Literary Devices used to develop Scrooge’s Character
In the novel “A Christmas Carol”, Ebeneezer Scrooge is portrayed as an arrogant, selfish
man. This changes throughout the story as he interacts with the ghosts of Christmas past, present
and future en route to becoming a humble and generous man. Scrooge’s character, as well as his
character progression, are enhanced by the use of diction, similes and repetition throughout the
story.
When Scrooge is first introduced near the beginning of the novel, he is described as “hard
and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire”(Dickens 2), with this
simile suggesting that Scrooge is a hard and sharp man, lacking emotion. Moreover, steel is often
rubbed with flint to generate fire, and the author stating that no steel had ever struck out generous
fire from the flint is proposing that Scrooge is not generous.
Scrooge was also illustrated as “secret; and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster” (2),
with the author comparing qualities of Scrooge to those of an oyster using a simile. He is selfcontained like an oyster, which live in solitude at the bottom of the ocean. Scrooge distances
himself from society, as he has no friends or family and rarely leaves his home. Oysters also
keep precious pearls hidden inside them, similar to how Scrooge opts to hoard all of his wealth,
not sparing any of it for himself or anyone else.
Following his interaction with the last spirit, Scrooge is grateful that his fate has not been
determined, and he is given a chance to alter it. When he says “I am as light as a feather, I am as
happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school boy”(63), he is expressing his joy for being given a
chance to redeem himself. His diction in this quote differs drastically from his choice of words
earlier on in the novel. For instance, earlier on Scrooge says “Bah! Humbug!”(6) in response to
his nephew Fred wishing him a Merry Christmas. The previous quote also gives the reader
insight into Scrooge’s inner thoughts, as he is more optimistic now. This change in Scrooge’s
mindset is crucial because it allows him to become a better person and avoid the fate that he
dreads; becoming the man in the casket whom no one loves.
In addition, repetition is used to emphasize Scrooge’s character change even more. When
it says “He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city
knew”(69), the repetition of the word “good” is reinforcing the idea that Scrooge has become a
good man and better person in every aspect of his life. For example, before he changes, Scrooge
didn’t spare any coal to replenish Bob Cratchit’s measly fire, but after he changes, he offers to
increase Bob’s salary upon finding out that he is struggling to pay medical bills.
In conclusion, the use of similes, diction and repetition throughout the novel emphasizes
Scrooge’s characteristics and demonstrate that he is a dynamic character. His transformation
from an egotistical, selfish and arrogant man to a warm-hearted, generous and caring one is
enhanced by the use of these literary devices.