When Scrooge sees Fezziwig in his vision, he is overcome with joy and exclaims, “Why, it's old Fezziwig! Bless his heart; it's Fezziwig alive again!” This line implies that Fezziwig is no longer alive, but it does not provide any explicit information about the cause or time of his death. We can only speculate about what might have happened to the beloved character from Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol.”
1. Fezziwig's old age: Given that Scrooge refers to him as “old Fezziwig,” it is reasonable to assume that Fezziwig lived a long life. As people age, their bodies become more vulnerable to various health issues, and it is possible that Fezziwig succumbed to natural causes related to old age.
2. Illness or disease: Fezziwig may have fallen victim to an illness or disease that eventually led to his passing. In the Victorian era, when the story is set, medical advancements were limited, and many diseases were still poorly understood. Fezziwig could have succumbed to a common ailment or an epidemic that was prevalent during that time.
3. Accidental death: Another possibility is that Fezziwig's death was the result of an accident. Accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health, and they can sometimes be fatal. Fezziwig may have been involved in a tragic accident that cut his life short.
4. Historical events: Fezziwig's death could have been influenced by significant historical events of the time. The story takes place during the Industrial Revolution, a period marked by rapid social and economic changes. Fezziwig, being a prosperous businessman, may have faced challenges or setbacks during this period that contributed to his demise.
5. Legacy and impact: While we do not know the exact circumstances of Fezziwig's death, it is clear from Scrooge's reaction that Fezziwig had a profound impact on his life. Fezziwig was depicted as a kind and generous employer who valued the well-being of his employees. His joyful and festive Christmas party in the story symbolizes the spirit of generosity and goodwill. Fezziwig's legacy lives on through Scrooge's memories and serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and compassion in our own lives.
Fezziwig's fate remains a mystery in “A Christmas Carol.” The only clue we have is Scrooge's joyous recognition of him in a vision, implying that Fezziwig has passed away. While we can speculate about the possible causes of his death, the story does not provide any explicit information about it. Fezziwig's character, however, continues to inspire and remind us of the importance of generosity and kindness in the holiday season and beyond.