Open Thread

from Masterpieces of World Literature:

“Literally a hymn to the spirit of Christmas, this universally loved story has fascinated all ages and peoples. It appeals to a basic instinct in all of us: the need to overcome self-hate and to live in benign self-esteem. We are no good to ourselves or anyone else unless we can find within our own souls the seeds of that goodness we hope to find in the world.

Marley’s ghost provides the terrifying example: that this is all Scrooge has to look forward to if he continues to live without involving himself in humankind. The ghosts that follow reveal to the reader the psychological reasons for Scrooge’s warped character, but they are also messengers from Scrooge’s unconscious mind forcing him to confront repressed disappointments and failures of kindness. He is rewarded for standing up to the pain of confrontation with the balm of self-pity. As the various Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future enable Scrooge to confront the truth about his own life, a subtle transference takes place; Scrooge shifts from self-pity to compassion and concern for others.

He rises in the morning a man possessed with the possibilities of kindness and charity. The Cratchits, Scrooge’s nephew, and the charity collectors are not only beneficiaries of Scrooge’s largesse; they are also the heirs of his spiritual awakening.”

“Before I draw nearer to that stone to which you point,” said Scrooge, “answer my one question. Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they the shadows of things that May be, only?”

Ah, burning the festivus pole at both ends, I see. 😉

Merry Christmas, whoever is left!

Thanks, rf, all the best to you as well. Yes, will be with family. Taking a redeye tonight.