Throughout the play, Dickens uses vivid description of the atmosphere to represent the attitudes of the upper class. The development in the weather throughout represents the change Scrooge’s ignorance and conveys to the audience the importance of equality and social responsibility. In the extract, Dickens creates a bleak and cold atmosphere. For example, it is described as having “biting weather” and “fog came pouring”. The personification of the weather emphasises to the reader the harshness of the weather. The verb “biting” suggests the weather acts in harsh and aggressive ways. It compares the cold to a vicious animal that is attacking the people of London. Furthermore, the “pouring” fog, suggests that the weather can’t be controlled. It is portrayed as a force that is infiltrating behind even closed doors. This creates an eerie and bleak atmosphere. This is very effective as it accurately conveys what life was like in London during the 19th century. Living conditions were poor and poverty was growing throughout the time this novella was written. Additionally, the houses are described as “mere phantoms”. This suggests that they lack the joy and warmth needed to give the houses a soul. By comparing them to “phantoms”, the eerie atmosphere of the streets of London is further emphasised which reveals the reality of living in poverty to the middle class audience. It is significant that the initial description of the setting cements the idea of dread and bitterness to the audience as it makes the eventual change even more impactful. Also in the extract, the setting appears as dark and dismal. Scrooge himself as a “very small fire”, but Crachit’s was made of only “one coal”. Despite the harsh and bitter cold outside, the small fire inside clearly shows how Scrooge is miserly. Dickens may have done this to convey how the lack of warmth from family has resulted in Scrooge’s life being cold in all aspects. Not only does the small fire create an increasingly dismal atmosphere, it also highlights the poor treatment of Bob Crachit by Scrooge. The fact that Scrooge wouldn’t let his clerk “replenish” his fire highlights his cruel treatment. Through this, Dickens is reminding the audience of the importance of being a good employer. Most people reading this novella would have been rich, business owners as only they were educated and could read. Therefore, by making the audience feel sympathetic towards Crachit ,through the negative atmosphere created, he motivates change within them. Through this Dickens reveals the importance of social responsibility which is an underlying theme throughout this didactic novella. The motif of fire and light can be seen through out the play. For example, Fezziwig is described as having calves of light and “fuel heaped” on the fire place. At Fezziwig’s party, the setting greatly differs to Scrooge’s office. Here, there is an abundance of food and warmth with dancing, games and overall joy. Fezziwig, it a foil character to Scrooge, who reveals the importance of kindness and joy. This is significant as it further highlights Dickens message to the middle class of the importance of taking care of your employees. Furthermore, the evokes a sense of regret within Scrooge. At this moment he starts to feel guilt and realises he should treat his clerk better. This ultimately is one of many examples that leads to his eventual reformation by the end of the novella. At the end of the novella, the atmosphere described contrasts clearly to that described at the beginning. At this point of the play, the fog has lifted and the sun is shining. This is significant as at this moment, Scrooge’s attitudes and actions have also changed. Instead of being miserly and a “tight fist at the grindstone”, the buys the Crachit’s a marriage turkey and makes a generous donation to charity. It is almost as though the metaphorical fog of Scrooge’s ignorance has been lifted. This once again promoted the idea that the rich need to look after the poor and take responsibility for their actions, and reject the ideology of Malthus. Overall, Dickens uses setting throughout the play to emphasise the harsh coldness of London. However, the eventual change highlights that conditions could be significantly improved if ignorance within the middle class is eradicated. Furthermore, the prevalence of light and warmth in clearly shown through the characters of Scrooge and Fezziwig.