In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens presents the idea of joy and happiness as central themes in the novel. Through the character of Ebenezer Scrooge, the author explores the concept that true happiness is not found in material possessions, but rather in human connection and empathy. The context of the novel is important to consider, as it was written during a time of great social and economic change in England. Industrialization and urbanization had led to a growing divide between the rich and poor, and Dickens was a strong advocate for social reform. A Christmas Carol can be seen as a critique of the selfishness and greed that characterized many members of the upper class at the time. Throughout the novel, Dickens contrasts the joy and happiness experienced by those who are generous and compassionate with the misery and loneliness of those who are selfish and miserly. Scrooge is initially presented as a cold and heartless character who values money above all else. When he is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present, he sees the happiness of the Cratchit family despite their poverty, and realizes that they are much happier than he is, despite his vast wealth: …show more content…
They were not a handsome family; they were not well dressed; their shoes were far from being waterproof; their clothes were scanty... But they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another, and contented with the time; and when they faded, and looked happier yet in the bright sprinklings of the Spirit's torch at parting, Scrooge had his eye upon them, and especially on Tiny Tim, until the