A humanities student’s first experience reading the classic Dickens novel.
How familiar are you with A Christmas Carol? Very.
How many times have you watched the story on film? Hundreds of times.
How many times have you read Charles Dickens’ original work? Uh . . .
Everyone has at least one lapse in pop culture knowledge. Maybe you’ve never seen a Star Wars movie, or read a popular YA novel. For me, that lapse was the original written text of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Just like everyone else, I’d seen countless film adaptations of the story (my favorites are Edwin Marvin’s from 1938 and The Muppets Christmas Carol with Michael Caine), but I had just never put in the time or effort to read the book. However, this past year I began to grow curious about the story that inspired so many others, so I decided to read it. Doing so made me realize how different of an experience reading the book is compared to watching the movie adaptations. Through this experience, I have gained a greater appreciation for this haunting tale and come to understand why this story still inspires people today.
Dickens’ exploration of selflessness stuck out to me the most. The central theme of the story—both in movie and book form—revolves around the value of becoming more selfless and kind, but Dickens portrays that theme in a more subtle, yet powerful way than the movies I’ve seen. He never states this theme outright; instead, he demonstrates it through Scrooge’s thoughts and experiences. After Scrooge sees the impact he has had on others, such as his abandoned past lover, his now-deceased sister, and his discerning nephew, he feels compelled to make changes to the most fundamental parts of his nature. Watching Scrooge make these changes communicates why it’s so essential to treat others with kindness without lecturing the reader.
Consuming the story this way has allowed me to ponder the idea of redemption on my own, rather than accepting the lesson the movies spoon-feed me. I’ve questioned the impact I’ve had on others and wondered how I will be remembered when I die. This opportunity for reflection has prompted me to consider the things I might need to change in my own life, something watching the movies has rarely done.
One point to mention in favor of the movies: we can see Scrooge’s reactions to his experiences as they happen. In the book, Scrooge stands off to the side, his reactions and emotions to the scene playing out before him hidden from the reader until later, when he has the chance to comment on what he saw. That separation can make it easy to forget that Scrooge is even there when we’re reading; however, the same cannot be said about the movies, where we can always see Scrooge’s face as others speak of him. However, no matter what way we hear the story, the message of hope, kindness, and mercy rings loud and true.
Scrooge’s story of redemption inspires and warms the hearts of all, showing that no one, not even a spiteful, vindictive, senile man at the end of his life, is beyond turning a new leaf. No other story, save the story of the birth of Christ, has filled me with a greater love for the Christmas season and for my fellow man. Take the time to read it yourself this December, and you will wish to quote Tiny Tim: “God bless us, everyone!”