Theme Of Fear In A Christmas Carol - 477 Words (2024)

477 Words2 Pages

Hosseini and Dickens both utilize fear throughout their novels in many characters as a motivator to redeem themselves from their past actions. In ‘A Christmas Carol’, Scrooge is condemned as a character who fears his self-image, similarly to Baba in ‘The Kite Runner’. Whilst this fear is what caused Scrooge to grow up as selfish and ignorant, Baba learns that the only way to redeem himself from his betrayal is by displaying great actions of kindness. In ‘A Christmas Carol’, Scrooge’s fear of going into poverty is what caused him to become a selfish and ignorant person, however the spirits show him a different point of view which causes him to change out of different fear. After being shown his miserable and lonely death, Scrooge shows a change…show more content…
This was a dramatic indication of Scrooge’s gradual change. The final spirit shows Scrooge’s change when “the hand appeared to shake” after his redeeming qualities were truly exhibited. Scrooge is not the only person who redeemed themselves as a result of fear. Warning Scrooge that he has “a change of escaping my fate” through fear could be suggested that Marley did this in order to redeem himself, even after death. ‘The Kite Runner’ similarly enforces fear upon those who seek redemption. Amir’s fear of disappointing Baba is what caused him to build up regret and guilt. Amir knows Baba’s standards, and after betraying Hassan numerous times he senses that he may never be able to redeem himself. In fear of disappointing Baba, Amir grows up and becomes a much more respectful and honest person. Soraya also redeems herself after fearing her father when she ran away. Her father “told him that he had two bullets in the chamber, one for him and one for himself if [she] didn't come home”. Out of fear, she returned home and managed to become much closer with her family. After redeeming herself, Soraya managed to contribute to Amir’s

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Theme Of Fear In A Christmas Carol - 477 Words (2024)

FAQs

How is the theme of fear presented in A Christmas Carol? ›

The reader is presented with Scrooge's fear as he begs to “sponge” off the “writing on this stone”, falling in front of the phantom in despair. Scrooge's desperation to eradicate his name from the gravestone emphasises his fear and urgency to prevent this outcome.

What is a quote about fear in A Christmas Carol? ›

' Scrooge fears looking at the face of the Ghost of Christmas Present - is he dreading what is to be seen in the present? '"This is the end of it, you see! He frightened everyone away when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead!

What are 3 themes of A Christmas Carol? ›

A Christmas Carol - Themes overview
  • Christmas.
  • redemption.
  • social injustice.

What are the 4 major themes of A Christmas Carol? ›

A Christmas Carol has multiple themes, both major and minor. However, the four major themes around which the story revolves are transformation, relationships, Christmas spirit, and time and memory.

Why does Scrooge fear the world? ›

He fears the world's unforgiving nature and the likely poverty that would follow - Scrooge thinks this can only be avoided by pursuing wealth whilst letting his 'nobler aspirations' fall by the way side.

What does Scrooge fear most in the world? ›

With this justification, it is revealed that Scrooge's greatest fear is being poor; to him, that is the worst thing that could happen in the world. This fear is what leads to his constant fixation on money, because in his eyes, the more money he has, the more protected he is from a life of poverty.

How does Scrooge fear poverty? ›

Scrooge is apathetic about the plight of the poor. He believes that his taxes pay for the prisons and workhouses, so he doesn't feel the needs to donate anything to charity. He suggests that if they would rather die, "they had better do it", and "decrease the surplus population".

What are some quotes on fear? ›

Fear Quotes
  • It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. ...
  • I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear. ...
  • The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. ...
  • Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future.

What is the main theme of Christmas? ›

Christmas is a Christian celebration of the birth of Christ, though it also encompasses Greek, Roman and pagan traditions of giving gifts and feasting around the Winter Solstice. It is a time when families and friends come together to share food and exchange gifts.

What is a theme in A Christmas story? ›

It's entirely about young Ralphie's desire to get his dream present, a Red Rifle BB gun. That's exactly why the movie has endured. It's about the innocence and wonder of experiencing Christmas as a child.

Is change a theme in A Christmas Carol? ›

The ​theme of change​is instrumental to the novella in several ways. Dickens uses Marley's ghost to show Scrooge how important it is for Scrooge to change. When Marley appears he reveals that his own change arose too late, as he was only able to see the error of his ways after experiencing ​purgatory​.

What is the theme of A Christmas Carol quizlet? ›

Dickens shows the importance of charity and caring through Tiny Tim, which would have died if Scrooge did not start being kinder to him and his father. Scrooge begins to see the importance of charity and donates money to the poor. He also becomes a second father to Tiny Tim.

What is the major theme of Stave 1 in A Christmas Carol? ›

The opening Stave also establishes the novel's allegorical structure. (Allegory, a type of narrative in which characters and events represent particular ideas or themes, relies heavily on symbolism. In this case, Scrooge represents greed, apathy, and all that stands in opposition to the Christmas spirit.

Can fear be a theme in a story? ›

A story engages the audience or readers more strongly when there is something valuable at stake for the character, such as his or her own life or that of a loved one. So giving a character a universal fear is usually a good place to start.

What is the main idea of fear? ›

Fear is one of the most basic human emotions. It is programmed into the nervous system and works like an instinct. From the time we're infants, we are equipped with the survival instincts necessary to respond with fear when we sense danger or feel unsafe. Fear helps protect us.

What are the 3 main fears? ›

Fear of the unknown is universal, but it seems to take form most commonly in three basic human fundamental fears: Fear of Death, Fear of Abandonment or Fear of Failure.

Why is it important that Scrooge experiences fear of death? ›

When Scrooge reflects “I have not the power” to the ghost he is admitting his shortfall and the repetition of this dialogue shows that he is finally ready to see the error of his ways and shows that he has recognised that death is unpleasant, unnecessary for him and that he is fearful of it as he is not ready to give ...

How does Dickens create a sense of fear and tension in A Christmas Carol? ›

Key style: Creating tension

We know a ghost is about to visit but Dickens makes this more dramatic by building up tension and suspense through the gloomy atmosphere and the bell ringing the time. The reminders of the cold, dark weather outside and the chiming of the bell contribute to the sinister atmosphere.

Who says you fear the world too much? ›

When Scrooge's fiancee, Belle, left him because of his greed, she explained to him why she thought it was that gold and gain had become his idols. "You fear the world too much. All your other hopes have merged into the hope of being beyond the chance of its sordid reproach.

What is the most important theme in A Christmas Carol? ›

Redemption

Redemption is the action of saving, or being saved from, sin, error or evil, and this is arguably the biggest theme throughout the novel. Dickens brings this to light through Scrooge's character, showing his journey between Stave 1 to 5.

What is the fear of death in A Christmas Carol? ›

In A Christmas Carol, the fear of death connotes the anticipation of moral reckoning and the inevitable dispensation of punishment and reward--literally the split between heaven and hell.

What is Scrooge afraid of in Stave 4? ›

At the end of ''Stave 4'', Scrooge is afraid that the future he is seeing cannot be changed in any way. He begs the Ghost to tell him if it can be fixed since he is willing to change.

What is the fear of Christmas? ›

Santaphobia (uncountable) (humorous) The fear of Santa Claus or Christmas.

Why do I fear Christmas? ›

For some people, Christmas itself triggers severe fear. This phobia, called Christougenniatikophobia, is a fear of Christmas that usually comes from early childhood experiences. People with this fear might be anxious about holiday gatherings or other traditions and rituals that revolve around Christmas.

What is death by fear called? ›

Thanatophobia is an extreme fear of death or the dying process. You might be scared of your own death or the death of a loved one. Psychotherapy can help most people overcome this disorder. Appointments 866.588.2264. Request an Appointment.

Why does Scrooge fear the third spirit most of all? ›

Why does Scrooge fear the third Spirit most of all? Because he shows him the death of Scrooge.

Who said you fear the world too much? ›

“You fear the world too | Charles Dickens Info.

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