Bah Humbook-Week 1-Discussion

[Emily Spencer]

The story of Scrooge falls into the category of Redemption Arc literature. A Christmas Carol is a perfect illustration of the concept, actually. What is a redemption arc? I'm glad you asked!

A redemption arc is a narrative device where a character transitions from a flawed, morally compromised, or villainous state to one of atonement and moral improvement. This journey requires genuine character development, often marked by reflection on past mistakes, internal and external conflicts, and ultimately, meaningful actions to right their wrongs.

A successful redemption arc is often satisfying to audiences because it shows profound growth, challenges notions of good and evil, and can lead to a powerful and emotional resolution.

Key characteristics
-Starts from a bad place: The character begins with significant flaws, moral failings, or is outright villainous.

-Focus on transformation: The core of the arc is the character's journey toward self-reflection, growth, and a new, more virtuous path.

-Grappling with the past: This is not a sudden change; the character must struggle with guilt, remorse, and the consequences of their actions.

-Meaningful atonement: Redemption is earned through significant actions, such as a heroic sacrifice or selfless act, rather than just a single good deed or an apology.

-Creates emotional complexity: The arc adds moral complexity and can be emotionally rich, allowing the audience to experience feelings of guilt, struggle, and eventual satisfaction alongside the character.

Discussion Question:
What’s your favourite redemption arc from literature?
Obviously, you cannot use A Christmas Carol. Please post your answers below in at least 100 words for 10 beans. If you answer someone else, you may earn 5 beans for each reply. Deadline is January 10, 2026 @1159 HOL Time.

[River Fenwick]

I'm drawing a blank for redemption arcs in literature, so I'm going to have to go with a questionable one from Gally in The Maze Runner series. Off the bat, Gally wasn't particularly liked amongst the group in the first book, being regarded as quite arrogant. The worst of his actions in the series, killing Chuck in an attempt to kill Thomas under WICKED's control, wasn't even done by his own volition, so that makes it very up-in-the-air in my opinion. Afterward, he felt guilt over Chuck's death, them managed to escape WICKED, and went on to help the others in The Death Cure, which technically qualifies as a redemption arc, though I'd argue that it's a weak one.

[Emily Spencer]

The first book that comes to mind is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Throughout the story, the reader witnesses one of the main characters, Jean Valjean go from an angry, bitter man to a benevolent, kind-hearted one. When we first encounter Valjean, he is an ex-convict, and I can hardly blame his attitude. He served a 18 year prison sentence for the heinous crime of stealing a loaf of bread to feed his young nephew. He is a man of no future and little hope, beaten down by all that life has thrown his way.

The catalyst for his redemption comes in the person of Bishop Bienvenue. After spending the night at the good Bishop’s house, Valjean, steals a silver place setting and flees. After being apprehended by the police, he is returned to the Bishop to answer for his crime. Unexpectedly, the Bishop does not seek retribution for the crime, and instead of seeing Valjean punished, he declares that the place setting was a gift and even throws in the two candlesticks that Valjean had forgotten! It was that pivotal moment that begin the transformation in Valjean. Although he relapses frequently, he performs many acts of sacrifice and kindness, including the adoption of the orphan, Colette, forgiving Inspector Javert who has made it his life’s mission to see Valjean back in prison,and saving the young student, Marius Pontmercy when he gets involved in a rebellion plot against the current regime.

[Rosalyn Riddle]

The first book that came to mind for me was 'Pride and Prejudice', by Jane Austen. In this book, the main theme is overcoming the prejudices that stand in the way of forming true, deep relationships. The character that I saw the best redemption arc in was Mr. Darcy himself.
At the beginning of the book, Mr. Darcy is an unpleasant, very formal man, who secludes himself and has no interest in others. He resents the main character, Elizabeth, seeing her as pretty but shallow, like many women.
Slowly, as the book continues, he finds himself falling in love with Lizzie, and becoming a much better person overall. He is kind at the end, which is shown when he helps the Bennet family by paying for Lizzie and Wickham's marriage, saving them from scandal. Overall, he becomes a lot better as a person, and I love that his redemption arc ended in his romance with Lizzie.
The whole story was well written out by Austen, and his redemption arc was definitely on the list of the best parts.