I remember reading somewhere (can't remember now and can't find the link) some American nutter..... sorry columnist....... stating that Scrooge was the hero pre the spirits visit as he had amassed vast wealth and was actually too charitable in employing Bob Cratchett who was a whiny, pathetic excuse of a man. His successful business was a fine example of a self-made man doing robust business in a time of poverty. Once converted, he succumbed to the weak minded ideal of giving to charity to help those less fortunate rather than letting capitalism take it's natural course (i.e. letting the impoverished to starve to death). Yeah, that's the true meaning of christmas!