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A Christmas Carol- The Visions Of Things That “May” Be Or “Will” Be?

Charles Dickens, in his novel A Christmas Carol, constantly develops the theme of free will over determinism. Scrooge, when met by the ghost of Christmas yet to come, encounters visions of the future. He sees both Tiny Tim’s death and his own death in these visions. He asks the ghost if they are visions of what may be or of what will be. The specter is silent and leaves Scrooge to answer his own question. Dickens also uses the character of Jacob Marley to present what Scrooge can turn out like, if in fact he does not alter his way of life. Throughout the novel, Dickens elaborates upon the idea that it is possible for a person to change their fate, hence the concept of free will.
Jacob Marley is portrayed as a mournful apparition who carries a long chain. The chain is comprised of cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds, and heavy purses wrought in steel. The specter describes the chain as being, “the chain I forged in life.” Scrooge will also be wearing this c...

Posted by: Novelett Roberts

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