Scrooge is dismissive and
disparaging of everyone who tries to get him to celebrate
Christmas.
When the
story opens, it is Christmas Eve. Scrooge is grumpy, as always. He is a little grumpier than
usual because everyone keeps trying to get him to celebrate Christmas. Scrooge does not approve
of Christmas, or any holiday for that matter. He only cares about making money.
Scrooges nephew Fred, his only family member, asks him over for Christmas dinner.
Scrooge is annoyed, and berates Fred for celebrating Christmas and for getting married. Fred
remains good-natured, telling Scrooge that even if Christmas never made him any money he still
feels it has done him good. His speech irritates Scrooge.
Dont be angry, uncle. Come! Dine with us to-morrow.
Scrooge said
that he would see himyes, indeed he did. He went the whole length of the expression, and said
that he would see him in that extremity first. (Stave 1)
Fred is not the only one who wants something from Scrooge. Two philanthropists come
asking Scrooge to give to the poor. They tell him that at Christmastime it is more important
than ever to help the poor. Scrooge is not happy. He refuses to give them any money and asks if
poorhouses and debtors prisons are still operating.
"Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I dont make merry
myself at Christmas and I cant afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the
establishments I have mentionedthey cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.
(Stave 1)
In response to the comment that many of the
poor would rather die than go to the poorhouses or debtors prisons, Scrooge says that they
should die, in order to decrease the surplus population. He tells the men to mind their own
business, and they leave. Scrooge keeps his word about refusing the poor. When children come
caroling, he goes after them with a ruler.
Scrooge complains to Bob Cratchit,
his clerk, when he asks for the day off for Christmas. He says it is the same as picking a
mans pocket every twenty-fifth of December! Scrooge treats his clerk horribly, not even allowing
him sufficient coal to keep himself warm. Cratchit obviously needs the job, though, because he
is polite to Scrooge.
Scrooge's attitude of contempt toward those around him
is clearly not limited to Christmas. He wants to be alone, and prefers to be miserable. Since at
Christmastime people make an extra effort to reach out, he finds it a very difficult time of
year.
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