A Christmas Carol - A Study in Politics?

I love Charles Dickens', A Christmas Carol.  Published in 1843 it paints a picture of England undergoing a time of change during a period of industrialism where men, women, and children worked in appalling conditions for little money.  Workhouses, debtor prisons, and refuges for the destitute with wards for males and females. 

 

Although it stands as an indictment of English society of the day, does it reflect on current American society and politics?  I leave that to the reader.  I offer the except, below, for each to read and ponder.  Can we see far left liberalism, the Tea Party philosophies, far right conservative or libertarian values?  Bleeding hearts and the crusty curmudgeon?  Is the story reflecting both ends of the spectrum or is there a bit of grey in between?  Next time you have the opportunity to read the tale, try giving it another twist and see if Dickens isn't commenting on the political and social environment of any country.

 

When you read the entire story watch the interaction between Bob Cratchit and his wife.  Bob being somewhat more understanding than the missus.  Also watch the same interaction with Scrooge's nephew and his significant other.  I see politics seeping in throughout, and these same conversations can be reflected by any family today.

 

This story is yet more proof that Charles Dickens was a master storyteller.  I try to read this every year, or at least those excerpts I love the most.  I always find something I didn't see before.  Whether it speaks to politics or social values, in the end we find the humanity we are all capable of.  We can have differing beliefs, differing economic situations, even different faiths, and still treat each other with dignity and respect. 

 

Merry Christmas!

"At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge," said the gentleman, taking up a pen, "it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and Destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time.  Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir."

"Are there no prisons?" asked Scrooge.

"Plenty of prisons," said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.

"And the Union workhouses?"  demanded Scrooge.  "Are they still in operation?"

"They are.  Still," returned the gentleman, "I wish I could say they were not."

"The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?"  said Scrooge.

"Both very busy, sir."

"Oh!  I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course," said Scrooge.  "I'm very glad to hear it."

"Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude," returned the gentleman, "a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink and means of warmth.  We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices.  What shall I put you down for?"

"Nothing!" Scrooge replied.

"You wish to be anonymous?"

"I wish to be left alone," said Scrooge.  "Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer.  I don't make merry myself at Christmas and I can't afford to make idle people merry.  I help to support the establishments I have mentioned -- they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there."

"Many can't go there; and many would rather die."

"If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.  Besides -- excuse me -- I don't know that."

"But you might know it," observed the gentleman.

"It's not my business," Scrooge returned.  "It's enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people's.  Mine occupies me constantly.  Good afternoon, gentlemen!"

Seeing clearly that it would be useless to pursue their point, the gentlemen withdrew.