Explore how Dickens presents changes in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 17 - 2020 - Paper 1

In this extract, Dickens vividly illustrates the transformation of Scrooge's perception through the strange encounter with the door-knocker. This transformation serves as a pivotal moment, marking the onset of Scrooge's journey towards enlightenment and redemption.

The Door-Knocker Scene

Initially, the knocker is described as large and unremarkable, yet it takes on the visage of Marley, which signifies the unsettling confrontation with his past. Scrooge's disbelief highlights his rigid worldview, as he struggles to comprehend the phenomenon.

Themes of Change and Transformation

This transformative moment reflects larger themes in the novel, where Scrooge must confront his past choices and the consequences of his miserliness. Throughout the narrative, Dickens uses supernatural occurrences to symbolize internal change, suggesting that recognition of one’s faults is the first step toward change.

Broader Implications in the Novel

Elsewhere in the novel, Scrooge's encounters with the spirits further emphasize changes not only in him but also in the world around him. Each spirit serves as a catalyst for self-reflection, pushing Scrooge towards eventual redemption, as he learns to empathize with others and appreciate the joys of life.

In conclusion, Dickens presents change as a complex process, marked by both fear and illumination. The door-knocker scene encapsulates the beginning of Scrooge's transformation, which is echoed throughout the rest of the novel.