Hopefulness vs Doubt: Constructed Conflicts in Literature

A popular theme that is very often present in any type of literary text is the conflict between good and evil. When these two binaries are combined, they engage in a push-pull type of relationship that are constantly at war with each other throughout a work of literature. This idea is demonstrated in various works of nineteenth century British literature in the concepts of optimism (good) versus pessimism (evil). An author may use this notion of optimism against pessimism to teach a moral lesson, to make opposite viewpoints evident to the reader, or to show a transformation of a character whether it be from an optimistic perspective to a pessimistic one or vice versa. Whatever the reason may be, the conflict between a hopeful outlook and a negative viewpoint provide an interesting and an effective means of grabbing the reader's attention and pulling them headfirst into the writing. 

Stories are sometimes written with a certain moral in mind that is intended to educate the reader about the difference between wrong and right. Often the moral is simple and straightforward as is the case in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The lesson to be gained in this story is that people may derive internal good from many things such as giving, dancing, friends, family, and Christmas even though they have not profited monetarily. By giving and indulging and taking time out to appreciate, one will accumulate a sense of happiness that they may then share with the rest of the world. The binary between good and evil, optimism and pessimism, is present within the piece by the poor, working class (Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and Scrooge's nephew, Fred) representing the optimistic side and Ebenezer Scrooge playing the role of the pessimistic, stingy, old man who seldom gives anyone the time of day.