The Pawnbroker and the Plunder

The scene in old Joe's shop where Scrooge's belongings are sold after his death, showing the indifference of others.

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The Thieves' Gathering

A Disgraceful Bargain The Characters In a dark, filthy shop, old Joe, a fence, meets with Mrs. Dilber, a laundress, and a charwoman. They bring stolen goods from Scrooge's house: bed-curtains, sheets, a shirt, and more. The Transaction They bargain over the items, joking about Scrooge's death. The charwoman says she took the bed-curtains while he lay dead. The scene is a chilling display of how little Scrooge was loved.

Scrooge's Horror

The Realization Recognizing His Fate Scrooge watches the scene and realizes that the dead man is himself. He is horrified that his belongings are being stolen and that no one mourns him. The Lesson The vision of being plundered after death is a powerful motivator for Scrooge to change his life. He sees the emptiness of his avarice.

Future, after Scrooge's death

Future, during the vision