A Christmas Carol - Stave Two

Second stave was joyful, and mournful.  First spirit reminded Scrooge of small joys people gave him, and how his sister loved, and worked for his return.  We see people of modest success like Fezzywig share with family, friends, and apprentices.  Scrooge was actually happy sleeping in an office, as opposed to miserable living in chambers.  Note how Christmas eve celebration was after a full days work. 

Scrooge becomes overwhelmed by fear of the world and money as the means to face it.  This chokes his love relationship with Belle.  Speaking truth in love she says money replaced her in his heart.  Sad to hear his only responses were about the importance of money to face the world, not joy from sharing the world with Belle.  Scrooge is so consumed he can not even sacrifice time to be by the side of his business partner Marley as he lays dying alone.  Scrooge cringes as he is able to see his loss of humanity and hardening of his heart. 

Scrooges sister, and Belle, were hopeful, but Scrooge became all consumed by money.  Yes the world is a scarry place, and money helps, but he lost his hope and joy. 

He was in affect dead to life.