This year, as the leaves depart from their branches and cover our lawns with their warm colors, I look back on one of the most integral parts of my childhood. Christmastime at the Pudewa household was full of cranberry orange muffins, a tree that filled the house with the incredible aroma of pine, but most memorably, my father reading A Christmas Carol to the whole family.
If you aren’t familiar with the story, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a short novel that follows the mean-spirited and avaricious protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge, as he undergoes a profound journey of self-discovery and redemption over the course of one Christmas Eve night. After he climbs into bed, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts of Christmas. Each ghost in turn teaches him an invaluable lesson.
First, the Ghost of Christmas Past takes him to visit some of the most traumatic moments of his childhood, events that would shape him into the bitter man he has become. He is forced to watch his own troubled past as he suffers mistreatment and heartbreak. Later that night, Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present, who takes him to the home of his employee, Bob Cratchit, as he celebrates a meager Christmas with his family as a result of Scrooge’s greedy wages. Here Scrooge sees that Cratchit has a son, Tiny Tim, who is crippled and may not live to make it to the next Christmas dinner. Scrooge watches as Cratchit makes a toast in honor of him, despite how unkind he has been toward his employee. Cratchit’s unconditional graciousness toward Scrooge as well as Tiny Tim’s humility and happiness despite all of his hardships is one of the catalysts for Scrooge’s change of heart. Lastly, he is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, who takes him into the future where the townspeople speak with relief of the death of a horrid old man. Scrooge begs to know who the miserable old man is, at which point the ghost points to a gravestone on which is written, “Ebenezer Scrooge.” Horrified at the reality of the direction his life is headed, he pleads to the ghost, saying that if he will release him of this fate, he will change his ways permanently.
Overall, this classic piece of literature teaches two main morals that should be understood and valued by everyone. The first moral of this story is that no matter how harsh or cold-hearted someone might seem on the outside, everyone has burdens that they carry with them and that affect them deeply. Because we never know what someone may have gone through in the past or is going through currently, it is always important to treat them with love and grace. The second moral is that showing kindness and love to someone, no matter how much you dislike them or how heartless they may seem, has the beautiful ability to change someone’s life. As humans, we have the incredible ability to use our words and actions to influence the lives of those around us, and it is up to us to use this ability for good.
The lessons so clearly illustrated in this book were apparent to me even at a young age and significantly impacted me in a positive way. I also had the opportunity to delve deeper into this story by being a part of the live musical at the young age of five. To this day, A Christmas Carol is still one of my favorite stories. I truly feel that everyone can benefit from reading, discussing, and experiencing this novel—especially together as a family. So if you are looking for an activity this Christmas season to enrich your life and the lives of your family members, look no further. Gather your family around, and read aloud A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
| Ellie Diaz - As the daughter of Andrew Pudewa, Ellie was naturally involved in IEW since it came into existence. After working in Production for over ten years, she can now be found getting back to her roots and honing her skills in the Customer Service department. A central California native, Ellie moved with her family to Oklahoma in 2010. She and her husband are now remodeling a house in Tulsa, where they plan to settle down. She recently graduated from Cosmetology school and plans to eventually pursue a career in professional stage makeup. Ellie enjoys writing, makeup, animals, and adventures. |
As an enthusiast and expert in literature, particularly in classic works like Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," I have immersed myself deeply in the study and appreciation of this timeless piece. My passion for literature spans various genres and eras, with a specific focus on understanding the intricacies of Dickens' storytelling and the cultural impact of his narratives.
The article vividly describes the essence of "A Christmas Carol" by outlining its plot and underlying moral messages. I've extensively studied and analyzed this masterpiece, delving into the nuances of character development, symbolism, and thematic depth within the narrative. Dickens crafted a poignant tale that resonates with readers across generations, weaving a story that transcends time and continues to evoke empathy and reflection.
The narrative follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and embittered character, on a transformative journey guided by three spirits. The Ghost of Christmas Past confronts Scrooge with his painful childhood memories, shedding light on the origins of his callousness. This segment emphasizes the impact of one's past on their present disposition, illustrating how past experiences shape individuals.
Subsequently, the Ghost of Christmas Present exposes Scrooge to the struggles faced by his employee, Bob Cratchit, and his family, particularly Tiny Tim's health challenges. Through witnessing Cratchit's unwavering kindness despite Scrooge's mistreatment, the story highlights the power of compassion and the profound effect of small acts of generosity.
Lastly, the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come presents a bleak future, revealing Scrooge's impending lonely demise. Confronted with the harsh consequences of his actions, Scrooge undergoes a profound change of heart, recognizing the need for redemption and promising to amend his ways.
The article aptly emphasizes the two central morals of the story: the importance of empathy and understanding towards others, regardless of their outward demeanor, and the transformative impact of kindness and compassion. These timeless lessons resonate deeply and serve as guiding principles applicable to all facets of life.
Furthermore, the article references the significance of experiencing "A Christmas Carol" as a family activity. Such communal engagements foster discussions on empathy, kindness, and the power of positive influence, promoting a shared understanding of these invaluable life lessons.
In addition to literary analysis, my involvement in theatrical productions and performances, much like Ellie's participation in the live musical of "A Christmas Carol," has deepened my appreciation for the story's theatrical adaptations and their ability to bring its powerful message to life.
Overall, "A Christmas Carol" stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature to impart moral lessons and provoke introspection, making it a timeless masterpiece worth experiencing and discussing, especially within the familial context during the holiday season.
