The setting of A Christmas Carol is not determined so much by the physical surroundings of a dismal life in Victorian England, where there is great disparity between rich and poor, but by the conditions of Ebenezer Scrooge's life, his bare existence. He is distant and cold, indifferent to those around him, unmoved by the suffering of the masses, and even estranged from his own family.
The settings reflect Scrooge's attitude and temperament. His home is cold and indifferent, lacking warmth. Yet, Bob Cratchit's home, though meager compared to Scrooge's is warm and full of love.
The home of Fred, the nephew whom Scrooge refuses to accept because his sister Fan died in childbirth, is warm and joyful.
Scrooge cannot allow this type of setting in his home or his heart, until he is transformed by the coldest setting in the book, a visit to his own grave.
The same is true for the locations that he visits with the three spirits.
No comments:
Post a Comment