radually ponders the possibility of a positive conversion. In a scene of the Present, Scrooge is taken by the spirit to a game where the contestants must figure out an answer based on the description provided by Fred. Fred describes the answer subject, who is later revealed to be Scrooge himself, as a savage animal...that growled and grunted...and lived in London (61). Scrooges nephew ridiculed him and the group laughed at his expense; but Fred follows the laughter with a toast to his uncles health. This gesture of commendation for someone so unpleasant helped Scrooge realize how forgiving people can be, and to many people, he owes genuine repentance. In the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Scrooge pledges that he sincerely hopes to change his ways. The trembling of the spirits hand at the conclusion of Stave Four suggests that there truly is a chance for Scrooge to overthrow the prophecy he was just presented, and confidently he promises to live in the Past, Present, and the Future, and, the Spirits of all Three shall strive within me (79). Because he has been granted the opportunity to see what his real priorities should be, Scrooge righteously transforms this is the second significant alteration of Scrooges character. Scrooge attends Bob Cratchits home, wishes him a merry Christmas, informs him that his salary will be raised, and sits down with the Cratchits to eat the dinner for which he provided an impressive turkey. Scrooge comprehends for the first time how the Cratchits can be delightfully content without wealth. He becomes a second father to Tiny Tim, who, contrary to the scene foretold in the journey with last of the three spirits, does not die. Through regret, Scrooge has been enlightened.The central theme of A Christmas Carol can best be summarized by expressing that greed is the root of disgrace and corruption. The passionate struggle of man should be for love, not wealth. Thus, Dickens advocat...
