When Michel Faber speaks about "A Christmas Carol" as an extravagantly symbolic work, he compares it to a richly layered Christmas pudding packed with raisins. This comparison illustrates how Charles Dickens's novella is densely filled with various symbols and themes, much like the many ingredients and flavors in a traditional Christmas dessert.
Delving deeper into Faber’s statement reveals that "A Christmas Carol" is not just laden with symbolism but also serves as a profound commentary on social issues of its time. The novel employs symbols to explore themes such as redemption, social responsibility, and the stark contrast between the rich and poor during Victorian England. By comparing it to a Christmas pudding filled with raisins, Faber underscores how each symbol or theme contributes uniquely yet collectively to the overall richness and depth of the story. Each raisin represents a specific detail or narrative element that enhances the reader's understanding of the broader message.
Michel Faber is an acclaimed Scottish novelist known for his thought-provoking works such as "The Crimson Petal and the White" and "Under the Skin." His insightful commentary on literary classics like Dickens’s "A Christmas Carol" highlights his deep appreciation for the use of symbolism in literature. Through this quote, he invites readers to appreciate how a well-crafted narrative can offer layers of meaning beyond its surface story, much like enjoying the complex flavors and textures of a traditional Christmas pudding.
