The Charity Collectors' Visit

The brief encounter with two gentlemen seeking donations for the poor, which reveals Scrooge's callous social views.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Request for Charity

A Plea for the Poor The Gentlemen's Approach Two portly gentlemen enter Scrooge's office, asking for a donation to provide food and warmth for the poor. They mention that many thousands are in want of common necessities. Scrooge's Rejection Scrooge refuses, asking sarcastically if the prisons and workhouses are still in operation. He says he cannot afford to make idle people merry and that the poor should die and 'decrease the surplus population.' The gentlemen leave disappointed.

The Donation After Transformation

A Generous Gift The Apology After his transformation, Scrooge meets the same gentleman on the street and apologizes. He whispers a large donation in his ear, promising to pay back payments. The Joy of Giving The gentleman is astonished, and Scrooge feels immense happiness. The act of charity is a tangible sign of his change of heart.

Christmas Eve, late afternoon

Christmas Day, morning