~The Society of Avid Young Readers~

Dec. 20, 2007

Day Eight: Stave IV

We’re almost finished with the book! I’m really glad that we went ahead and read this before Christmas. I have absolutely loved it.

Discussion Notes

This is the most solemn and frightening of all the visits from the spirits. This is where Scrooge really sees the consequences of the way he has lived his life--and they're certainly not comforting.

Oh, cold, cold, rigid, dreadful Death, set up thine altar here, and dress it with such terrors as thou hast at thy command: for this is thy dominion! But of the loved, revered, and honoured head, thou canst not turn one hair to thy dread purposes, or make one feature odious. It is not that the hand is heavy and will fall down when released; it is not that the heart and pulse are stilll; but that the hand WAS open, generous, and true; the heart brave, warm, and tender; and the pulse of man's. Strike, Shadow, strike! And see his good deeds springing from the wound, to sow the world with life immortal!

That last image is so awesome. Death can't harm us when we have love. In fact, the more death tries to hurt us, the more fruit our good deeds bring. When it seemed that death had had the ultimate victory--His good deeds sprung up from the wound, to sow the world with life immortal.

So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 NKJV

Discussion Questions

1. How did Scrooge's reaction to the spirit show how much he had changed?
2. The spirit showed Scrooge what kinds of effects his actions had on other people surrounding him. How do you think our actions affect others (even when we don't know it)?
3. How did Tiny Tim's death contrast to Scrooge's death? What did they both leave behind?

We'll finish up the book with Stave V: "The End of It." The last discussion post will be on Saturday. After that--I hope we'll all enjoy our Christmas break!

Regards,
Sylvia

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Comments

Dec. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by sweetpotato

1. Here, again, he states his intention to learn from what the Spirit tells him. And this time he states that he intends to be a different man from who he was before. Sounds very promising.

2. Our actions affect a lot, including other people's actions. An act of kindness on my part might inspire someone else to act kindly. This, in turn, affects someone else. So our actions can be even farther reaching than we can imagine. (Scary, eh?)

3. Both Tiny Tim and Scrooge left behind memories. Scrooge will be easily forgotten. The most anyone can say of him is that...well, I'm not sure what. Whereas we can see with Tiny Tim's familiy that they have fond memories of him, and that he will help the Cratchits get along, even as he isn't around anymore.

I've enjoyed reading this before Christmas too! I'm glad you decided to do it.

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