Charles Dickens dramatized by Fred Gaines

CHARACTERS Carolers, Families, Dancers Jacob Marley Second Spirit, rhe Spirit First Boy Priest or Chriscmas Prcscm Second Boy Leper Poorhouse Children Third Boy First Spirit, the Spirit Mrs. Cratch it Girl with a doll of Christmai. Past Several Cratchit Children Ebenezer Scrooge Jack Walton Tiny Tim Ben Benjamin Beggar Children, Hunger Bob Cratch it, Scroone's::., clerk and lgnorancc Fred, Scroogt:'s nephew Child Scrooge Third Spirit, the Spirit Gent leman Visitor Fan, Scrooge's siscer of Chrisrmas Yer ro Comc Warder and Residents Fezziwig Peter, a Cratchir child of the Poorhouse Young Ebenezer Boy Sparsit, Scroogc's servant Dick Wilkins Butcher Cook Sweetheart of Young Coachman Charwoman Ebenezer

400 UNIT j: UNl>loR~IANDINC l"HE~IE t LITERARY ANALYS IS: THEME IN DRAMA To identify the theme in a drama, notice the action and Charles Dickens 1812- 1870 dialogue between characters. What characters do and say provides clues to the play's message. Characters' actions, Unhappy Childhood the setting, and events are often explained in stage Charles Dickens's childhood in directions, which are set off in parentheses. England provided material for many of his stories. When Dickens was 12 As you read A Christmas Carol, try to focus not only on and living with his family in London, what the characters say and do but also on how and his father was put in prison for not why they say and do those things. Then ask yourself what paying his debts. Young Dickens had message the playwright is sharing. to leave school to work in a rat-infested factory to help earn money for his I READING SKILL: UNDERSTAND SEQUENCE IN PLOT family. The hopelessness and shame Knowing the order ofevents in a work of literature helps he felt there affected him deeply. you better understand the work's theme. Events are BACKGROUND TO THE DRAMA not always presented in the order in which they happen. A Plea for the Poor The reader may be taken When Frederick Gaines wrote the play backward or forward in time. Ke.If f.vurts you are about to read, he based it on a In a drama, clues about the novel by the same name that Charles order, or sequence, of events Dickens first published in 1843. At that often appear in the stage time, about one-third of the people directions. The titles ofthe in London were living in poverty scenes also provide clues and hunger. The city was dirty and about the sequence ofevents. overcrowded, and jobs and houses As you read A Christmas were in short supply. Many children Carol, use a sequence wheel were forced to work instead ofstaying to help you keep track of the in school. Charles Dickens wanted his unusual sequence of events. novel A Christmas Carol to be "a plea for the poor." The book was instantly • VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT and w idely popular, and as Dickens had hoped, it and his other writings The following words all help tell the story ofa man who did affect how his readers felt about is too concerned with money. How many words can you the social conditions oftheir time. match with their definition?

1. accost a. abrupt or blunt in spea king 2. anonymous b. made very angry 3. brusque c. not having one's name known 4. currency d. to approach and speak unpleasantly to 5. incoherent e. money 6. infuriated f. confused KEYWORD: HML7-39

Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. The play begins amid a swirl ofstreet Lift in and ic has (\\lists on it and an eyepiece chac you Victorian London. Happy groups pass; bright61 put up co look through. We can see all the way costumed ca rolers and families call out to one to che park with it. another and sing "joy to the Wlorfd. "Three boys Third Boy. Could I look through it? girl and a are grouped about a glowing mound Second Boy. Maybe . . . where would you look? ofcoal. As the carolers leave the stage, the lights (The chi rd boy points straight up.) Why chere? dim and thefoCl{s shifts to the mound ofcoals, .10 Third Boy. l'd like co see che moon. bright against the dark. SLow61, the children begi11 (The boys stand and Look upward as the girl to respond to the warmth. A piano plays softly sings to her doll. One ofthe boys makes a snow 10 as the children tfllk. angel on the ground.) First Boy. I saw a horse in a window. (pause) Girl (singing) . A dapple . .. gray and white. And a saddle, too Christ the King came down one day, . . . red. And a strawberry mane down to here. rnro chis world of ours, All new. Golden scirrups. (People pms by the And crying from a manger bed, children, muttering greetings to one a11othe1:) Began rhe Christmas hour. Second Boy. Christmas Eve. (speaking) Third Boy. Wish we could go. 4o Christ rhe Kin g, my pretty one, First Boy. So do I. Sleep softly on my breast, Third Boy. l chink I'd like it. Ch rise rhe King, my gen de o ne, w First Boy. Oh, wouldn't I ... wouldn't I! Show us the way to rest. (She begins to sing the first verse again. As snow Second Boy. \Y/e're going up omo the roof. starts to fall on the boy making the snow angel he (The boys loo!< at him quizzicaL61.) /viy fo ther stands up and reaches out to catch a singlejla!?e.) has a glass. Telescope. A brass one. le opens up

,\ C IIIUST ~I AS CAROL 401 ,,l_ i :.' ! i . -- - -- :._. \ __ ' ~ SCROOGE IN HIS SHOP - The percussion1 thunders. Scrooge hurls himself might have derived good by which I have not through the descending snowflakes and sends profited, I daresay, Christmas among the rest. the children scattering. They retreat, watching. And though it has never put a scrap ofgold Cratchit comes in. He takes some coal.from the in my pocket, I believe it has done me good mound and puts it into a small bucket; as he and will do me good, and I say, God bless it!

carries it to a corner ofthe stage, the stage area 40 Scrooge. Bah! is transformed.from street to office. Scrooges Fred. Don't be angry, Uncle. Come! Dine with Fred nephew enters, talks with the children, us tomorrow. gives them coins, and sends them away with Scrooge. I'll dine alone, thank you. 10 a ''Merry Christmas." Fred. But why? Fred. A Merry Christmas, Uncle! God save you! Scrooge. Why? Why did you get married? Scrooge. Bah! Humbug! Fred. Why, because I fell in love with a Fred. Christmas a humbug, Uncle? I hope chat's wonderful girl. meant as a joke. Scrooge. And with solitude. Good afternoon. Scrooge. Well, it's not. Come, come, what is I it you want? Don't waste all the day, Nephew. Fred. Nay, Uncle, but you never came to :;o sec me before I was married. Why give it as Fred. I only want to wish you a Merry a reason for not coming now? Christmas, Uncle. Don't be cross. Scrooge. Good afternoon. Scrooge. What else can I be when I live in such .-!o a world of fools as this? Merry Christmas! Out Fred. I am sorry with all my heart to find you with Merry Christmas! What's Christmas to you so determined; but I have made the attempt in but a time for paying bills without money, a homage to Christmas, and I'll keep chat good time for finding yourself a year older and nor an spirit co the last. So, a Merry Christmas, Uncle. hour richer. If I could work my will, every idiot Scrooge. Good afternoon! who goes about with "Merry Christmas" on his Fred. And a Happy New Year! lips should be boiled with his own pudding and Scrooge. Good afternoon! (Fred hesitates as buried with a srake ofholly through his heart. <,o ifto say something more. He sees that Scrooge Fred. Uncle! has gone to get a volume down .from the shelf, Scrooge. Nephew, keep Christmas in your own and so he starts to leave. As he leaves, the Jo way and let me keep it in mine. doorbell rings.) Bells. Is it necessary to always Fred. Bur you don't keep it. have bells? (The gentleman visitor enters, causing the doorbell to ring again.) Cratchit! Scrooge. Lee me leave it alone then. Much good may it do you. Much good it has ever done you. Cratchit. Yes, sir? Fred. There are many things from which I Scrooge. The bell, fool! See co it! Cratchit. Yes, sir. (He goes to the entrance.)

1. percussion: noise made by loudly striking objects, such as drums or cymbals. All pho1ograph, from 1he 200J performance ofA <__1,riJtm,lJ Ciro!. produc1ion by Loui,iana ·1cch Univer,i1y School of 402 UNIT J: UNDERSTANDING THEME 1he Performing Ans. Phn1ns (i) ~lichad Rubury.

Scrooge (muttering) . Merry Christmas . . . Gentleman Visitor. It is; still , I wish I could -o \'(/olves howli ng and a Merry C hristmas .. . say 1c was not. Cratchit. Ir's fo r you, sir. Scrooge. The poor law is sci II in full vigor then? Scrooge. Of course it's for me. You're not Gentleman Visitor. Yes, sir. receiving callers, are you? Show chem in. Scrooge. I'm glad to hear it. From whar Cratchit. Righr rhis way, sir. (The gentleman 110 you said, I was afraid someone had sroppcd . . visito r approaches Scrooge.) 1rs operation. Scrooge. Yes, yes? Gentleman Visitor. Under che impression chat Gentleman Visitor. Scrooge and Marley's, rhey scarcely fu rnish Christian cheer of mind I bel ieve. Have f the pleasure ofaddressing or body to the multitude, a few of us arc M r. Scrooge or M r. Marley? endeavoring co raise a fund to buy the poor some meat and drink and means of wa rmth. so Scrooge. Marley's dead. Seven years tonight. We choose this time because it is rhe time, W har is ic you wane? of all ochers, when want is keenly fe lt and Gentleman Visitor. I have no doubt that his abundance rejoices.4 May I pm you down fo r liberali ry is well represented by his surviving 120 so mething, sir? partner. H ere, sir, my card. (He hands Scrooge Scrooge (retreating into the darkness tempomriiy) . his business card.) Nothing. Scrooge. Liberali1:y? No doubt of it? All right, Gentleman Visitor. You wish co be anony mous? all right, I can read. What is it you wane? (He returns to his work. ) Scrooge. I wish co be left alone. Since you ask me what I wish, sir, that is my answer. I don'r Gentleman Visitor. Ac chis festive season make merry myself ar Christmas, and I can'r 90 of rhe year ... affo rd to make idle people merry. I help support Scrooge. It's winter and cold. (He continues the establishments 1have mentioned ... they his work and ignores the gentleman visitor.) cost enough ... and chose who are poorly off Gentleman Visitor. Yes ... yes, ir is, and chc uo muse go there. more reason fo r my visit. At ch is rime of the Gentleman Visitor. Many can'r go rhere, and year it is more than usuaJly desirable to make rn any would ra ther die. so me slight provision for the poor and Scrooge. Jf they woul d rather die, they had destirnte2 who suffe r greatly from rhe cold. berrer do it and decrease che surplus population. Many thousands are in want of common T hat is nor my affair. My business is. Ir occupies necessaries; hundreds of thousa nds are in me constantly. (He talks both to the gentleman 100 wane of common comforts, sir. visitor and to himselfwhile he thumbs through his Scrooge. Are rhere no prisons? books.) Ask a man to give up life and means . .. Gentleman Visitor. Many, sir. fi ne rhing. What is it, I wane to know? Charity? Scrooge. And the workhouse?:1 fs it still 140 .. . (His nose deep in his books, he vague/,y hears in operation? the dinner bell being rung in the workhouse; he

2. destitute: people lacking the necessities of life. 3. workhouse: a n establishment in which poor people are housed and required to do work. 4. abunda nce rejoices: those w ith wealth are happy.

404 UNI T 3: U NOllltSTANDING TIIF.,\tr loolthe shadows. Scrooge hands 160 platfimn, and a Jew phrases oftheir carol, "Angels her a dark lantern, and she holds it while he lights We Have Heard on High," are heard. Scrooge it with an emberji-orn the pile ofcoals.) looks up.) C ratchic! (As soon as Scrooge shouts,

the bair! and the carolers vanish and Crarchi t begins to close up the shop.) C rarchir! Cratchit. Yes, sir. Scrooge. Well , to wo rk then! Cratchit. Ir's evening, sir. Scrooge. Is ir? Cratchit. Christmas evening, sir. l70 Scrooge. Oh, you'll wane all day tomorrow off, I suppose. Cratchit. 1fir's quire convenient, sir. Scrooge. Ir's nor conveniem, and it's nor fair. If I was co dcducr half a crown6 from your salary for ir, you'd think yourself ill-used, wouldn't you? Still you expect me ro pay a day's wage for a day of no work. Cratchit. Ir's only once a year, sir.

5. gruel: a thin, watery food made by boiling ground grain in water or milk. 6. halfa crown: until 1971. an amount of British money eq ual to one-eighth ofa pound. The pound is the basic unit ofBritish money.

,\ CIIRISTI\IAS CA ROL 405 ~ SCROOGE GOES HOME - Scrooge (talking to the little girl). Hold it quiet! Cook (waitingfor her Christmas coin). Merry There. Offnow. Thar's it. High. Black as pitch. Christmas, sir. (Scrooge ignores the request and the Light the street, chat's it. You're a bright lad! cook disappears. Mumbling, Scrooge follows Sparsir.) Good co see that. Earn your supper, boy. You'll Scrooge (looking back after the cook is gone). not go hungry this night. Home. You know Fright a man nearly our of his life ... Merry the way, do you? Yes, chat's the way. The house -rn Christmas ... bah! ofEbenezer Scrooge. (As the two find their way Sparsit. Your room, sir. to Scrooge's house, the audience sees and hears a briefimage ofa cathedral interior with a Scrooge. Hmmm? Oh, yes, yes. And good 7 night. 10 living creche and a large choir singing "Amen!"; the image ends in a blackout. The lights come Sparsit (extending his hand for his coin). Merry up immediately, and Scrooge is at his door.) Christmas, sir. Hold rhe light up, boy, up. (The girl with the Scrooge. Yes, yes ... (He sees the outstretched lantern disappears.) Where did he go? Boy? No hand; he knows what Sparsit wants and is matter. There's a penny saved. Lantern's gone infuriated.) Out! Out! (He closes the door after our. No matter. A candle saved. Yes, here's the Sparsir, turns toward his chamber, and discovers key. (He turns with the key toward the door, and so the charwoman directly behind him.) Marley's face swims out ofthe darkness. Scrooge Charwoman. Warm your bed for you, sir? watches, unable to speak. He fumbles for a match, Scrooge. What? Out! Out! 20 lights the lantern, and swings it toward the fig­ Charwoman.Aye, sir. (She starts for the door. ure, which melts away. Pause. Scrooge fits the key in the lock and turns it as the door suddenly Marley's voice is heard mumbling something unintelligible.) is openedfrom the imide by the porter, Sparsit. Scrooge is startled, then recovers.) Sparsir? Scrooge. What's that? Sparsit. Yes, sir? Charwoman. Me, sir? Nor a thing, sir. Scrooge. Hurry, hurry. The door ... close it. Scrooge. Then, good night. Sparsit. Did you knock, sir? Charwoman. Good night. (She exits, and 60 Scrooge pantomimes shutting the door behind her. Scrooge. Knock? What matter? Here, light me The voice of Marley over an offitage microphone up the stairs. whispers and reverberates:8 "Merry Christmas, 30 Sparsit. Yes, sir. (He leads Scrooge up the stairs. Scrooge!" Silence. Scrooge hears the voice but They pass the cook on the way. Scrooge brushes by cannot accountfor it. He climbs up to open a her, stops, looks back, andshe leam toward him.) window and looks down. A cathedral choir singing Cook. Something to warm you, sir? Porridge? "O Come, All Ye Faithful" is heard in the distance. Scrooge. Wha ... ? No. No, nothing. Scrooge listens a moment, shuts the window,

7. a cathedral Interior with a living creche: the inside of a large church in which real people pose for the Christmas manger scene. 8. reverberates (r1-vur'ba-rats"): echoes.

406 UNIT J: UNDERSTANDING THEME

andpreparesfor bed. As soon as he has shut the commanded these rooms. Greed, Ebenezer sound out ofhis room, figures appear; they seem Scrooge, wealth. Feel chem, know chem. 10 to be coming down the main aisle ofa church, Yours was as heavy as chis I wear seven years bearing gifts to the living creche. The orchestra ago, and you have labored co build it since. plays "O Come, All le Faithful" as the procession Scrooge. Ifyou're here co lecture, I have files out. Scrooge, ready for bed, warms himself 110 no time for it. It is late; the night is cold. before the heap ofcoals. As he pulls his nightcap I want comfort now. from a chair, a small hand-bell tumbles offonto Marley. I have none co give. I know not how the floor. Startled, he picks it up and ring.r itfor you see me this night. I did not ask it. I have reassurance; an echo answers it. He turns and sac invisible beside you many and many a sees the little girl on the street; she is swinging her day. I am commanded co bring you a chance, doll, which produces the echo ofhis bell. Scrooge Ebenezer. Heed it! so escapes to his bed; the girl is swallowed up in the darkness. The bell sounds grow to a din, Scrooge. Quickly then, quickly. incoherent as in a dream, then suddenly fall Marley. You will be haunted by three spirits. silent. Scrooge sits up in bed, listens, and hears the Scrooge (scoffing). Is that the chance?

chains ofMarley coming up the stairs. Scrooge 120 Marley. Mark it. reaches for the bell pull to summon Sparsit. Scrooge. I do not choose co. The bell responds with a gong, and Marley appears. He and Scrooge face one another.) Marley (ominously). Then you will walk where I do, burdened by your riches, your greed. Scrooge. What do you wane with me? Scrooge. Spirits mean nothing co me. Marley (in aghostly, unreal voice). Much. Marley (slowly leaving). Expect the first 90 Scrooge. Who are you? tomorrow, when the bell coils one, che second Marley. Ask who I was. on the next night at the same hour, the third Scrooge. Who were you? upon the next night when the last stroke of Marley. In life, I was your partner, Jacob Marley. twelve has ended. Look to see me no more. Scrooge. He's dead. 130 I must wander. Look chat, for your own sake, you remember what has passed between us. Marley.Seven years chis night, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge. Jacob ... Don't leave me! ... Jacob! Scrooge. Why do you come here? Jacob! Marley. I muse. le is commanded me. I muse Marley. Adieu,9 Ebenezer. (At Marley} last words wander the world and see what I can no longer afuneral procession begins to move across the stage. share, what I would not share when I walked A boy walks in front; a priest follows, swinging 100 where you do. a censer;w sounds ofmourning and the suggestion Scrooge. And muse go thus? ofchurch music are heard. Scrooge calls out, Marley. The chain? Look at it, Ebenezer, study 'Jacob, don't leave me!" as iftalking in the midst it. Locks and vaults and golden coins. I forged 140 ofa bad dream. At the end ofthe procession is the it, each link, each day when I sat in these chairs, little girl, swinging her doll and singing softly.)

9. adieu (a-dyoo"): farewell. 10. censer: a container in which incense is burned.

408 UNIT 3: UNDERSTANDING THEME Girl. begins to chime, ringing the hours. Scrooge sits Hushabye, don'r you cry, up in bed and begins to count the chimes.) Go ro sleep, litrle baby. Scrooge. Eight . . . nine . . . ten ... eleven . . . When you wake, you shall have it can't be . . . twelve. Midnight? No. Not twelve. All rhe pretty Ii horses, ccle 160 ft can't be. I haven't slept rhe whole day through. Blacks and bays, dapples and grays, Twelve? Yes, yes, twelve noon. (He hurries to the All rhe prercy little horses. window and looks 0111.) Black. Twelve midnight. (She stops singing and looks up at Scrooge; their (pause) I must gee up. A day wasted. I must get 150 eyes meet, and she solemnly rings the doll in greet­ down to che office. (Two small chimes are heard.) ing. Scrooge pulls shut the bed curtains, and the Quarter past. But it just rang twelve. Fifteen girl exits. The bell sounds are picked up by the bells minutes haven't gone past, nor so quickly. ofa leper' 1 who enters, dragging himselfalong.) (Again two small chimes are heard.) A quarter Leper (calli11g out). Leper! Leper! Seay che way! co o ne. The spirit . .. Ir's co come ar one. (H e Leper! Leper! Keep away! (He exits and the clock hurries to his bed rts the chimes ring again.) One.

11. leper: a person who has leprosy. a skin disease once thought to be highly contagious.

,\ C ll!UST~l,\S CAROL 409 - THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PAST - The hour is struck again by a large street clock, (The spirit motions for Scrooge to turn, and and the first spirit appears. It is afigure dressed he sees a young boy playing with a teddy bear to look like the little girl's doll and talking to it.) Yes ... reading ... poor boy. Scrooge. Are you the spirit whose coming was First Spirit. What, I wonder? foretold to me? Scrooge. Reading? Oh, it was nothing. Fancy, First Spirit. I am. all fancy and make-believe and cake-me-away. Scrooge. Who and what are you? All of it. Yes, nonsense. 12 First Spirit. I am the Ghost of Christmas Past. Child Scrooge. Ali Baba. Scrooge. Long past? 4o Scrooge. Yes ... chat was it ...

10 First Spirit. Your past. Child Scrooge. Yes, and remember ... and remember ... remember Robinson Crusoe?13 Scrooge. Why are you here? Scrooge. And the parrot! First Spirit. Your welfare. Rise. Walk with me. Child Scrooge. Yes, the parrot! I love him best. Scrooge. I am mortal still. I cannot pass through air. Scrooge (imitating the parrot). With his stripy green body and yellow rail drooping along and couldn't First Spirit. My hand. (Scrooge grasps the spirit's sing-awk-but could talk, and a thing like a hand tightly, and the doll's bell rings softly. Scrooge remembers a scene from his past in which two lettuce growing out the top of his head ... and boys greet each other in the street.) he used to sit on the very top ofthe tree-up there. ;o Child Scrooge. And Robinson Crusoe sailed First Voice. Halloo, Jack! around the island, and he thought he had .20 Second Voice. Ben! Merry Christmas, Ben! escaped the island, and the parrot said, the Scrooge. Jack Wal con. Young Jack Walton. parrot said ... . . ;> Spmts .... Scrooge (imitating the parrot). Robinson First Voice. Have a good holiday, Jack. Crusoe, where you been? Awk! Robinson Scrooge. Yes, yes, I remember him. Both Crusoe, where you been? of chem. Little Ben Benjamin. He used co ... Child Scrooge. And Robinson Crusoe looked up First Voice. See you next term, Jack. Next ... in the tree and saw the parrot and knew he hadn't term ... escaped and he was still there, still all alone there. Scrooge. They ... they're off for the holidays Go Scrooge. Poor Robinson Crusoe. and going home from school. It's Christmas Child Scrooge (sadly replacing the teddy bear). 30 time ... all ofthe children off home now ... Poor Robinson Crusoe. No ... no, not all ... there was one ... Scrooge. Poor child. Poor child. First Spirit. Why poor? 12. Ali Baba: in the Arabian Nights, a poor woodcutter who Scrooge. Fancy ... fancy ... (He tries to mask his discovers a treasure. feelings being brusque.) It's his way, a child's 13. Robinson Crusoe: a shipwrecked sailor who survives for years by on a small island in the novel Robinson Crusoe.

410 UNIT J: UNDERSTANDING THEME

way to ... to lose being alone in ... in dreams, Scrooge. Fezziwig! It's old Fezziwig chat dreams ... Never matter if they are all nonsense, I 'prenticed15 under. yes, nonsense. Bue he'll be all right, grow out First Spirit. Your master? 70 ofit. Yes. Yes, he did outgrow it, the nonsense. Scrooge. Oh, aye, and the best chat any boy Became a man and left there, and he became, yes, could have. There's Dick Wilkins! Bless me. he became a man and ... yes, successful ... rich! He was very much attached to me was Dick. Never matter ... never mat­ (The sadness returns.) Poor Dick. Dear, dear. ter. (Fan runs in andgoes to Child Scrooge.) Fan! 110 Fezziwig. Yo ho, my boys! No more work Fan. Brother, dear brother! Child Scrooge.) (She kisses tonight. Christmas Eve, Dick! Christmas, Child Scrooge. Dear, dear Fan. Ebenezer! Lee's have the shutters up before Fan. I've come to bring you home, home for a man can say Jack Robinson! (The music good and ever. Come with me, come now. continues. Chandeliers are pulled into position, (She takes his hand, and they start to run off, but and mistletoe, holly, and ivy are draped over so the spirit stops them and signals for the light on everything by bustling servants. Dancers fill them to fade. They look at the spirit, aware of the stage for Fezziwig swonderful Christmas their role in the spirits ''education" ofScrooge.) party. In the midst ofthe dancing and the gaiety Scrooge. Let me watch them go? Let them be happy servants pass back andforth through the crowd for a moment! (The spirit says nothing. Scrooge turns 120 with huge platters offood. At apause in the music, away ftom them, and the light goes out.) A delicate, Young Ebenezer, who is dancing, calls out.) delicate child. A breath might have withered her. Young Ebenezer. Mr. Fezziwig, sir, you're First Spirit. She died a woman and had, as a wonderful master! I remember, children. Scrooge and Young Ebenezer. A wonderful master! Scrooge. One child. Scrooge (echoing the phrase). A wonderful

90 First Spirit. Your nephew. master! (The music changes suddenly, and the dancers jerk into distorted postures and Scrooge. Yes, yes, Fred, my nephew. (Scrooge then begin to move in slow motion. The pauses, then tries to bluster through.) Well? Well, all of us have that, haven't we? Childhoods? celebrants slowly exit, performing a macabre 1 130 dance to discordant sounds. 6) Sadnesses? But we grow and we become men, masters ofourselves. (The spirit gesturesfor music First Spirit. Just because he gave a party? to begin. It is heardfirst as from a great distance, It was very small. then Scrooge becomes aware ofit.) I've no time Scrooge. Small! for it, Spirit. Music and all ofyour Christmas First Spirit. He spent a few pounds of your folderol. 14 Yes, yes, I've learnt what you have "mortal" money, three, four at the most. 100 to show me. (Fezziwig, Young Ebenezer, and Is that so much that he deserves chis praise? Dick appear, busily preparingfor aparty.) Scrooge. But it wasn't the money. He had the Fezziwig. Yo ho, there! Ebenezer! Dick! power to make us happy, co make our service light or burdensome. The happiness he gives

14. folderol (fol'-da-rol'): foolishness; nonsense. 15. 'prentlced: short for apprenticed, here meaning "learned a trade while working." 16. macabre (ma-kii'bre) dance to discordant sounds: a bizarre, ghastly dance with unharmonious music.

412 UNIT 3: UNDERSTANDING THEME 140 is quite as great as if it cost a fortune. Thar's what First Spirit. You cannot change now what you ... a good master is. would not change then. I am your mistakes, First Spirit. Yes? Ebenezer Scrooge, all of rhe things you could 1so have done and did nor. Scrooge. No, no, nothing. Scrooge. Then leave me! I have done them. I First Spirit. Something, I chink. shall live with them. As I have, as I do; as I will. Scrooge. I should like to be able to say a word First Spirit. There is another Christmas, seven or rwo to my clerk just now, chat's all. years ago, when Marley died. First Spirit. But this is all past. Your clerk, Scrooge. No! I will nor see it. I will nor! He Crarchit, couldn't be here. died. I could nor prevent it. I did not choose Scrooge. No, no, ofcourse nor, an idle thought. for him to die on Christmas Day. 1so Are we done? First Spirit.And when his day was chosen, First Spirit (motioning for the waltz music to what did you do then? begin). Nearly. 190 Scrooge. I looked after his affairs. Scrooge (hearing the waltz and remembering it). Surely First Spirit. His business. it's enough. Haven't you tormented me enough? (Young Ebenezer is seen waltzing with his Sweetheart.) Scrooge. Yes! His business! Mine! Ir was all chat I had, all char I could do in this world. I have First Spirit. I only show the past, what ic nothing to do with the world to come after. promised you. Look. Another promise. First Spirit. Then I will leave you. Scrooge. Oh. Oh, yes. I had forgotten ... her. Don't they dance beautifully? So young, so Scrooge. Noc yet! Don't leave me here! Tell me 160 young. I would have married her if only ... what I must do! What of the other spirits? Sweetheart. Can you love me, Ebenezer? First Spirit. They will come. I bring no dowry17 to my marriage, only me, Scrooge. And you? What of you?

only love. It is no currency char you can buy 200 First Spirit. I am always with you. (The little girl and sell with, bur we can live with ir. Can you? appears with her doll.· she takes Scrooges hand and (She pauses, then returns the ring Scrooge gave gently leads him to bed. Numbed, he follows her. her as his pledge.) I release you, Ebenezer, for She leans against the foot ofthe bed, ringing the the love of the man you once were. Will char doll andsinging. The first spirit exits as she sing.r.) man win me again, now char he is free? Girl. Scrooge (trying to speak to her). Ifonly you had When you wake, you shall have 170 held me to it. You should not have let me go. All the pretty little horses, I was young; I did love you. Blacks and bays, dapples and grays, Sweetheart (speaking to Young Ebenezer). All the pretty litcle horses.

We have never lied to one another. May you be 210 (She rings the doll, and the ringing becomes the happy in the life you have chosen. Good-bye. chiming ofScrooges bell The girl exits. Scrooge (She runs out. Young Ebenezer slowly leaves.) sits upright in bed as he hears the chimes.) Scrooge. No, no, ir was not meant chat way ... ! Scrooge. A minute until one. No one here. No one's coming. (A larger clock strikes one o'clock.)

17. dowry (dou're): money or property brought by a bride to her husband when they marry.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 413 ~ THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT - A light comes on. Scrooge becomes aware Scrooge. Then we could walk? Your flying is ... ofit and goes slowly to it. He sees the second well, too sudden for an old man. Well? spirit, the Spirit ofChristmas Present, who Second Spirit. It's your Christmas, Scrooge; looks like Fezziwig. I am only the guide. Scrooge. Fezziwig! Scrooge (puzzled). Then we can walk? (The Second Spirit. Hello, Scrooge. spirit nods.) Where are you guiding me to? Scrooge. But you can't be ... not Fezziwig. Second Spirit. Bob Cratchit's. Second Spirit. Do you see me as him? Scrooge. My clerk? Scrooge. I do. 4o Second Spirit. You did want to talk to him?

10 Second Spirit.And hear me as him? (Scrooge pauses, uncertain how to answer.) Don't worry, Scrooge, you won't have to. Scrooge. I do. Scrooge (trying to change the subject, to cover Second Spirit. I wish I were the gentleman, his error). Shouldn't be much ofa trip. With so as not to disappoint you. fifteen bob18 a week, how far off can it be? Scrooge. But you're not ... ? Second Spirit. A world away, Scrooge, at least Second Spirit. No, Mr. Scrooge. You have that far. (Scrooge and the spirit start to step never seen the like of me before. I am the offa curb when a funeral procession enters with Ghost of Christmas Present. a child's coffin, followed by the poorhouse Scrooge. Bue ... ;o children, who are singing. Seated on top ofthe Second Spirit. You see what you will see, Scrooge, coffin is the little girl. She and Scrooge look at 20 no more. Will you walk out with me chis one another.) That is the way to it, Scrooge. Christmas Eve? (The procession follows the coffin offitage; Scrooge Scrooge. But I am not yet dressed. and the spirit exit after the procession. As they Mrs. Cratchit Second Spirit. Take my tails, dear boy, leave, the lights focus on and her children. Mrs. Cratchic Tiny we're leaving. sings as she puts Tim and the other children to bed, all in one Scrooge. Wait! bed. She pulls a dark blanket over them.) Second Spirit. What is it now? Mrs. Cratchit (singing). Scrooge. Christmas Present, did you say? 60 When you wake, you shall have Second Spirit. I did. All the pretty little horses, Scrooge. Then we are traveling here? In this Blacks and bays, dapples and grays,

_:io town? London? Just down there? All the pretty little horses. To sleep now, all ofyou. Christmas tomorrow. Second Spirit. Yes, yes, ofcourse. (She kisses them andgoes to Bob Cratchic, who is by the hearth.) How did our little Tiny Tim behave? Bob Cratchit. As good as gold and better. 18. bob: a British slang term for shillings. (There were He told me, coming home, chat he hoped the 20 shillings in a pound.)

414 lJNIT J: UNDERSTANDING THEME

people saw him in church because he was

70 a cripple and it might be pleasant to chem co remember upon Christmas Day who made the lame co walk and che blind co see. Mrs.Cratchit. He's a good boy. (The second spirit and Scrooge ente,: Mrs. Cracchic feels a sudden draft.) Oh, the wind. (She gets up to shut the doo,:) Second Spirit. Hurry. (He nudges Scrooge in before Mrs. Cracchic shuts the doo,:) Scrooge. Hardly hospitable is what I'd say. Second Spirit. Oh, they'd say a great deal more, so Scrooge, if they could see you. Scrooge. Oh, they should, should chey? Second Spirit. Oh yes, I'd chink they might. Scrooge. Well, I might have a word for chem . . . Second Spirit. You're here co Jiscen. Scrooge. Oh. Oh yes, all right. By the fire? Second Spirit. Bue not a word. Bob Cratchit (raising his glass). My dear, to Mr. Scrooge. I give you Mr. Scrooge, the 90 founder of the feast. Mrs. Cratchit. The founder ofthe feast indeed! I wish 1 had him here! I'd give him a piece of my mind co feast upon, and I hope he'd have a good appetite for ic. Bob Cratchit. My dear, Christmas Eve. Mrs. Cratchit. le should be Christmas Eve, I'm sure, when one drinks the health ofsuch an odious, 19 stingy, hard, unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge. You know he is, Robert! I obody 100 knows ir better chan you do, poor dear. Bob Cratchit. I only know one thing on Christmas: chat one muse be charitable. Mrs. Cratch it. I'll drink co his heaJ ch for your sake and rhe day\ , nor for his. Long life ro him!AM mr Ch1iJ{OJPJ B/Jdqftrt/' 1e,r Year. He'll be very merry and very happy, Second Spirit. There is. I have no doubt. Scrooge. Take me chere. Bob Cratchit. Ifhe cannot be, we must be happy Second Spirit. It is at the home ofyour for him. A song is what is needed. Tim! nephew ... 110 Mrs. Cratchit. Shush! I've just gotten him down, Scrooge. No! and he needs all the sleep he can gee. Second Spirit (disgusted with Scrooge). Then Bob Cratchit. Ifhe's asleep on Christmas Eve, there is none. I'll be much mistaken. Tim! He must sing, dear; 150 Scrooge. But that isn't enough ... You must there is nothing else that might make him well. reach me! Tiny Tim. Yes, Father? Second Spirit. Would you have a teacher, Bob Cratchit. Are you awake? Scrooge? Look at your own words. Tiny Tim. Just a little. Scrooge. But the first spirit gave me more ... ! Bob Cratchit. A song then! (The children awaken Second Spirit. He was Christmas Past. There and, led by Tiny Tim, sit up to sing "What Child was a lifetime he could choose from. I have 120 Is This?" As they sing, Scrooge speaks.) only this day, one day, and you, Scrooge. I have Scrooge. (He holds up his hand; all stop sing­ nearly lived my fill ofboth. Christmas Present ing and look at him.) I ... I have seen enough. must be gone at midnight. That is near now. (When the spirit signals to the children, they 160 (He speaks to two beggar children who pause leave the stage, singing the carol quietly. Tiny shyly at the for side ofthe stage. The children are Tim remains, covered completely by the dark thin and wan,· they are barefoot and wearfilthy blanket, disappearing against the black.) Tiny rags.) Come. (They go to him.) Tim ... will he live? Scrooge. Is this the last spirit who is to come Second Spirit. He is very ill. Even song cannot to me? keep him whole through a cold winter. Second Spirit. They are no spirits. They are uo Scrooge. But you haven't told me! real. Hunger, Ignorance. Noc spirits, Scrooge, Second Spirit (imitatingScrooge). Ifhe be like to passing dreams. They are real. They walk your die, he had better do it and decrease the surplus streets, look to you for comfort. And you population. (Scrooge turns away.) Erase, Scrooge, 170 deny chem. Deny them not too long, Scrooge. those words from your thoughts. You are not the They will grow and multiply, and they will not judge. Do not judge, then. It may be that in the remain children. sight ofheaven you are more worthless and less Scrooge. Have they no refuge, no resource? fie to live than millions like this poor man's child. Second Spirit (again imitating Scrooge). Are Oh God! To hear an insect on a leaf pronouncing there no prisons? Are there no workhouses? that there is too much life among his hungry (tenderly to the children) Come. It's Christmas 140 brothers in the dust. Good-bye, Scrooge. Eve. (He leads them offitage.) Scrooge. But is there no happiness in Christmas Present?

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 417 ~ THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS VET TO COME -

Scrooge is entirely alone for a Long moment. Sparsit. More 'an enough ... if you know He is frightened by the darkness andfeels it where co look. approaching him. Suddenly he stops, senses the Cook. Hardly decem is whar I'd say, hardly presence ofthe rhird spirit, turns towmd him, decent, rhe poor old fella hardly cold and and sees him. The spirit is bent and clatzked. 40 you're thievin' his wardrobe. No phpical features are distinguishable. Sparsit. You're here our of love, are ya? Scrooge. You are rhe third. (The spirit says Charwoman. There's no rime for rhar. (Sparsit nothing) T he Ghost ofC hristmas Yet to Come. acknowledges Scrooge for the first time, (The spirit says nothing.) Speak to me. Tell me gesturing toward him as ifthe Living Scrooge 10 whac is to happen-co me, ro all of us. (The were the corpse. Scrooge stands as ifrooted to spirit says nothing.) Then show me whar I muse the spot, held there by the power ofthe spirit.) see. (The spiritpoints. Light illumines the shadowy Sparsit. He ain't abour co bother us, is he? recesses of Scrooge's house.) I know it. I know it too well, cold and cheerless. It is mine. (The cook Charwoman. Ain't he a picrurc? a11d the charwoman are dimly visible in Scrooge's Cook. ff he is, it ain't a happy one. house.) Whar is . . . ?There are .. . thieves! There so (They laugh.) are thieves in my rooms! (He starts forward Sparsit . Ladies, shall we scare? (The three to acco st them, but the spirit beclwns for him ofthem grin and advance on Scrooge.) Cook? to stop.) 1 ca nnot. You cannot re l! me rhat Cook (snatching the cuffLinks fi'om the shirt 20 I must watch rhem and do nothing. I will Scrooge wears). T hey're gold, ain't they? nor. Ir is m ine srill. (He rushes i11ro the house to claim his belongings and to protect them. Sparsit. T he puresr, madam. The two women do not notice his presence.) Charwoman. I always had a fancy for that nightcap ofhis. My old man could use it. Cook. He ain't about, is he? (The charwoman (She laughs.) Poor o I, Scrooge ,as m er ,1s. en d . ~o- takes the nightcap fi'01n Scrooges head. Sparsit play.fidly removes Scrooge 's outer garment, the coat (She laughs with the charwoman.) Go or cloak that he has worn in the previous scenes.) Ch arwoman. An' time for ir, coo; ain't been Sparsit. Bein' a man ofmore practical castes, alive in deed for half his li fe . I'll go fo r the worsted21 and hope chc smell Cook. But che Sparsic's nowhere, is he . . . ? ain't permanent. (The three laugh.) Cook, .,o Sparsit (emergingfi·om the blackness). Look.i n' we go round again. for someone, ladies? ( The cook shrieks, but Cook. Do you chink chat li ttle bell he's always the charwoman treats the matter more pmcticaLlJ1 ringing at me is silver enough co sell? (The anticipating competition fi"om Sparsir.) three ofthem move toward the nightstand, and Charwoman. T here ain't enough bur for the Scrooge cries out.) rwo of us!

20. 'as met 'isend: a dialect pronunciation of"has met his e nd." 21. worsted: a smooth woolen fabric.

418 l l:S:IT J: U NDERSTA::-IDING THEI\IE

Scrooge. No more! No more! (As the spiric eyes ro your father when he comes home 22 70 directs Scrooge s attention to the tableatt for chc world. Ir must be near his time now. ofthe three thieves standing poised over the silver Peter. Pase it, I chink, bur he walks slower bell, Scrooge bursts out ofthe house, cLrzd only than he used co, these last few days, Mother. in his nightshirt.) I cannot. I cannot. The room 90 Mrs. Cratchit. I have known him co waJk is ... roo like a cheerless place that is fam iliar. w ith ... I have known him co walk with l won'c see it. Lee us go from here. Anywhere. T inyT im upon his shoulder very fas c indeed. (The spirit directs his attention to the Cmtchit (She catches herself, then hurries on.) Buc he house; the children are sitting together near was very light co carry a nd his father loved Mrs. Cratchit, who is sewing a coat. Peter reads him, so char it was no rrouble, no trouble. by the light ofthe coals.) (She hears Bob C racchi r approaching.) so Peter. "And he rook a child and set him in the Smiles, everyone, smiles. midst of chem." Bob Cratchit (entering) . My dear, Pecer ... Mrs. Cratchit (putting her hand to herface). (He greets the other children by their real The light tires my eyes so. (pause) They're 100 names.) H ow is it coming? better now. Ir makes chem ri red to try to see Mrs. Cratchit (handing him the coat). by firelight, and I wouldn't show reddened Nearly done.

22. tableau lti!b'lii'): a portion ofa play wherethe actors momentarily freeze in their positions for dramatic effect.

420 UNIT J : UNDERST1\NDINC TI-IEME Bob Cratchit. Yes, good, I'm sure that ir will Peter. Everybody knows rhac. be done long before Sunday. Bob Cratchit. I hope char they do. "H eartily Mrs. Cratchit. Sunday! You wem today sorry," he said, "for you r good wife, a nd then, Robert? ifI can be ofservice to you in any way- " Bob Cratchit. Yes. Ir's .. . it's all ready. Two and he gave m e his card-"rbat's where o'clock. And a nice place. le would have done 1 live"-and Peter, I shouldn't be at all you good ro see how green ir is. Bm you'll see surprised if he got you a positio n. 110 ir ofren. I promised him chat, chat I would Mrs. Cratch it. Only hear char, Peter!

walk there on Sunday .. . often. 1:10 Bob Cratchit . And then you' ll be keeping M rs. Cratchit. We rn usrn'r hurr ourselves for company with some young girl and setting it, Robert. up fo r yourself Bob Cratchit. N o. No, he wouldn't have wanted Peter. Oh, go on. that. Come now. Yo u wo n't guess who I've Bob Cratchit. Well , ir will happen, one day, seen. Scrooge's nephew, Fred . And he asked b ur rem embe r, when char day does corne­ after us and said he was heartily so rry and to as it must- we muse none of us fo rger poor give his respect to my good wife . H ow he ever T iny T im and chis fi rst parring in our family. knew char, I don't know. Scrooge. H e d ied! N o, no! (He steps hack and the 120 Mrs. Cratchit. Knew whar, my dear? scene disappears; he moves away f rom the spirit.) Bob Cratchit. Why, char you were a good wife.

t\ C IIRIST:\!AS C AROi. 421 Scrooge. Because he would not ... no! You can­ Boy. Eh? not cell me that he has died, for chat Christmas Scrooge. What's the day, my fine fellow? has not come! I will not let it come! I will be Boy. Today? Why, Christmas Day! there ... It was me. Yes, yes, and I knew it and couldn't look. I won't be able to help. I won't. 4o Scrooge. It's Christmas Day! I haven't missed (pause) Spirit, hear me. I am not the man I was. it! The spirits have done it all in one night. I will not be that man that I have been for so They can do anything they like. Of course many years. Why show me all ofthis ifI am past they can. Of course they can save Tim. Hallo, all hope? Assure me chat I yet may change these my fine fellow! 10 shadows you have shown me. Let the boy live! Boy. Hallo! I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to Scrooge. Do you know the poulterers23 in the keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the next street at the corner? Present, and the Future. The spirits ofall three Boy. I should hope I do. shall strive within me. I will not shut out the Scrooge. An intelligent boy. A remarkable boy. lessons chat they teach. Oh, tell me that I am so Do you know whether they've sold the prize not too late! (A single lightfocuses on the little girl, turkey chat was hanging up there? Not the dressed in a blue cloak like that the Virgin Mary. of little prize; the big one. She looks up, and from above a dove is slowly lowered in silence to her; she takes it and encloses Boy. What, the one as big as me? 20 it within her cloak, covering it. As soon as she does Scrooge. What a delightful boy! Yes, my bucko! this, a large choir is heard singing "Gloria!" and the Boy. It's hanging there now. bells begin to ring. Blackout. When the lights come Scrooge. It is? Go and buy it. up again, Scrooge is in bed. The third spirit and Boy. G'wan! thefigures in the church have disappeared. Scrooge Scrooge. I'm in earnest! Go and buy it and awakens and looks around his room.) The cur­ tell 'em co bring it here chat I may give chem tains! They are mine and they are real. They are Go the direction where to take it. Come back nor sold. They are here. I am here; the shadows with the butcher and I'll give you a shilling. to come may be dispelled. They will be. I know Come back in less than two minutes and they will be. (He dresses himselfhurriedly.) I don't I'll give you half a crown! 30 know what to do. I'm as light as a feather, merry as a boy again. Merry Christmas! Merry Christ­ Boy. Right, guv! (He exits.) mas! A Happy New Year co all the world! Hello Scrooge. I'll send it to Bob Cratchic's. He there! Whoop! Hallo! What day of the month shan't know who sends it. It's twice the size is it? How long did the spirits keep me? Never ofTiny Tim and such a Christmas dinner it mind. I don't care. (He opens the window and will make. (Carolers suddenly appear singing calls to a boy in the street below.) What's today? "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. "Scrooge leans

23. poulterers (p61'tar-arz): people who sell poultry, such as chickens and turkeys.

422 UNIT J: UNDERSTANDING THEME

70 out the window and joins them in the song.) Gentleman Visitor. Merry Christmas to I must dress, I must. It's Christmas Day! I must you, sir.• I be all in my best for such a day. Where is my Scrooge (running downstairs, out ofhis house, China silk shirt? ( The boy and the butcher run and onto the street). Now which is the way in with the turkey.) What? Back already? And 110 to that nephew's house. Girl! Girl! such a turkey. Why, you can't carry that all the Girl (appearing immediately). Yes, sir? way to Cratchit's. Here, boy, here is your half a crown and here an address in Camden Town. Scrooge. Can you find me a taxi, miss? See that it gets there. Here, money for the cab, Girl. I can, sir. (She rings her doll, and a for the turkey, and for you, good man! {The coachman appears.) so boy and the butcher, delighted, catch the money Scrooge (handing the coachman a card). and run out. Scrooge sees the gentleman visitor Can you show me che way to this home? walking by the window.) Halloo, sir! Coachman. I can, sir. Gentleman Visitor (looking up sadly, less than Scrooge. Good man. Come up, girl. ( They festive). Hello, sir. mount to the top ofthe taxi. This action may Scrooge. My dear sir, how do you do? I hope 120 be stylistically suggested.) Would you be you succeeded yesterday. It was very kind of an old man's guide to a Christmas dinner? you to stop by to see me. Girl. I would, sir, and God bless you! Gentleman Visitor (in disbelief). Mr. Scrooge? Scrooge. Yes, God bless us every one! (raising Scrooge. Yes, that is my name, and I fear it may his voice almost in song) Driver, to Christmas! 90 not be pleasant to you. Allow me to ask your (They exit, all three singing 'Joy to the World. " pardon, and will you have the goodness to add Blackout. The lights come up for the finale2 4 this (throwing him apurse) to your good work! at Fred's house. The Cratchits are there with Gentleman Visitor. Lord bless me! My dear Tiny Tim. All stop moving and talking when Mr. Scrooge, are you serious? they see Scrooge standing in the center, Scrooge. Ifyou please, not a penny less. A great uo embarrassed and humble.) Well, I'm very glad many back payments are included in it, I assure to be here at my nephew's house! (He starts you. Will you do me that favor? to cry.) Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Gentleman Visitor. My dear sir, I don't know All (softly). Merry Christmas. (They sing ''Deck what I can say to such generosity ... the Halls, "greeting one another and exchanging gifts. Scrooge puts Tiny Tim on his shoulders.) 100 Scrooge. Say nothing! Accept it. Come and see me. Will you come and see me? Tiny Tim (shouting as the carol ends). God bless us every one! Gentleman Visitor. I will. Scrooge (to the audience). Oh, yes! God bless Scrooge. Thank 'ee. I am much obliged co you. I thank you fifty times. God bless you and us every one! Merry Christmas!

24. finale (fa-nlil'el: conclusion.

424 UNIT J: UNDERSTANDING THEME