The protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge, is described as the absolute antithesis of everything that Christmas represents. Described as a greedy and greedy man with a sinful nature, he has no time for Christmas or for the basic human qualities of compassion or kindness. Christmas Eve is a time for him to avoid acts of charity and reject the last remnant of his family, Fred (his nephew). Only with great reluctance and contempt does he allow his secretary, Bob Cratchit, the day off for Christmas.
In the night of Good night, Scrooge receives a visit from his deceased companion, the ghost of Jacob Marley. The ghost tells his story of horror and misfortune. As punishment for a lifetime of greed, his spirit is trapped on Earth and he is forced to wander in loneliness and pain, imprisoned by heavy chains around his body. He warns Scrooge that he is likely to meet the same fate if he does not change his ways and tells him that he will be visited by 3 spirits.
The first apparition to visit him is the Ghost of Christmas Past. This spirit takes him on a journey to the many Christmases of his childhood and youth. You are reminded of the goodness and happiness you experienced in your youth and you witness a different side of yourself. This trip also reminds you of the love you lost along the way and your reasons for not liking this festive period.
The ghost of the Christmas present allows Scrooge to experience various scenes of joy and happiness from the present Christmas. They take him to the home of his employee, Bob Cratchit, where he witnesses the meager Christmas party in front of his employee’s family. During this time, he realizes that it is his greed that prevents Cratchit from properly caring for his crippled son, Tiny Tim.
The final Spirit is the ghost of Christmas to come. This apparition shows Scrooge a glimpse of the future that awaits him, if he does not change his ways. He is taken to the place of his death, where he realizes how much the people in his life despised him for his lack of humanity. The sight of his ruined and neglected tomb has a strong effect on Scrooge.
The last pentagram in this book describes Scrooge’s actions on Christmas Day. Transformed by these visions, he rediscovers his most human side and dedicates himself to spreading joy and happiness to other people.
