A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, is written in the format of a third person limited narrator: this creates more tension for the readers because, within the pages given, we see precisely what is happening through Scrooge's eyes when it's happening. This specific quote, "nobody under the table, nobody under the sofa," shows the audience Scrooge is a reasonably skittish or paranoid character. How Scrooge is looking around his home builds more of a paranoid tension for the readers. How he is looking makes you wonder if he is looking for something, and if so, what will he find?

As Scrooge is again sitting in his chair, there is a moment of peace, focusing his attention on a "disused bell". Once putting his attention on this harmless bell, it begins to swing peacefully. However, it starts to ring louder and louder at a certain point. We then understand the bell ringing is a symbol of the ghost. Scrooge is a cruel person who has no heart for others. Dickens wanted the audience to feel hatred towards Scrooge because, during the 1800s, the Poor Law was established, and the workhouses were put into place. Scrooge symbolizes how the government treated those less fortunate with no mercy, thus why someone would want to harm this cruel person putting them in the same misery they have caused. We clearly see the tension between the ghosts in chains, Marley and Scrooge. Marley symbolizes Scrooge in the afterlife, showcasing how he's treated people in the past will affect his future and what happens to him in the afterlife. The chains around Marley are punishment for his cruel ways. The afterlife is not kind to those who have been cold and shellfish. Scrooge is horrified as he sees Marley because he is shown his future if he goes down this path of hatred and selfishness. Fairly more emotional tension being built. We understand what will happen to the protagonist and how he is frightened by being confronted with his destiny.