Final answer:
Scrooge's character development from miserly to generous and esteemed is a key illustration of redemption in 'A Christmas Carol', showcasing that through compassion and self-reflection, profound personal transformation is attainable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote "Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and was infinitely more....He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew," illustrates Scrooge's character development in Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. Initially depicted as miserly and cold-hearted, Scrooge's transformative journey is catalyzed by the visitations of the three Ghosts of Christmas. By the end of the tale, Scrooge has become the antithesis of his former self—generous, good-natured, and esteemed within his community. This change is emphasized by the phrase "infinitely more," indicating that his actions surpassed even the great expectations set by his words. Moreover, his growth is captured in the threefold repetition of "as good a" which shows his all-encompassing improvement in personal, professional, and communal aspects of life.
Scrooge's evolution exemplifies the theme of redemption which is central to the novel. It aligns with the notion that through compassion and self-reflection, personal transformation is possible, signaling hope for even the most flawed individuals. This idea is mirrored in other literature and philosophical discourses that have explored the malleability of character and the human capacity for change, such as in the value of 'habit' and 'acts' in shaping virtue, as described by Aristotle in his ethical works.