My favorite protagonist in all of literature might be Bob Cratchit from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
He is a relentlessly optimistic, forgiving man who loves his children as much as anyone I’ve ever seen, and loves his wife in equal measure. Despite his trials and tragedy, he somehow maintains a steadfast spirit and is able to lift his family to those same heights.
He turns small things into enormous gestures and memorable moments. He is endlessly spilling love and happiness to all around him.
It’s astonishing. It’s impossible to be cynical or small-minded in the presence of Bob Cratchit.
He works hard. Provides for his family despite his meager wages. Exudes kindness to all people.
I saw the theatrical version of “A Christmas Carol” two days ago at The Hartford Stage — the second time in two years we’ve seen the play. Being in the presence of Bob Cratchit for that short time filled my heart with gladness.
I wept in the presence of Bob Cratchit when he and Tiny Tim were together.
The best and most heart-rending lines in the play for me are these, following the death of Tiny Tim:
“This is the first of our family to be parted from the rest… but I am sure we shall remember Tiny Tim, and try not to fall out with one another in memory of him. One day, each of us must part from the others in our turn. But we shall meet again, and we shall remember Tiny Tim — our first parting.”
It destroys me every time.
It’s so awful and true:
One day, each of us must part from the others in our turn.
Bob Cratchit can somehow turn my greatest fear into hope.
When I am feeling less than kind and lacking patience, I often think of Bob Cratchit and how he carries himself every moment of every day, and the thought of him inspires me to be a better man.
What more could you ask from fiction or the theater?
If you have a chance to read Dickens’ story — which isn’t very long — or see the play at The Hartford Stage or anywhere else, do so.
Spending some time in the presence of Bob Cratchit may do you some good, too.
