a christmas charol
Characters speech
" 'It should be on Christmas Day, I am sure, ' said [Mrs. Cratchit], ' on which one drinks the health of such an odious, stingy unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge.' "
Implies change through characters speech
"'If they rather die, they had better do it and decrease the surplus population.'"
Direct Characterization
"'There was a boy singing a Christmas carol at my door last night. I should like to have given him something: that's all.'"
Imagine you are asked to "keep Christmas well." Explain in at least four sentences how you might do this.
"Keeping Christmas well," means to live with the spirit of giving in your heart. Not only at the holidays, but all year long, we should be kind to others. We should look to make friends and to form relationships. Our hearts should be open to helping one another and those who are less fortunate. Without this yearly reminder, one might become a Scrooge-like individual.
Effects on other character
"Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say with gladsome looks, 'My dear Scrooge, how are you?' No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no man or woman now, or ever in his life, inquire the way to such and such a place."
What are some ways the author characterizes Scrooge?
"Oh, but he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone....secret, self-contained, and solitary as an oyster."
Foreshadowing
"So I pray, you hurry back to your seats refreshed and ready for a miser- to turn his coat of gray into a blazen Christmas holly-red."
Scrooge's Coat of Blazing Holly-Red
A redeemed Scrooge who is caring, generous, and warm-hearted
Based on the dialogue between Fred and his uncle, what can we infer about Fred's personality?
Based on the dialogue between Fred and his uncle, the reader can infer that Fred is a kind, positive person. He is forgiving and understanding of his uncle's unwillingness to embrace family.
Scrooge
Beliefs and values of Victorian England in the 1800's
Belle
Belle is the young woman who once loved and was loved by Scrooge. Unfortunately, his love for her was replaced by his love for money, and she did not want to be second in favor to gold. She left him and went her own way after that and married. Scrooge remained alone. The Ghost of Christmas Past reminds him of why Belle left him and shows him where his life began going the wrong direction.
What are some ways the author characterizes Bob?
Bob Slips the two men money when he is can afford it. Encourages Fred when he leaves. Wishes Scrooge a Merry Christmas even when Scrooge doesn't want to hear it. Applauds Fred's views on the season. Toasts Scrooge even though he treats him poorly. Not handsome
What does Bob Cratchit slip into the hand of the thin man? What does this tell us about his character?
Bob Cratchit slips a coin into the hand of the thin man which shows that he is a generous man even though he is without a great deal of wealth. He will share the little that he has.
How is the setting significant to the novel?
Charles Dickens was concerned about the way in which people were treated during the Victorian time period. The overall themes embedded within this story are based on the unfair treatment and class separation of the Victorian time period; however, they can be still applied in current times.
Ghost of Christmas Present
Christmas joy , kindness, generosity, and peace
Bob Cratchit
Cratchit is an accountant who works for Scrooge, and he is a kind and loving family man. Scrooge generally mistreats Cratchit, but the accountant bears his employer no ill will because he believes that Scrooge's life is lonely. The greatest sorrow in Cratchit's life is that his young son, Tiny Tim, is very ill. Because Bob's salary is so meager, the family cannot afford treatment for Tim. When Scrooge sees their situation during one of the ghostly visitations, he realizes that he must be more generous to his employee and help save Tiny Tim.
24. Because Cratchit does not know about Scrooge's change in attitude, what might he be expecting Scrooge to do or say when he shows up late the day after Christmas
Cratchit is very worried that Scrooge will scold him and perhaps take away some of his pay.
Fan
Ebenezer's younger sister whom he loved dearly but who died young. She was the mother of Ebenezer's nephew, his only living relative.
Fezziwig
Fezziwig was Scrooge's kind and generous employer. He revisits the memory of his employment with Fezziwig when the Ghost of Christmas Past shows him Fezziwig's great Christmas party. The memory of this kind employer makes Scrooge feel a twinge of regret at how poorly he treats Bob Cratchit, his own employee.
What are some ways the author characterizes Fred?
Fred Fred invites his uncle for Christmas dinner even though he knows he doesn't like him. Fred restrains himself from yelling or call Scrooge names. Fred welcome his uncle after he was treated poorly by him. Sees Christmas as a time where he profits in personal gratitude rather than monetary gain.
What is Fred's message to Scrooge about Christmas?
Fred's message to Scrooge about Christmas is that it is a time when, "Men and women open their shut-up hearts freely, and think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave."
Fred
Fred, Scrooge's nephew (his deceased sister's son), is a pauper, but a cheerful man nonetheless. He comes to the counting house to wish Scrooge a merry Christmas and invite his uncle to dine with himself and his wife on Christmas Day. Scrooge, however, refuses to associate with his nephew. Fred actually pities his miserly uncle because although he has all that money, he is still alone and unhappy. Fred insists that he will visit Scrooge at Christmas every year no matter whether or not Scrooge ever agrees to dine with Fred and his wife. After his visitation by the three ghosts of Christmas, Scrooge attends the Christmas dinner at Fred's home and enjoys himself immensely.
What do we learn about Scrooge from Marley in the opening dialogue
From Marley in the opening dialogue, the reader learns that Scrooge is a, "squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner!" One also understands that he bothers with no one.
Actions 2
He had been revolving in his mind a change of life and thought and hoped he saw his new-born resolutions carried out in this.
15. What has happened to Tiny Tim? What clues on pg. 674 only help you come to this conclusion?
He passes away. The discussions of a funeral, the way Mr. Cratchit used to walk when Tiny Tim was on his shoulders, the sorrow that is in the room, etc...
Significance of memory 4
He realizes he lost the love of his life
18. Why is it important for Scrooge to know if this is how the future "will be, or MAY be"?
He wants to know there is a chance to change. If it is what, "May be," there is the ability to change his ways to change the future.
Jacob Marley
Marley was once Scrooge's business partner, but he died seven years ago and now he returns as a ghost to warn Scrooge of the horrors that await him unless he changes his ways. Marley appears to Scrooge on Christmas Eve to tell him of the cumbersome burden that he bears in death because he neglected his duty toward others in life. Marley must walk around and watch people and regret that he did not help anyone or touch anyone during his lifetime. His burden is incessant remorse for his own greed during life. He warns Scrooge that unless he becomes a more charitable person, he will also bear that weight. Marley tells Scrooge of the three ghosts who will visit him. They are Scrooge's only chance for salvation. After the warning, Marley flies out the window and joins the other ghosts who drag their chains of duty.
What signals does Dickens use to let the reader know that he will have an unusual evening?
Marley's face appears on the door knocker, he checks each room, the pictures of Marley throughout the room, the sound of chains, the door opening , and the ringing bells.
What is Marley's message to Scrooge?
Marley's message to Scrooge is that three ghosts are coming to help him realize that he needs to be kind and considerate of others or he will be forever a restless spirit.
What is Marley's new function in the play?
Marley's new function is to serve as a narrator to inform the audience of what is occurring.
17. What does Mr. Cratchit make his children promise?
Mr. Cratchit makes his children promise to remember Tiny Tim's patient and sweet nature. This will help all of them to treat one another with kindness and to avoid quarrelling.
Actions
Mr. Scrooge purchased the largest turkey in the poulterer's shops and had it delivered to Cratchit.
What is Mrs. Cratchit's response to Bob's toast to Scrooge? Why do you think she acts this way, and do you agree or disagree with her reaction?
Mrs. Cratchit loves and admires her husband. It makes her angry that Scrooge is such a cruel manager to her beloved husband. As Scrooge pointed out about Fezziwig, Scrooge has the power to make Cratchit's life easier, but he does not.
Girl Want
Poor children who do not have the common necessities (housing, food, clothing)
4. What is it that the Ghost of Christmas Present sprinkles on the men who are quarreling?
Present sprinkles happiness on these men. Remember, Present is the "Spirit of Christmas."
11. Explain why the Ghost of Christmas Present's response to Scrooge's question about "refuge or resource" for Ignorance and Want is significant
Scrooge asks what can be done for these in need, and Present reminds Scrooge of his own cold-hearted words. Scrooge comes to understand that more needs to be done besides the prisons and work houses.
19. How does Scrooge's final pleas to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come reveal the theme of the play?
Scrooge begs to have the chance to change his ways so that he can be more kind and compassionate. He wants to form friendships with those in his life. He wants to know his nephew. He wants to give help to those in need. He wants to "walk forth" in the spirit of Christmas.
Scrooge seems to lack a sense of humor. Why, then, do we sometimes find his actions comical?
Scrooge does lack a sense of humor, but the reader finds him comical because he is so ridiculously cheap and cruel that one wants to laugh at him.
Why do you think Scrooge doubts the existence of Marley's ghost?
Scrooge doubts the existence of Marley's ghost because it is such an unusual occurrence, and he is having a difficult time thinking it is something other than a dream.
MEMORY 1
Scrooge finds himself in the countryside of his youth. He is in a field where he once played, and he sees men merrily singing a holiday song. He remembers these men and the warmth their joy once brought to him when he was a boy.
Why does Scrooge seem upset when he learns about Tiny Tim's fate?
Scrooge has become more caring, and after his experience at Fezziwig's, he is thinking more kindly about Cratchit. Therefore, to know that Cratchit's family is dealing with a sick child who needs medicine that his father cannot afford, makes Scrooge feel guilt and sorrow.
Ebenezer Scrooge
Scrooge is a hard, cold miser who spends his days counting his profits and wishing the world would leave him alone. He doesn't believe in charity, and he is certain that those who do are just lazy bums looking for a handout. Scrooge's entire life is his business and he shuts out his nephew who is the only relative he has. But Scrooge is visited by his old business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him that if he continues to live his life in such an unchristian way, he will spend all eternity trying to make up for it. Three ghosts, who show him that the errors of his ways, visit Scrooge. Because of what he sees and learns, Scrooge opens his heart to the people around him and learns charity and love and saves himself from the doom of which Marley warned him.
20. Why is Scrooge's reaction to his new outlook humorous? Use details from the text to explain your answer
Scrooge is behaving like a child. His excitement to celebrate the holiday is similar to that which a young person would experience.
When Marley goes to leave Scrooge, Scrooge requests for Marley to stay. How is this different from the Scrooge we have gotten to know so far?
Scrooge is different in that he wants companionship because he is frightened and scared of what is to come.
3. How is Scrooge's attitude toward this ghost different than the attitude he had with Marley at first and the Ghost of Christmas Past?
Scrooge is more willing to take part in the experience. He is not fearful as he was with Marley and Past because he no knows what to expect.
22. Why doesn't Scrooge want the Cratchits to know who bought the turkey?
Scrooge is not giving to be congratulated on his kindness. He is instead wanting to remain anonymous so that the Cratchits think it a miracle because they will need to believe in miracles to trust that Tiny Tim will survive.
MEMORY 3
Scrooge is taken to Fezziwig's offices where he is reminded of his kind mentor who showed his appreciation to his employees for their hard work by hosting a holiday party.
23. Why do you think Scrooge keeps losing the courage to knock on Fred's door?
Scrooge knows how cruel he has been to Fred, and he is afraid that he will not be able to make up for his past behavior. Scrooge fears that Fred will not forgive him.
12. What does Scrooge's eagerness, despite his fear, to learn from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come show how Scrooge is changing?
Scrooge knows that he has much to gain from this night with the spirits, and he is eager to see that which will bring about his complete transformation.
Significance of memory 3
Scrooge realizes that Fezziwig had the ability to make his employees' experiences pleasant or miserable, and Fezziwig chose pleasant whereas Scrooge makes Cratchit's work environment miserable. Scrooge feels some shame.
Effects on others
Scrooge says, " I'll raise your salary, and endeavor to assist your struggling family.'"
MEMORY 2
Scrooge sees himself as a young man sitting alone in the boarding school. He is visited by his younger sister, Fan, who has convinced their father to bring Scrooge home.
10. Why does the Ghost of Christmas Present warn Scrooge of the dolls Ignorance and Want
Scrooge shows no compassion for the poor in the beginning, but what Present warns Scrooge of is that poverty and ignorance is bad for all of society. The wealthy can refuse to acknowledge them for only so long. England suffers because of this inability to take care of those in need.
9. What is it you think Scrooge would say to Fred and his wife if he were audible?
Scrooge would likely beg Fred for forgiveness. He would tell him that he wants to know better Fred and his wife. He would share stories of Fan with her only son.
Scrooge's Coat of Gray
Scrooge's cold-hearted, unsympathetic personality
MEMORY 4
Scrooge's fiancée, Belle, breaks-off the engagement with Scrooge. She says he cares more about making money than he does about her. She is sure that he does not want to marry someone with no dowry.
Ghost of Christmas Past
The Ghost of Christmas Past is the epitome of the contradictions of youth and age as well as winter and spring. The ghost has a beam of light jetting from his head and Scrooge extinguishes the light when he feels that he is unable to bear any of the other memories that the ghost is showing him. By showing Scrooge his past, the ghost has makes him realize that he has changed drastically from who he was when he was young and that his interests have turned from people to money.
Ghost of Christmas Present
The Ghost of Christmas Present is a friendly, generous giant who shows Scrooge the homes of Bob Cratchit as well as Scrooge's nephew, Fred. In both homes, good will is extended toward Scrooge although he has never shown the same good will to either his clerk, or his nephew. As the time passes the ghost, who was young when he first appeared to Scrooge, seems to age in the way that the present changes to the past with the passing of time. Then, just as he is approaching his last moments, the ghost shows Scrooge that want and ignorance are two products of society that will destroy it if not combated against by those who can prevent both social ills.
Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is a dark phantom, and the only part of this ghost that Scrooge sees, beyond his black robe, is a hand with which he points at the things Scrooge is to take notice of. This ghost shows Scrooge how he will die, and it is a sad scene. Scrooge begs the ghost to tell him that this fate can be changed if he changes his ways, but the ghost doesn't answer him. Scrooge is left only with the knowledge that he must change and become a more charitable person if he is to alter the fate that the ghost revealed to him.
2. Who are the "brothers" of the Ghost of Christmas Present and why hasn't Scrooge "walked forth" with them?
The Spirit of Christmas is "born" every year, and as the story takes place in the early 1800s, there have been more than 1800 brothers of Christmas Present. Because Scrooge has not celebrated the spirit of the holiday in years past, he has not walked forth with them.
13. Who are the businessmen talking about? How did you come to this conclusion?
The business men are talking about Scrooge. We arrive at this conclusion because of how they discuss the deceased individual. They describe him as miserly and cold-hearted. He was a man without friends or family.
The chains that Marley is forced to wear are a literal representation of what? (Hint: Think about what might have held Marley back in his life from really getting to know or care about other people.)
The chains that Marley wears represent Marley's business interests and his focus while alive.
Light Coming from the Ghost of Christmas Past
The memories and spirit of Christmases past
Marley's Chains
The money and priorities that Marley valued in his life while he was living.
What is meant by the phrase, "Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices."?
The phrase, "Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices," explains that during the holidays, those who have little and are poor are reminded more of that which they do not have as they are unable to afford fine birds for dinner and gifts for children; whereas, those who have a great deal, or an abundance, celebrate the holiday in a way that is beyond their daily routine by eating fine birds, buying presents, and gathering at parties with friends.
5. Why might the poor need kindness the most?
The poor have great mountains to climb in order to improve their situation. They do not have the same opportunities or privileges that the wealthy experience. Therefore, they need more understanding and compassion.
Significance of memory 2
The significance of this memory is that Scrooge is reminded of his kind sister, who was the mother of his nephew, Fred.
Significance of memory 1
The significance of this memory is that Scrooge is reminded that he once enjoyed the approaching of the holiday.
Bob Cratchit
The spirit of Christmas Dickens wanted to see revived in England
Boy Ignorance
The uneducated, working-class factory children; they should be feared because if they remain uneducated England will collapse and be doomed.
Fire that warms Bob and in the fire place
The warmth felt within those who share and celebrate the season.
How do the members of the Cratchit family feel about one another? Give specific examples from the text to support your answer.
There is much love, respect, and admiration amongst the Cratchit family.
14. What did the men and women admit to doing and what was their reasoning behind it? Do you agree or disagree with what they did? Why or why not?
They stole Scrooge's belongings upon his death. They worked for him as his maid, butler, and cook. He gave them very little while he was alive, so they felt justified in taking his belongings. They know there is no family or friends who will come claim the items, so they decide to take everything themselves.
21. Explain Marley's statement about one act of kindness leading to another and another. Do you agree with him?
This is related to the idea of "Pay it Forward." When someone is kind to us, it makes us happier and this leads us to be kind to others
Tiny Tim
Tiny Tim is Bob Cratchit's youngest son. He is a lame boy with a cheerful nature despite his ailments. At the Christmas church service, Tim hopes that people will look at his ailment and be reminded of how Christ healed the lame and blind. Tiny Tim's guileless nature impresses Scrooge, and when he learns from the Ghost of Christmas Present that Tiny Tim will die soon, Scrooge is saddened. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come also shows the Cratchit house without Tiny Tim, and the vision is a sad one. Scrooge is touched by the gentleness of the little boy and wishes to prevent this fate from occurring.
Donations Collectors:
Two men collecting donations for charity come to Scrooge expecting that such a wealthy businessman will contribute to their cause, but Scrooge refuses. He insists that there are government-established forms of aid, and if more is needed to help the poor, it's the government's responsibility. Later when Scrooge is converted, he donates a large sum of money to one of the men. The collector is greatly surprised by Scrooge's generosity after facing such hostility when they approached him the first time.
Want and Ignorance:
Want and Ignorance are personified in two hideous children that appear beneath the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present. He explains to Scrooge that these are the children of mankind and that they should be avoided, especially Ignorance, or doom is imminent.
What flashback helps the reader understand why Scrooge doesn't believe in love?
When Belle, his lost love, releases him.
What flashback helps the reader understand why Scrooge doesn't care for his nephew?
When he reveals that his sister has died.
Simile
a comparison of 2 unlike things using like or as
Metaphor
a comparison of 2 unlike things without using lik or as
provision
a supply of food or other basic needs
welfare
a supplying of needs
Symbolism
a word or object that stands for another word or object. the object or word can be seen with the eye or not visible
Imagery
allows a writter to show a reader what she means instead of just telling someone / show me don't tell me
Hyperbole
an exaggeration that compares 2 things
finale
at the end the conluding part
odious
causing or deserving strong dislike
charitable
generous in giving
Cap held by the Ghost of Christmas Past
greed, selfishness and other actions that extinguish the spirit of Christmas
currency
money
Alliteration
the repetition of initial constant sounds
solitude
the state of being alone
summon
to call for with authority or urgency
emerge
to come into sight
incoherent
unable to think or express one's thoughts in a clear or orderly manner
Personification
when non living things are given human characteristic
What are some of the themes embedded within A Christmas Carol?
~People can change, also expressed as mankind can be redeemed. ~ Acts of kindness enrich the spirit and lead to more acts of kindness by others. ~ Unless society reaches out to help those less fortunate and in need, especially children, society is condemned/doomed. ~ The way man treats others is more valuable than one's possessions. Man's offensives carries its own punishment
