The dead as a doornail passage called to mind the satirical works of Johnathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and Douglas Adams' The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Swift's essay (published in 1729) addresses the topic of famine and the lower class being codified as a burden on society. The greed and self-righteousness of the upper class which Swift counters in his essay are still prevalent at the writing of A Christmas Carol. The question arises of whether this exploitation can be changed on a grand scale. The structure of capitalism enforces exploitation and it seems inconceivable to alter the system of society as a whole. Even though Scrooge is no longer a miser at the end of the tale, the system which grants him power and torments the lower class remains in full strength. All the story stands to do is to encourage those in power to do some acts of charity. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy addresses similar themes such as the failure of bureaucracy, notions of superiority, and how those in the upper class are enabled to act irresponsibly without consequences.

John Leech's illustrations utilize steam and wildlife as symbolism for the exploitation of capitalism and humanity. Steam is a symbol of the industrial revolution, connoting progress. In the woodblock illustration at the end of the tale, Scrooge's chambers are filled with steam coming from his fire-oven, the kettle, and the glasses of bishop. This juxtaposes the smog of the factories in the background of the woodcut image "Ignorance and Want". Whether Leech's symbolism in this illustration is in opposition to the hopeful end of the tale is up for debate. The steam could show a transformation in intent as it serves to warm and bring life in this vignette, yet the connotation of steam remains. As the staves progress, wilderness begins to grow in the illustrations, culminating in the extension beyond the vignette in "Last of Spirits". This parallels a wilderness in Scrooge's appearance. This return to nature from the imposed order of the city represents a balance between the system of capitalism and humanity.