Fezziwig is a former employer of Scrooge in A Christmas Carol who represents everything Scrooge is not. The scene involving Fezziwig’s ball is lively and beautiful, and highlights Fezziwig’s concern for his employees’ happiness. This scene marks the beginning of Scrooge’s emotional transformation and willingness to learn to be a better man. The Boston Beer Company produces a seasonal beer called Old Fezziwig Ale.
Old Fezziwig is one of the enduring characters in Charles Dickens’ classic novella A Christmas Carol. He is a former employer of Ebenezer Scrooge, who in many ways represents everything Scrooge is not. The reader encounters him when Scrooge is forced to look at his past Christmas memories of the Ghost of Christmas Past.
The scene involving Scrooge’s employer is often called Fezziwig’s ball, and is one of the liveliest and most beautiful scenes in A Christmas Carol. Scrooge’s master has a cheerful and jovial disposition, and though he is a good businessman, he is also deeply concerned with the happiness of his employees and of the people in the firms located near him. As an employer, he clearly inspires the respect of Scrooge and his fellow apprentice Dick Wilkins, who quickly comply with his order to prepare for the Yuletide ball which Fezziwig has organized as a present for the apprentices, himself, his family and neighbours. .
The scene is clearly meant to counter Scrooge’s stingy and evil treatment of his employee, Bob Cratchit, particularly in regards to Christmas. It’s also the first time that one of Scrooge’s memories makes him enjoy all the fun of the season. He is moved and lively, as Dickens writes: “he remembered everything, enjoyed everything and suffered the strangest agitation”. The moment is clearly one that marks the beginning of Scrooge’s emotional transformation and willingness to learn to be a better man. Scrooge gladly admits of the boss/employee relationship that Fezziwig has the power to make an employee happy or unhappy and to determine whether the job will be very difficult or easy, by choosing to be nice.
Perhaps one of the most delightful moments of the Fezziwig Ball is the description of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig dancing. Dickens writes of his calves shining like moons, and of him dancing proficiently enough for a man of his generous size. A description of a part of the dance may confuse the modern reader, when Dickens writes how Fezziwig “cuts”. This is actually a leap into the air with a quick change of leg position, and certainly suggests that Scrooge’s former master knew his stuff on the dance floor, as well as being a wonderful employer.
The bliss in this exuberant celebration is credited entirely to the kind and benevolent master, and a reference to him is sure to evoke a pleasant feeling in those who love Dickens’ novella. In recent years, the Boston Beer Company, which produces the Samuel Adams® brands, has produced a seasonal beer called Old Fezziwig Ale that is mildly spiced and has been widely recognized as the perfect beer to celebrate with.
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