Christmas carol by Charles Dickens

Christmas carol by Charles Dickens

Introduction

"A Christmas Carol" was released for the first time in 1843. On 24 December 1843, although it was in a bookstore a few days ago and had a high cost, the story had sold 6,000 copies, a record for the time. In general, the story is considered a morality in full medieval style, the religious symbolism and atmosphere of melodrama. In fact, Dickens deals with social issues, attacking the upper classes, child labor in the factory which he had to endure, because forced by his father, and poverty. This paper discussed different aspects of the story along with its relation with Charles Dickens' life.

Discussion

London and life events of Charles Dickens

The medieval Christmas traditions which were combined with the celebrations of the birth of Christ, along with the Roman Saturnalia tradition and the German winter festival of Yule were strictly scrutinized under Oliver Cromwell by the Puritans. On the other hand, the industrial revolution was at its peak at the time of Dickens and workers were allowed little time to celebrate Christmas.

Dickens incorporates the traditions and customs that were adopted by the Victorians truly reflects that how the concept of holiday was changed into something of good cheer and compassion rather than a simple religious observance day. They had started decorating their homes with the magical plants that were mistletoe and Christmas trees (Fisher, 2010). There are many instances of caroling in “A Christmas carol”, a tradition which was much familiar during the Victorian era. Most of the Christmas Carol songs that are sung today are the origins of nineteenth century. It is the tradition which came from the Victorian era along with the decoration of Christmas trees. Dickens does not mention Christmas trees in his story and it is because of the fact that these trees were introduced only two years before the publication of this novel and were not as famous.

Worker's holiday on Christmas occasion was another tradition emerged during the Victorian era (Fisher, 2010). At that time, workers were given two days holiday, first for 25th December, the Christmas day and another for Boxing Day on 26th December. Boxing Day was the day when boxes were distributed to the poor people by church. Though, there are no significant of Santa Clause in the novel, but the Ghost of Christmas Present may be symbolized as one. It is contended that prior to 1880, Santa Claus used to wear green coat and the Ghost of the novel is also shown in simple deep green robe.

Facts in life of Charles Dickens

Charles John Huffman Dickens was born to John and Elizabeth Dickens on 7th February 1812. At the age of twelve, when his sister was attending some expensive music academy, he was put to work where he used to work overtime to produce more money for his family as the financial conditions of his family were quite unstable. He did not only suffer physically but also emotionally and he used to find his peace ...