A Christmas Carol: the book behind the film Ebenezer

The story, without the ending

On Christmas Eve in London, Ebenezer Scrooge keeps his clerk Bob Cratchit cold, refuses Fred's dinner invitation and turns away men collecting money for the poor.

At home, Scrooge encounters the ghost of Jacob Marley, whose chain represents his choices in life and whose warning promises visits from three spirits.

The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge back to his childhood, where he sees himself alone at school before his sister Fan arrives.

At Fezziwig's Christmas party, Scrooge remembers the happiness a generous employer can bring and wishes he had spoken differently to Bob Cratchit.

The spirit then shows him Belle ending their engagement because his love of gold has replaced his love for her.

The Ghost of Christmas Present brings Scrooge to Bob Cratchit's family, where Tiny Tim's uncertain future begins to trouble him and his own choices remain open.

Themes

Wealth and generosity: Marley's chain and Fezziwig's party contrast wealth kept for oneself with money used to bring others warmth and happiness.

Poverty: The Cratchits' small Christmas dinner brings the lives of poorly paid workers into view and challenges Scrooge's cold attitude toward the poor.

Loneliness: Scrooge's solitary home and memories of childhood show how isolation can grow through choices and become a habit.

Time and change: The spirits connect past choices with present responsibilities and ask whether Scrooge can still change the direction of his life.

Characters

• Ebenezer ScroogeAn old London moneylender, cold, tight-fisted and alone, who scorns Christmas and wants only to be left to count his money. In the film: Johnny Depp.
• Jacob MarleyScrooge's dead business partner, who returns in chains to warn him that his greed will bring him the same fate. In the film: Ian McKellen.
• Bob CratchitScrooge's poorly paid clerk, a gentle, loyal father who keeps his good humor and hopes for a decent Christmas dinner. In the film: Rupert Grint.
• Tiny TimBob Cratchit's youngest child, a frail, cheerful boy who walks with a crutch and brings joy to his family.
• FredScrooge's good-natured nephew, who keeps inviting his uncle to Christmas dinner in spite of being refused every year. In the film: Sam Claflin.
• Ghost of Christmas PastA strange, glowing spirit who takes Scrooge back through his own memories to show him how he came to be so hard. In the film: Andrea Riseborough.

Questions