The ghost of Jacob Marley creeps up on Ebenezer Scrooge. Illustration by John Leech (1843). Image provided.

By Darla McCammon
and DeeAnna Muraski
Guest Columnists

WARSAW — Last week, we started our Art of Christmas All Stars with the dastardly devil the Grinch created by Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. This week we have another baddie turned goodie: Ebenezer Scrooge.

Scrooge came to life through the brilliant imagination of Charles Dickens. Scrooge has become so popular that the words “scrooge” and “bah-humbug” are firmly interred in the international vernacular.

Similar to Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” was immediately sold out when it was released on Dec. 14, 1843. The story line and “staves” (chapters) of the story  were fresh, original, creative and condemning all at once. But what helped bring the story to life were the bleak, detailed pen-and-ink drawings illustrated by John Leech.

Dickens had experienced the ravages of childhood poverty when his father was imprisoned in debtor’s prison. The experience haunted him the rest of his short life and was the impetus for “A Christmas Carol.” Coupled with his personal experience, he also toured the Cornish tin mines and was disgusted with the way child workers were treated. Instead of lambasting parliament, Dickens took another tactic and used “A Christmas Carol” as his missive. His book was golden and highly acclaimed by other writers, creatives and those in the upper echelons with the wherewithal to make needed changes in work conditions.

John Leech’s depiction of Scrooge and the ghost was as haunting as Dickens’ text and story. His linear perspective lent to the cut-and-dried personage of Scrooge — everything was harsh lines with few softening curves. You can see in the accompanying photo that even though Scrooge has a warm cup of tea or soup next to him, has a warm fire beside him and the glow from a Christmas candle on the table, these cannot cut through the dark dank looming all around, ready to envelop Scrooge. Leech created the invisible ghost, a feat very difficult with pen and ink. But you feel the heaviness of the ghost’s chains through his ethereal presence.

Like the Grinch, Scrooge even though hardened and layered with an egotistical center, eventually wins us over when he melts that exterior with a flaming heart bound to change and do good.

Events

Warsaw City Hall: Pierceton Picker — Dave Taylor is exhibiting his found art. He will be exhibiting until the end of January, and the exhibit will be changing. We will let you know the dates of when he is scheduled to do meet/greet during lunch hour. To have your work considered for exhibit, please contact the curator at [email protected]. Exhibiting is free and you retain all money for art work sold.