Scrooge's Resistance to the Spirits

Scrooge's initial skepticism and resistance to the supernatural lessons, and his gradual surrender.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Denial of Marley

The Unbeliever Dismissing the Ghost When Marley's ghost appears, Scrooge tries to dismiss it as a hallucination, calling it 'humbug.' He suggests it might be an undigested bit of beef. But the ghost's cries and chains terrify him. The Forced Belief Marley's ghost compels Scrooge to believe through sheer terror. Scrooge finally accepts the reality of the supernatural, but he still resists the message.

Resistance to the Past

The Painful Memories Attempting to Stop As the Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge his childhood and lost love, Scrooge repeatedly asks to stop. He tries to extinguish the spirit's light with the cap. The Forced Lesson The ghost forces Scrooge to continue, showing him the consequences of his choices. Scrooge's resistance is overcome by the spirit's persistence.

Reluctance to Change

The Growing Awareness Defensiveness Scrooge defends his view that Sunday closing laws deprive the poor of enjoyment. The ghost rebukes him, saying that those who claim to act in its name often do evil. Scrooge is quieted. The Beginnings of Change Despite his defensiveness, Scrooge begins to feel sympathy for the Cratchits. His resistance is crumbling as he sees the reality of poverty and love.

Submission to the Future

The Final Surrender Fear and Pleading Scrooge is terrified of the silent spirit and desperately tries to understand the visions. He begs to see tenderness connected with death, but the spirit shows him only indifference. The Promise At the grave, Scrooge falls to his knees and promises to change. He accepts the message fully, and his resistance is gone. The conflict is resolved.

Christmas Eve, late night

Early morning, during the Ghost of Christmas Past's visit

Christmas Day, during the Ghost of Christmas Present's visit

Late Christmas Day, during the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come's visit