vision and integrity who used
whatever he saw while living in England to integrate common
happenings into the accounts of his literary works. He believed
that all people have the right to live in equality. If they could not
afford their living space, the government and other people
should be do whatever they can and help those who truly need
it. Dickens shows that through kindness and generosity,
miracles can happen even in the most dire of times.
Unlike a concrete book that can easily be handheld,
preserving digital history is a tricky situation. In case the
technological interface malfunctions or chooses to delete the
stored information, it is best to print a concrete document
out. If it is possible to save data without it disappearing, it
would be helpful to. On a computer it is best to also take a
screen shot to preserve something in case the web URL is
not capable of running the same way as it is when opened.
Also, with the advancements of viruses, it would be wise to
have multiple hard copies that are kept in safe places just
in case. Books can easily fade and tear, but as long as a
digital copy is in hand they can last for several more
generations.
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Worldle: The Paper Portion
According to Wordle, three words stand out the most: “people,” “Dickens,” and “Scrooge” because during the Victorian Era and after the publication of A Christmas Carol because the theme behind the story is to show that there are numerous people at the time who were considered to be like Scrooge, but Dickens believed that all people are equal in the eyes of society.
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