SELF-ISOLATION
Scrooge is claimed to take a dislike to his family and not make merry with them, resulting in his own loss of pleasant moments and companionship. This is described by Scrooge's nephew, who says, "Here he takes it into his head to dislike us, and he won't come and dine with us."
SCROOGE
'Here he takes it into his head to dislike us, and he won't come and dine with us. What's the consequence? He don't lose much of a dinner.' 'Indeed, I think he loses a very good dinner,' interrupted Scrooge's niece. Everybody else said the same, and they must be allowed to have been competent judges, because they had just had dinner; and with the dessert upon the table, were clustered round the fire, by lamplight.