Change or Die - The Message Behind a Classic Story by: Charles Dickens

Almost anyone who celebrates Christmas has heard the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. He is by definition a Scrooge, or a mean spirited person. but, what was the meaning of this classic tale? Give all of your money to the poor, so your dead roommate doesn't come back and have three ghosts terrorize you? Let's take a closer look.

[Image Source: pixabay.com, License: CCO Public Domain]   

Character Synopsis

Before we look at the message behind this story, it is important we review the characters.

Ebenezer Scrooge - A wealthy business owner, who is stingy and employs Bob Cratchit. Was partners with Jacob Marley until Marley's death seven years prior to when the story takes place.

Bob Cratchit - A poor family man, with a large family and not enough money. Father of "tiny" Tim, and employee of Ebenezer Scrooge. 

"tiny" Tim - The son of Bob Cratchit who is crippled and requires a crutch to walk. His condition could be fatal.

Jacob Marley - A business partner of Scrooge's in life, and a tortured sinner in death. Causes the whole story to unfold.

Ghost of Christmas past - The ghost of Scrooge's Christmas past, shows Scrooge how much fun he used to have on Christmas, and causes him to realize what has become of him.

Ghost of Christmas present - The ghost of Scrooge's present Christmas, shows Scrooge what the people he thinks care about him actually think about him because of his cold heart.

Ghost of Christmas future - The other two ghosts are like the good cops, and this ghost is the bad cop. Scares Scrooge by showing him what will happen if he does not change his ways.

[Image Source: pixabay.com, License: CCO Public Domain]   

What is the Message?

I believe that Dickens isn't just trying to express a message of give money to the poor, no it's something more. I think that Dickens is mainly trying to convey the message that your actions don't just affect your life, but the lives of people around you. Dickens shows this by making the Ghost of Christmas future show Scrooge his own demise, and the demise of "tiny" Tim both because of his stinginess towards not just the poor, but his humble employee. 

This conveys the message change, or die. When the Ghost of Christmas future is dropping Scrooge into his grave, Scrooge makes a promise that if he lives, he will change how he lives his life, right the wrongs of his and Marley's decisions. I think the message that your actions can affect other people is the main message of this story, it leaves you with the decision to help others or not. Giving to the poor is just the example Dickens uses to convey this message.

Here is a short cartoon using Mickey Mouse characters to tell this story in an entertaining way:

Thanks for reading this! My mom gave me this idea a couple of weeks ago. I've been waiting for a day where I have time to write it, and today I do. I know Christmas is over, but people (including me) are still in the mood, so I decided to post this to convey the message I think Dickens means to portray with this story. Here is a link to the AOW review I posted earlier today. As always, please leave feedback, and check back later.

Also remember to check for: My weekly 7 post, and My Art of War Review