Michael Slater : ` ` A Christmas Carol '' uses Need and Want to warn of poverty 's effect . He believes Dickens ' education , health reform could stem social decline . In the 1850s and 1860s , as the country became more prosperous , the fear of chaos and revolution receded . Slater sees grim consequences to ` ` Carol '' in today 's culture , economy . Slater : The book 's social message as much as its goodwill message .
Michael Slater : ` ` A Christmas Carol '' uses Need and Want to warn of poverty 's effect . He believes Dickens ' education , health reform could stem social decline . Slater sees grim consequences to ` ` Carol '' in today 's culture , economy . Slater : The book 's social message as much as its goodwill message .