Episode Twelve: The Fezziwigs

Summary

Podcast Summary: A Christmas Carol – Episode Twelve: The Fezziwigs

Host/Author: The Merry Beggars
Release Date: December 12, 2024
Duration: Approximately 9 minutes

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Overview

In Episode Twelve: The Fezziwigs of A Christmas Carol, The Merry Beggars delve into the heartwarming scene depicting Ebenezer Scrooge's past, specifically his joyful interactions with his former employer, Mr. Fezziwig. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of generosity, community spirit, and the impact of kindness in the workplace.

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Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Bob Cratchit extending festive greetings:

[00:19] Bob Cratchit: "We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

The narration swiftly transports listeners to a bustling city during Christmas time, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere:

[00:25] Narrator: "They were now in the busy thoroughfares of a city where shadowy passengers passed and repassed, where shadowy carts and coaches battled for the way..."

As evening descends, the ghost guides Scrooge to a familiar warehouse store, awakening memories of his apprenticeship.

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Reunion with Old Fezziwig

Upon arriving at the warehouse, Scrooge encounters Old Fezziwig, a figure embodying cheerfulness and generosity:

[01:14] Fezziwig: "Yo ho there, Ebenezer."

Fezziwig's vivacious personality is painted vividly:

[01:39] Fezziwig: "Dick."

Scrooge's former self, along with his fellow apprentice Dick Wilkins, briskly enters, reminiscing about past camaraderie.

[01:46] Bob Cratchit: "Dick Wilkins, to be sure. Bless me. Yes, there he is. He was very much attached to me, was Dick. Poor Dick. Dear, dear."

Fezziwig announces the cessation of work for the evening, initiating preparations for a grand Christmas celebration:

[01:58] Fezziwig: "Yo ho, my boys. No more work tonight. Christmas Eve, Dick. Christmas."

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The Festive Celebration

The warehouse undergoes a magical transformation under Fezziwig's direction. The narrative captures the meticulous yet joyful effort to prepare for the festivities:

[02:42] Narrator: "Clear away. There was nothing they wouldn't have cleared away or couldn't have cleared away with old Fezziwig looking on."

The atmosphere becomes that of a splendid ballroom, complete with music, dancing, and an array of festive foods and beverages:

[04:22] Fezziwig: "Well done."

[04:23] Narrator: "And the fiddler plunged his hot face into a pot of porter..."

Despite the exhaustion, the energy remains high as more dances commence, epitomizing the unending spirit of the celebration.

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Heartfelt Interactions and Reflections

As the evening progresses, Fezziwig and his wife engage in lively dancing, showcasing their unbreakable bond and mutual respect:

[05:20] William: "1, 2, 3, 3. Up and up and up we go."

The description emphasizes their seamless partnership:

[05:26] Narrator: "And so would Mrs. Fezziwig, as to her she was worthy to be his partner in every sense of the term."

The festivities culminate with warm farewells, highlighting the inclusive and appreciative nature of Fezziwig's character:

[06:28] William: "Merry Christmas, William."
[06:30] Narrator: "Your mother."
[06:31] William: "We're so sad she couldn't make it. But next week she'll be round. Yes."

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Moral Reflections and Lessons Learned

Throughout the celebration, Scrooge exhibits a whirlwind of emotions, reflecting on the profound impact of Fezziwig's generosity. The ghost observes Scrooge's internal struggle and awakening consciousness:

[07:17] Ghost of Christmas Past: "A small matter to make these silly folks so full of gratitude."
[07:21] Bob Cratchit: "Small."
[07:23] Ghost of Christmas Past: "Listen."

The dialogue underscores the essence of true generosity—not in monetary terms, but in fostering happiness and creating a supportive community. Bob Cratchit articulates the intangible benefits of Fezziwig's kindness:

[08:00] Dick Wilkins: "May his name ring through our history as the personification of hospitality and generosity."

The ghost challenges the notion that such acts are insignificant, emphasizing their far-reaching effects:

[08:08] Ghost of Christmas Past: "Why is it not a small matter? He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money..."

Bob counters, highlighting the deeper value of Fezziwig's actions:

[08:19] Bob Cratchit: "The happiness he gives is quite as great as if it cost a fortune."

This exchange serves as a pivotal moment, prompting Scrooge to recognize the true worth of benevolence beyond financial metrics.

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Conclusion

Episode Twelve: The Fezziwigs masterfully encapsulates the spirit of Christmas through the lens of generosity and community. By revisiting Scrooge's past, The Merry Beggars illuminate the transformative power of kindness, reminding listeners that true wealth lies in the joy and support we extend to others. This episode not only enriches the narrative of "A Christmas Carol" but also offers timeless lessons applicable in everyday life.

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Notable Quotes:

• Bob Cratchit [00:19]: "We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
• Fezziwig [01:14]: "Yo ho there, Ebenezer."
• Dick Wilkins [08:00]: "May his name ring through our history as the personification of hospitality and generosity."
• Ghost of Christmas Past [07:17]: "A small matter to make these silly folks so full of gratitude."

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This summary provides a comprehensive overview of Episode Twelve, capturing the essence of Fezziwig's character and the lasting impact of his generosity on Scrooge. Through vivid narration and meaningful dialogues, the episode reinforces the timeless message that true richness comes from the heart.

Transcript

[Narrator]

The Merry Beggars at Relevant radio present episode 12 the Pheasants.

[Bob Cratchit]

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[Narrator]

Although the ghost and Scrooge had but that moment left the school behind them, they were now in the busy thoroughfares of a city where shadowy passengers passed and repassed, where shadowy carts and coaches battled for the way and all the strife and tumult of a real city were. It was made plain enough by the dressing of the shops that here too it was Christmas time again. But it was evening and the streets were lighted up. The ghost stopped at a certain warehouse store.

[Ghost of Christmas Past]

Do you know it?

[Narrator]

Know it was I apprenticed here they went in. An old gentleman in a Welsh wig sat behind a high desk, and if he had been two inches taller, he must have knocked his head against the ceiling.

[Bob Cratchit]

Why, it's old Fezziwig. Bless his heart. It's Fezziwig alive again.

[Narrator]

Old Fezziwig laid down his pen and looked up at the clock which pointed to the hour of seven. He rubbed his hands, adjusted his capricious waistcoat, laughed all over himself from his shoes to his organ of benevolence, and called out in a comfortable, oily, rich, fat, jovial voice, yo ho there, Ebenezer.

[Fezziwig]

Dick.

[Narrator]

Scrooge's former self, now grown a young man came briskly in, accompanied by his fellow prentice.

[Bob Cratchit]

Dick Wilkins, to be sure. Bless me. Yes, there he is. He was very much attached to me, was Dick. Poor Dick. Dear, dear.

[Fezziwig]

Yo ho, my boys. No more work tonight. Christmas Eve, Dick. Christmas. Ebenezer, let's have the shutters up before a man can say Jack Robinson.

[Dick Wilkins]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Right away, sir. You wouldn't believe how those two fellows went at it. They charged into the street with the shutters. 1, 2, 3, had them up in their places. 4, 5, 6, barred em and pinned em. 7, 8, 9. And came back before you could have got to 12, panting like race horses.

[Fezziwig]

Hilly ho. Clear away, my lads, and let's have.

[Bob Cratchit]

Lots of room here.

[Fezziwig]

Hille ho, Dick. Shut up, Ebenezer.

[Narrator]

Clear away. There was nothing they wouldn't have cleared away or couldn't have cleared away with old Fezziwig looking on. It was done in a minute. Every moveable was packed off as if it were dismissed from public life forevermore. The floor was swept and watered, the lamps were trimmed, fuel was heaped upon the fire, and the warehouse was as snug and warm and dry and bright a ballroom as you would desire to see upon a winter's night. In came a fiddler with a Music book. And went up to the lofty desk and made an orchestra of it. And tuned like 50 stomach aches. In came Mrs. Fezziwig one vast, substantial smile. In came the three Ms. Fezziwigs, beaming and lovable. In came the six young followers whose hearts they broke. In came all the young men and women employed in the business. In came the housemaid with her cousin the baker. In they all came, one after another, some shyly, some boldly, some gracefully, some awkwardly, some pushing, some pulling. In they all came anyhow and everyhow. Away they all went. 20 couples at once, hands half round and back again the other way. New top couples starting off again as soon as they got there. All top couples at last, and not a bottom one to help them. When this result was brought about, old Fezziwig, clapping his hands to stop the dance, cried out.

[Fezziwig]

Well done.

[Narrator]

And the fiddler plunged his hot face into a pot of porter, especially provided for that purpose. But scorning rest upon his reappearance, he instantly began again, Though there were no dances yet. As if the other fiddler had been carried home exhausted on a shutter. And he were a brand new man resolved to beat him out of sight or perish. There were more dances, and there were forfeits and more dances. And there was cake, and there was negus, and there was a great piece of cold roast, and there was a great piece of cold boiled, and there were mince pies and plenty of beer. But the great effect of the evening came after the roast and boiled. When the fiddlers struck up Sir Roger de Coverley. Then old Fezziwig stood out to dance with Mrs. Fezziwig. Top couple too, with a good stiff piece of work cut out for them. 3 or 4. And 20 pair of partners, people who were not to be trifled with. People who would dance and had no notion of walking.

[William]

1, 2, 3, 3. Up and up and up we go.

[Narrator]

But if they had been twice as many, ah, four times, Old Fezziwig would have been a match for them. And so would Mrs. Fezziwig, as to her she was worthy to be his partner in every sense of the term. If that's not high praise, tell me higher and I'll use it. A positive light appeared to issue from Fezziwig's calves. They shone in every part of the dance like moons. You couldn't have predicted at any given time what would have become of them next. And when old Fezziwig and Mrs. Fezziwig had gone all through the dance. Advance and retire, Both hands to your partner. Bow and curtsy. Corkscrew. Thread the needle and back again to your place, Fezziwig. Cut. Cut. So deftly that he appeared to wink with his legs and came upon his feet again without a. When the clock struck 11, this domestic ball broke up. Mr. And Mrs. Fezziwig took their stations, one on either side of the door and shaking hands with every person individually as he or she went out, wished him or her a Merry Christmas.

[William]

Merry Christmas, William.

[Narrator]

Your mother.

[William]

We're so sad she couldn't make it. But next week she'll be round. Yes.

[Narrator]

When everybody had retired but the two prentices, they did the same to them and thus the cheerful voices died away. During the whole of this time, Scrooge had acted like a man out of his wits. His heart and soul were in the scene and with his former self he corroborated everything, remembered everything, enjoyed everything, and underwent the strangest agitation. It was not until now, when the bright faces of his former self and Dick were turned from them, that he remembered the ghost and became conscious that it was looking full upon him while the light upon its head burnt very clear.

[Ghost of Christmas Past]

A small matter to make these silly folks so full of gratitude.

[Bob Cratchit]

Small.

[Ghost of Christmas Past]

Listen.

[Narrator]

The ghost motioned Scrooge to listen to his former self and Prentiss as the lads were left to their beds, which were under a counter in the backshop.

[Dick Wilkins]

Did you see him? Did you? Well, I never thought I would see Fezziwig dance like that. You would never guess it, his being behind that desk all this while.

[Narrator]

I had heard stories, but never anything like that.

[Dick Wilkins]

Mr. Fezziwig. What a man of munificence. What a giant of generosity.

[Narrator]

A cornucopia of kindness.

[Dick Wilkins]

A lavisher of liberality.

[Narrator]

A good man, Mr. Fezziwig.

[Dick Wilkins]

May his name ring through our history as the personification of hospitality and generosity.

[Ghost of Christmas Past]

Why is it not a small matter? He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money. Three or four, perhaps. Is that so much that he deserves this praise?

[Bob Cratchit]

It isn't that. It isn't that spiritual. He has the power to render us happy or unhappy, to make our service light or burdensome, a pleasure or a toil. Say that his power lies in words and looks, in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count them up. What then? The happiness he gives is quite as great as if it cost a fortune.

[Ghost of Christmas Past]

What is the matter?

[Bob Cratchit]

Nothing particular.

[Ghost of Christmas Past]

Something, I think.

[Bob Cratchit]

No, no. I should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now, that's all.

[Narrator]

His former self turned down the lamps as he gave utterance to the wish, and Scrooge and the ghost again stood side by side in the open air.

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