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Stave One: Marley's Ghost
On Christmas Eve, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley’s ghost is bound in a chain forged of cashboxes, ledgers, and more, reminders of his sins on Earth. To save Scrooge from encountering a similar fate, Marley tells Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits over the next three nights.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Stave One: Marley's Ghost
Stave Two: The First of the Three Spirits
Scrooge awakens to the Ghost of Christmas Past who transports him to the countryside where he grew up, overwhelming Scrooge to tears at the sight of memories from his youth. Afterward, Scrooge is taken to a scene where Belle, his fiancée at the time, calls off their engagement, claiming that greed has corrupted him. Scrooge begs the ghost to take him back home, and after the ghost disappears, he falls back to sleep.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Stave Two: The First of the Three Spirits
Stave Three: The Second of the Three Spirits
Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Present who leads Scrooge through the jovial crowds of people on Christmas Day. Scrooge is led to the home of Bob Cratchit, where he inquires whether the weak Tiny Tim will survive, leading the ghost to respond that it is unlikely. After enjoying himself at Fred’s Christmas party, Scrooge is taken to a desolate expanse where he is confronted by a hooded figure.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Stave Three: The Second of the Three Spirits
Stave Four: The Last of the Three Spirits
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come leads Scrooge through a series of scenes involving the death of a rich, unforgiving man. When Scrooge asks who the dead man is, the ghost points to a headstone that reads: EBENEZER SCROOGE. Startled by the realization, Scrooge pleads with the ghost to undo the terrible visions, affirming that he will take the lessons to heart and change his way.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Stave Four: The Last of the Three Spirits
Stave Five: The End of It
Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning, overjoyed by his new lease on life, and proceeds to buy a huge turkey for the Cratchits, donates money to the poor, and enjoys his time at Fred’s party. The next morning, Scrooge gives Cratchit a raise and promises to help the family, eventually becoming a second father to Tiny Tim, who does not die as the vision predicted. True to his word, Scrooge applies the Christmas spirit to every day of his life.
