Discuss how Dickens presents responsibility in Stave I and throughout the story, "A Christmas Carol."

The most obvious example of responsibility in Stave I is when Ebenezer Scrooge is approached by two men soliciting for charity to support the poor and Scrooge refuses to donate. Not only does he refuse to donate money, he asks if the prisons and work houses are still open, which indicates he sees the poor as a burden to society and that they already have their basic needs being met by these institutions. This shows a general lack of personal responsibility, as well as a lack of empathy. 

“I wish to be left alone,” said Scrooge. “Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned—they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.”

“Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.”

“If they would rather die,” said Scrooge, “they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. Besides—excuse me—I don’t know that.”

So, from the beginning we understand that Scrooge feels he is already doing his part to be socially responsible, even though he only does so out of obligation. If he was not required to pay tax, which is what keeps those institutions open, it is obvious he would not be helping these "idle" people. By calling them "idle" he also does not truly understand why they are poor or the complexity of poverty. He sees himself as financially responsible and them as financially irresponsible.

As the story continues, responsibility is show in many other areas by other characters. The two men who are requesting money for charity show their own social responsibility. We see responsibility to family in Bob Cratchit and how he takes care of his family and puts them first above everything. We see responsibility for being a good employer and friend in Fezziwig and his holiday party. We see Scrooge becoming responsible later when he decides to give to the charity, to Bob Cratchit, and to Fred.

The overall message of the story is that one can be entirely selfish and not responsible for anyone but themselves, but that only brings a life of misery. To be truly happy one must embrace others and their responsibilities (both financial and personal) to them.