What Does Social Justice Mean In A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol Essay

Introductory Paragraph:

“The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things.” In this quote, Thomas S. Monson explained the true meaning of Christmas which is very similar to the meaning of Christmas in the Victorian Era. In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, one man named Ebenezer Scrooge discovers the true meaning of Christmas in his town and his heart. By analyzing social justice, Scrooge’s transformation, and childhood innocence; it becomes clear that all these elements help shape the characters in this novel, as well as define the time period.

Social Justice Social Justice is one of the main concepts and themes in

what reason have you to be merry? You’re poor enough... What right have you to be dismal? what reason have you to be morose? You’re rich enough,”’ (3). From this piece of the story, indirect characterization and juxtaposition tie this quote to the theme of social justice. The quote explains the difference between certain social classes and how the wealthy look down upon others. This then emphasizes the importance of social standings. The words that were said such as, “You’re poor enough,” and “You’re rich enough,” directly characterize Scrooge and his personality in which he thinks poorly of others whose social rankings are below his, and that he is wealthy enough to be merry. Juxtaposition is also evident in this when the author puts the words rich and poor next to each other. This is meant to emphasize how important the people’s financial status was in that time and its importance. Another example of social justice is from Scrooge’s nephew when he describes his thoughtfulness, ‘“...If they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures