Stave 3 - Fred’s party
Bottom p80-83, p87-91
What do we learn about Fred? (5 key quotes)
What more do we learn about Scrooge and his change? (4 key quotes)
‘a hearty laugh’
You won’t find ‘a man more blest in a laugh than Scrooge's nephew’ - he has the happiest of laughs
‘contagious’ (infectious laughter which everyone joins in with)
He brings and joy and happiness - opposite to Scrooge
Laughing about Scrooge and the fact he said Xmas is ‘humbug’ - they think it is ridiculously funny to have such an attitude.
"He's a comical old fellow… and not so pleasant as he might be. However, his offenses carry their own punishment, and I have nothing to say against him."
Fred is positive about people - he sees the best in them.
He recognises that Scrooge is only suffering from his decisions. ‘His wealth is of no use to him’ because he does not spend any money and enjoy life.
‘I am sorry for him. I couldn't be angry with him if I tried.’ (Forgiving and kind)
(Others are less patient)
‘I mean to give him the same chance every year, whether he likes it or not, for I pity him’ Fred won’t give up on him and wants to share the pleasant things in life
He hopes he has had an impact
‘If it only puts him in the vein to leave his poor clerk fifty pounds, that's something; and I think I shook him yesterday."
P87-91- description of Scrooge from the game - links directly to his behaviour earlier
‘elicited from him that he was thinking … a disagreeable animal, a savage animal, an animal that growled and grunted sometimes, and talked sometimes, and lived in London’
They drink a toast to Scrooge (like the Cratchits)
Scrooge watching -
‘One half hour, Spirit, only one!’ - desperate to stay . Wants to enjoy the fun.
Watching ‘become so gay and light of heart’ he would have joined in the toast - the scene is infectious (change)
"Have they no refuge or resource?" cried Scrooge. Earlier he asked are there are there no prisons or workhouses - quoted back to make him think. Starting to think about others - compassion and concern