We've arrived at Stave Five of "A Christmas Carol" as I run down the story elements that I feel are necessary to include in a short-form adaptation of the book in order to get a cohesive story so that someone who is unfamiliar with the story can follow along and get the full experience.
So, now Scrooge is back in his bedroom and we need hi to mention that his bed curtains are still there and wonder what day it is.
He needs to call to the boy out the window and engage him to buy the turkey, talking to himself about sending it to Bob Cratchit. We don't need to hangs around for the poulterer's man to arrive with the turkey.
Then Scrooge should start out for Fred's house and meet the portly gentleman on the way. The we can hear that Scrooge had a good time at Fred's without too much else description.
I don't want Scrooge to go to Bob Cratchit's house on Christmas Day but rather get to the office before Bob on the next day, as per the book.
He pretends to mad at Bob, but surprises him by raising his salary and tells him to buy another coal scuttle, a throwback to their argument at the beginning of the story.
The narrator comes back to wrap things up, including letting us know that Tiny Tim did not die, reprises Tim's line. And scene!
So, if I were king, or at least in charge of a short audio recording of "A Christmas Carol," these are all the story elements I want. If something needs to be cut, I would want the corresponding element to go too.
For example, if there were no Fred, we can't have Fan. No loose ends!
And I want it to be a dramatization with a full cast, some nice music and a few chroal effects.
Done!
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