'A Christmas Carol' Stave 4: death in the novella

Scrooge’s reactions to the first two deaths in the novella are callous - he represses his emotions. Over the course of the novella, Scrooge learns the value of individual human life, so is more affected by the deaths. Through Tiny Tim’s death, Scrooge recognises that the "surplus population" are, in fact, human beings worthy of life. Scrooge recognises the importance of living a fulfilling life and contributing positively to the welfare of others. Dickens emphasises that having a positive impact on others doesn’t always require money, it requires compassion/empathy.