As further evidence of the far-ranging nature of the Coalition's cuts, Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol has been drastically "re-visioned" by Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
The first thing readers of the original will notice is that the new work is considerably shorter.This represents not only a considerable saving in paper and ink, argues Mr Smith but mirrors the new reality we all (well you) face in these hard times.In fact, the book now consists solely of the first chapter of the original, heavily re-worked.
"I have to admit that I have never really understood Dickens' original" says Smith. "It is clear to me that the character of Scrooge is a hero for our times, and a perfect metaphor for the financial services industry. But, in a change which I hope traditionalists will forgive, I feel that the character of Scrooge works better as a woman, called Margaret. Why do we need more than Scrooge? The whole business of the three spirits of Christmas is just so much flim flam. But I hope there is still something for lovers of the original story. For example, I toyed with the idea of removing the character of Marley entirely but instead re-cast him as a Julian Assange figure, maliciously trying, yet failing, to undermine Scrooge's philosophy."
Another episode retained from the original is Scrooge's visit to Bob Cratchit's house: this time, not in the company of the Ghost of Christmas Present but with members of the Bullingdon Club who laugh at Tiny Tim and poke at him with sticks.
And one final change. Scrooge no longer dies - he lives on and on.
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Cuts hit a Christmas classic..
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MrChigleysAunt
offlineMemberPosted 2 years ago #
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