Dickens' A Christmas Carol and the Industrial Revolution In addition to being the age-old story of the Christmas season in an urban setting, A Christmas Carol also tells the sacred story of Christmas. With A Christmas Carol, Dickens began a creative process still ongoing in the Anglo-American imagination. As a result of the industrial revolution and the growth and development of cities, people's lives changed dramatically as they moved from country life and traditions to those of the city. As industrialization continued, living and working conditions worsened for many people in the city. As reports of horrible working conditions increased, so did the literature of social concern for reform. Prior to the publication of A Christmas Carol, the ideas and concerns of various reform bills had sparked growing debate on political and social issues. Whether Dickens had A Christmas Carol in mind or not, it is clear that the Industrial Revolution was an important factor in making his Christmas story a tale suited to the times. Dickens was concerned about working and living conditions during the Industrial Revolution, when the book was written. These are reflected in Ebenezer Scrooge. He is shown as the mean, hateful owner, who could care less if his employees are okay because he could always get more people. He knew this because during the Industrial Revolution there were more people than jobs, so people had to settle for worse conditions because that's all there was. When two men enter his shop... middle of paper... ooge really changes his ways, he can in a sense "spoonify the writing in the stone" and start a new life. It is significant that Scrooge promises that "the Spirits of all three will strive within me. I will not exclude the lessons they teach." This statement is indicative of several Christian statements of faith that promise to live and follow the teachings of the "Three" Gods, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. When we first meet Scrooge, we are informed and also observe that he is cold, miserly and bitter. However, after the visit of the Ghost of Christmas Future, Scrooge transforms into a generous and cheerful man. It is clear that something must have caused a really nice man to turn into a bad and evil person, in this case it was the Industrial Revolution.