Does it? Im writing a paper on a christmas book, i chose this one and I have critically analyze it and my professor said this might be an option to persue. To me it seems to, there seems to be the idea of forgiveness and redemption and the Marley incident sort of reminded me of punishment and hell. But are the spirits just random spirits that are just products of Charles Dickens imaginaton or do they bring sort of Christian ideals with them. What do you guys think?
2006-12-12 05:42:36 · 5 answers · asked by p_rob22 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Not necessarily. It does show some moral values that are associated with christianity, but I dont think that Charles Dickens meant for it to have a Christain-like feel. Of course, this is a matter of opinion.
2006-12-12 05:52:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it does. How strong the undertones are varies from version to version of the story. At the very basics, this is apparent in the implication that the three ghosts are referred to as "spirits". Another example is when near the end, Scrouge's visit with the Ghost of Christmas Future climaxes with him suffering in a hellish state.
You're right on target pal.
2006-12-12 06:16:00 · answer #2 · answered by onlyget1shot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Indeed it does. In fact, the Christian mindset is very overt. Much like J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, the spiritual (and overtly Christian) worldview of the author just naturally comes out in his writings. Dickens touches on (and perhaps defines) the classic story of redemption through divine(?) revelation. We see Marley as one who is cursed and beyond the hope of forgiveness for his sin of greed (Hebrews 9:27). Scrooge, at the end, repents of his greed, replacing his love of money for a love of the poor, in fear of sharing a similar fate.
Dickens also wrote Oliver Twist, where, in contrast, the antagonist, Fagin, is ultimately unrepentant, despite Oliver's desperate pleas that Fagin should do so before his execution. "Let me say a prayer. Do! Let me say one prayer. Say only one, upon your knees, with me, and we will talk till morning."
As for the spirits, I would say they are not direct Christian allegories to other persons, but still carry the function of the angels who would warn of coming judgment.
2006-12-12 06:00:12 · answer #3 · answered by brainiac5 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
" A Christmas Carol " I would say does have Christian undertones. There is the conversion of Ebeneezer Scrooge, there is the sense of charity eventually, the uprightness of Tiny Tim's family, the work ethic in the counting house etc. .That's all that I can think of at the moment.
2006-12-12 05:50:06 · answer #4 · answered by whyme? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unquestionably.
All the references to death, rewards after death, those punished while still living, etc, etc
2006-12-12 07:47:18 · answer #5 · answered by Pat R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋