In ‘A Christmas Carol’, Dickens employs memories from Scrooge’s childhood to aid in his transformation throughout the novella. As the Ghosts transport Scrooge on journeys back to his past, thoughts flood his mind, igniting profound regret and disappointment towards the individual he has evolved into. This serves as a reminder that there is still time to reform his ways and better himself. Scrooge comes to the realization that he is not satisfied with his current state and desires to pursue a more optimistic path in life, rather than remaining on his pessimistic course.
The way we perceive the world and make comparisons to ourselves often causes significant changes in our lives. The Ghost of Christmas Past transports Scrooge back to his younger days in Fezziwig’s world, prompting a shift in his perspective on life and reminding him of his changing values. By contrasting Scrooge’s business ethics, Mr. Fezziwig serves as a character who highlights the difference between their attitudes.
Scrooge acknowledges to the Ghost that Fezziwig’s party was worth much more than the money spent on it because it brought happiness to his friends. Fezziwig represents friendship, and this scene prompts Scrooge to reflect on how he mistreats his own employees. Dickens reveals to the audience that Scrooge is starting to realize that he is portrayed as a heartless and solitary old sinner, in stark contrast to his memories of his first employer. He also expresses his desire to speak with his clerk about the harsh conditions he has forced him to work in.
By witnessing the kindness and generosity of Fezziwig during his childhood, Scrooge begins to question his own moral values in life and considers transforming himself into a more likable and pleasant person. Memories and reminders of our past experiences play a significant role in shaping our moral compass and guiding our values. In Scrooge’s case, he is reminded of his own unfair and neglected childhood, which compels him to realize that he does not want any other innocent child to suffer the same struggles he once endured.
After introducing himself as the Ghost of Christmas Past, the old man claims to be there for Scrooge’s well-being and redemption. He places Scrooge’s hand on his heart, and they suddenly appear on a cold and vulnerable country road near Scrooge’s childhood residence. The recollection deeply moves Scrooge, and he accompanies the Ghost to the town, where they encounter a bunch of schoolboys. The Ghost clarifies that these figures are mere remnants of their previous selves and are oblivious to both him and Scrooge.
The boys exit the school and exchange cheerful Christmas greetings, while the Ghost reminds Scrooge that one boy, who was neglected by the others, remains alone in the school. Scrooge starts feeling emotional, realizing that he was that neglected boy and that his actions have influenced his present state as a very “isolated” and “introverted” man. The fact that he experienced such loneliness and mistreatment as a child causes him to regret his previous cynical behavior, particularly during a festive season, and makes him long for the opportunity to have given something to the boy who was singing carols at his doorstep last night.
Dickens employs Scrooge’s encounter with childhood memories in an effort to transform his outlook on life from one that is extremely pessimistic to a more welcoming and optimistic attitude, which could be embraced by the others in his community. For the desired outcome to materialize, the characters in this novella must not only acknowledge their regrets but also relive them. As Scrooge is repeatedly transported to different recollections of his childhood, his perspectives and judgments on certain aspects of his past life begin to shape him into a positive exemplar for everyone.
When Scrooge is taken by the Ghost to a later time in his life, he sees an older version of himself sitting with a crying girl named Belle. This older version of Scrooge shows the first signs of greed on his face. Belle ends their relationship because Scrooge has replaced his love for her with his pursuit of money. Dickens emphasizes their love and how it was torn apart by Scrooge’s obsession with business. This realization makes Scrooge want to start being generous towards the people who care for him, especially the Cratchits who could benefit from the money. The scene changes and now Belle is the mother of a lively and affectionate group of children. Her husband tells her that he saw Scrooge sitting alone in his office. Scrooge begs the Ghost to take him back to his own time and takes it upon himself to cover the Ghost’s brightly-lit head with its cap. However, Scrooge is constantly reminded of his past and the poor choices he made regarding money as he is unable to put out the light and fall asleep.
Dickens employs light as a symbol to represent the characters’ readiness to recognize opportunities for personal growth and uses this imagery to depict Scrooge’s sense of guilt and remorse for his past mistakes. Moreover, Dickens conveys Scrooge’s sincere desire for self-improvement and transformation into a more virtuous individual of whom he can be proud. Throughout the novella, The Ghost of Christmas Past guides Scrooge on nostalgic journeys to his childhood, instilling in him a newfound determination to embody optimism and embrace life with an enthusiastic spirit.
By witnessing the unfortunate upbringing of himself and others in his past and remembering the memories of this time, Scrooge realizes that changing his behaviors would benefit not only himself but also the people around him. This realization, fueled by a sense of guilt, has made the transformation of his attitude possible and more impactful.
