A Christmas Carol Review

A Christmas Carol is a book which combines the beloved fantasy aspect of Christmas with the reality of the harsh experiences of life in a winter of the 19th century. The book varies tone from beginning to end, as the reader is lead by Dickens to experience loathing and love for the character Scrooge. Scrooge's personality progresses from the cold bitter man he is presented as at the beginning of the book, to the joyful, loved man whose generosity is admired by many. The heart- warming tale can be a difficult read for younger readers, as few may not understand the antiquated language. However, many have became aware of the beloved tale due to the numerous films presented to the public in the festive season.

Whilst reading the book, it is apparent to the reader that Dickens continues the unchanged features of the characters. He also uses emotive language so that the reader is enabled to feel empathy for characters such as Tim Cratchit and the poor beggars for charity who appeared near the beginning of the book. There is also pity in the first stave where it is apparent that Scrooge is afraid of the ghost of which beholds him, Jacob Marley's ghost. The gripping tale made me, the reader, to feel an unexpected pity for scrooge as if I were in his shoes I would dislike the candle-lite atmosphere and the threat of spirits which always remained a close ultimatum.

My personal favourite characters are: the Clerk/ Bob Crachit, Scrooge's nephew and last but not least the ghost of Christmas present. The Clerk began as one of my favourite characters from the beginning of the novella as I felt pity on him and I experienced joy for him when he left his disgruntled work place and had time to spend with his family on Christmas day. The reader is compelled to feel pity for the Clerk as he is the underdog in the workplace as experiences harsh emotions from Scrooge himself. Scrooge’s nephew continues throughout the book to feel compelled to always have an open heart for Scrooge and giving him a place to go even when others didn’t believe he could change, Scrooge’s nephew did not lose faith in Scrooge. Finally, my last favourite character is the ghost of Christmas present. He creates a jolly environment for Scrooge and creates the impression on the reader of a loving character and also reminds Scrooge of a time when he was happy.

Whilst reading the book it made me smile as Scrooge’s personality changed, it also made me smile at the start of the book as Scrooge’s character will answer to Scrooge or Marley, this shows how Marley and Scrooge were very close.

Overall the book was spectacular as Dickens ways of developing characters made the reader feel compelled to express their emotions, whether its a small smile or a long weep, Dickens successfully managed to allow the characters to grow and also made them feel real by using the conditions of the 19th century and also peoples views and characters at the time to his own advantage for the novella. Out of five I would rate the book a 4.5, as the characters develop spectacularly; However the book was slightly confusing, especially to a younger reader.

Harry Ward