How Does Scrooge Differ In A Christmas Carol

Have you ever regretted something you’ve done in the past? Ebenezer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol and Jimmy Valentine from A Retrieved Reformation both have made poor decisions, and they later regret them. Scrooge is a greedy miser who doesn’t care about the needy, but later meets the three apparitions of Christmas and changes, saving Tiny Tim. Jimmy is an elite safecracker who has been to jail many times, and after seeing Annabel Adams, tries to change his ways. The story A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens and the story A Retrieved Reformation written by O’Henry use dynamic characters and interesting events to illustrate the theme: “pay attention to the events that happen around you, as they can impact you and make you a better

Scrooge’s friend and coworker Jacob Marley died seven years ago on Christmas Eve, and that made Scrooge hate Christmas. “Scrooge. Are there no prisons? Gentleman Visitor. Many, sir. Scrooge. And the workhouse? Is it still in operation? Gentleman Visitor. It is; still, I wish I could say it was not. Scrooge. The poor law is still in full vigor then? Gentleman Visitor. Yes, sir. Scrooge. I’m glad to hear it. From what you said, I was afraid someone had stopped its operation.” (Dickens, 404) Scrooge believes that he should not donate to help the poor people, and that they should just work at the prisons or workhouses. Later, Scrooge says, “I wish to be left alone. Since you ask me what I wish, sir, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas, and I can’t

Scrooge is greedy and denies donating to the poor and needy, leaving them to grow sick and cold and die. Jimmy cracks safes and steals hundreds of dollars from people. But, another character brought about a change to the main characters, turning them from careless and rude people to thoughtful and kind people. In A Christmas Carol, it says, “Scrooge. Because he would not… no! You cannot tell me that he has died, for that Christmas has not come! I will not let it come! I will be there… It was me. Yes, yes, and I knew it and couldn’t look. I won’t be able to help. I won’t. (pause) Spirit, hear me. I am not the man I was. I will not be that man I have been for so many years. Why show me all of this if I am past all hope? Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me. Let the boy live!” (Dickens, 422) Scrooge saw the future, that because he doesn’t pay Cratchit enough money, Tiny Tim dies the next Christmas. Scrooge, being horrified by the fact that he cause the little boy’s death, changes his ways and gives Cratchit all the money he owes him. In A Retrieved Reformation, it states, “Mr. Ralph Spencer, the phoenix that