Published: December 17, 2013 (Originally published on December 19, 1843 by Chapman & Hall)
Publisher: Atria Books
Author: Charles Dickens
Pages: 162
Genres: Fiction, Classics, Fantasy
Genres: Fiction, Classics, Fantasy
A Christmas Carol, has long since become one of the most beloved stories in the English language. As much a part of the holiday season as holly, mistletoe, and evergreen wreaths, this perennial favorite continues to delight new readers and rekindle thoughts of charity and goodwill.
With its characters exhibiting many qualities ― as well as failures ― often ascribed to Dickens himself, the imaginative and entertaining tale relates Ebenezer Scrooge's eerie encounters with a series of spectral visitors. Journeying with them through Christmases past, present, and future, he is ultimately transformed from an arrogant, obstinate, and insensitive miser to a generous, warmhearted, and caring human being. Written by one of England's greatest and most popular novelists, A Christmas Carol has come to epitomize the true meaning of Christmas.
With its characters exhibiting many qualities ― as well as failures ― often ascribed to Dickens himself, the imaginative and entertaining tale relates Ebenezer Scrooge's eerie encounters with a series of spectral visitors. Journeying with them through Christmases past, present, and future, he is ultimately transformed from an arrogant, obstinate, and insensitive miser to a generous, warmhearted, and caring human being. Written by one of England's greatest and most popular novelists, A Christmas Carol has come to epitomize the true meaning of Christmas.
Charles Dickens was
a master of the narrative genre, in which he printed a certain dose of humor and
irony, practicing also an acute social criticism. In his work are the
descriptions of people and places, both real and imaginary.
"A
Christmas Carol" is based on the reality during the
industrial revolution in the nineteenth century: the abuse of children and
young people who worked and studied in the cruelest conditions in a proletarian society.
The protagonist of
this story is endearing Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge , a greedy and stingy man who does
not celebrate Christmas party because of his solitary life and workaholism. He does not care about others, even his employee Bob Cratchit, all he cares about is
business and how to make more money.
One night, on
Christmas Eve , Scrooge is visited by a ghost who happens to be his best friend
and partner, Jacob Marley, who died seven years before the beginning of the
story. The spectrum tells him, that for being greedy in life, all his wickedness
has become a long and heavy chain he must drag for eternity. It announces to Scrooge that he has already surpassed all the limits, therefore, when he dies, he will have to take a
much longer and heavy chain.
Then he announces
the visit of three spirits of Christmas, which will give him the last chance for salvation. Scrooge is not frightened and defies prediction.
The past, the
present and the future: That night the three Christmas spirits appear. This
story makes an important lesson: Even in old age it's not too late to change,
even in old age it's not too late to live life.
Although it is
called A Christmas Carol story rather seems perfect for reading in those days around New Years' when new resolutions and promises are made.
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