What Does Scrooge Say About The Workhouse

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Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly protagonist of Charles Dickens’ *A Christmas Carol*, is infamous for his cold-hearted pronouncements. A key element of his uncharitable worldview is his attitude towards the poor, and understanding what does Scrooge say about the workhouse is crucial to grasping his initial character and the societal ills Dickens critiques. Scrooge’s callous words reflect a belief that the poor are responsible for their own suffering and that society has no obligation to assist them.

Scrooge’s Grim View of Poverty and the Workhouse

Scrooge’s most damning statement comes when two gentlemen visit his counting house seeking charitable donations for the poor. They inquire whether he would like to contribute to providing food and shelter for those less fortunate, particularly during the harsh winter. It’s in this exchange that we truly learn what does Scrooge say about the workhouse. His response is brutally dismissive. He asks if the prisons and workhouses are still in operation. These institutions, under the Poor Law, were intended to provide a safety net for the destitute, but they were notoriously harsh and degrading.

When told that they are indeed still in operation, and that many would rather die than go there, Scrooge retorts: “If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.” This chilling line reveals the core of his philosophy. He sees the poor as an inconvenience, a drain on society’s resources. He believes that if they cannot support themselves, they are essentially expendable. This sentiment highlights the Malthusian ideas prevalent at the time, which suggested that population growth would inevitably outstrip resources, leading to poverty and starvation. The workhouse, in Scrooge’s mind, is a sufficient solution, and if it’s not appealing, then death is a viable alternative. Consider these aspects of Scrooge’s worldview:

• A belief in individual responsibility above all else.
• A disregard for the suffering of others.
• An acceptance of social inequality as natural and inevitable.

Scrooge’s views on the workhouse and poverty are further reinforced by his lack of empathy and his obsession with wealth. He sees money as the ultimate measure of worth, and he judges others based on their financial status. He is unwilling to share his wealth, even with those who are struggling to survive. This attitude is a stark contrast to the spirit of Christmas, which emphasizes generosity, compassion, and goodwill towards all. Furthermore, workhouses at the time were dreadful places. Consider this simple comparison:

To gain a deeper understanding of Scrooge’s perspective, read the original text of *A Christmas Carol* by Charles Dickens. It provides valuable context to the character’s motivations and the social climate of Victorian England.