SETTING & CONTEXT

• What is the significance of the different ways Dickens has structured the novel?


  It emphasizes the Christian nature of the story.
• How many chapters is the novel divided into?

  Five chapters
• What term does Dickens use instead of 'chapter' for the divisions of the novel?


  'Staves'
• Why did Dickens choose the term 'stave' for the chapters?


  To remind readers that he was writing a prose version of a Christmas carol.
• What is the primary focus of Chapter (Stave) 1?


  It introduces Scrooge and his character through exposition.
• What significant event occurs in Chapter (Stave) 1 that changes the mood?

  The appearance of Marley's ghost.
• What emotional reactions does Scrooge experience in Chapter (Stave) 2?


  Pity, hope, happiness, regret, and shame.
• What does Chapter (Stave) 3 reveal about Scrooge's understanding of Christmas?


  He gains a better understanding of the meaning of Christmas.
• What shocking revelation occurs at the end of Chapter (Stave) 3?


  The Ghost reveals Ignorance and Want.
• How does the mood change in Chapter (Stave) 4?


  It becomes darker as Scrooge sees disturbing scenes.
• What cliffhanger occurs at the end of Chapter (Stave) 4?


  The Ghost does not answer Scrooge's question about changing the future.
• What is the outcome for Scrooge in Chapter (Stave) 5?


  He is relieved to find that the future events he saw have not occurred.
• What is the first key quotation from Chapter 1?


  "Marley was dead, to begin with."
• What is the second key quotation from Chapter 4?


  "The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached."
• What is the third key quotation from Chapter 4?


  "God bless Us, Every One!"
• What are the main structural elements of the novel?


  • Divided into five chapters (staves)
  • Each stave has a specific focus and emotional arc
  • Exposition in Stave 1
  • Flashbacks in Stave 2
  • Present-day scenes in Stave 3
  • Dark revelations in Stave 4
  • Resolution in Stave 5
• When was Charles Dickens born?


  1812
• What significant childhood experience influenced Dickens's writing?


  He worked in a factory as a child.
• What was Dickens's first published novel?


  The Pickwick Papers
• What social issues did Dickens campaign for throughout his life?


  Poverty, education, and issues affecting women and children.
• What prompted Dickens to write A Christmas Carol?


  A government report on child labour in England.
• How did Dickens initially plan to address child poverty before writing A Christmas Carol?


  By writing a pamphlet called 'An Appeal to the People of England on behalf of the Poor Man's Child'.
• What role did Christmas play in Dickens's writing of A Christmas Carol?


  It was a time for giving, reminding people of Christian teachings.
• Where is A Christmas Carol primarily set?


  London
• What was the population of London in 1841?


  Nearly two million
• How is London described in the novel?


  As a city of great wealth and great poverty.
• What does Scrooge's home reflect about his character?


  It is described as 'gloomy', reflecting his character.
• What does the school Scrooge attended represent in the novel?


  It is isolated, run down, and lonely, reflecting his childhood loneliness.
• How does Dickens portray nature in the novel?


  As hostile and difficult for survival.
• What are the key themes reflected in the setting of A Christmas Carol?


  • Wealth and poverty
  • The harshness of urban life
  • The joy of Christmas amidst struggles
  • The contrast between Scrooge's character and his environment
• What is meant by social class?


  A way of grouping people according to their social status and wealth.
• How are upper-class characters represented in the novel?


  There are no upper-class characters in the novel.
• How is Scrooge classified in terms of social class?


  He is considered middle class.
• What challenges did working-class people face in the nineteenth century?


  Casual work, little protection, and no welfare benefits.
• What is meant by gender roles?


  Expectations of behavior and responsibilities based on one's gender.
• How does social class and gender play a role in A Christmas Carol?


  • Social class affects character interactions and perceptions.
  • Gender roles influence the portrayal of characters, especially women.
  • The Cratchit family represents working-class struggles.
  • Scrooge's transformation reflects changing attitudes towards class and generosity.
• What does the term 'middle class' include according to the study material?


  Businessmen and professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and teachers
• How are the Cratchits described in terms of social class?


  They are described as "poor" and might be thought of as working class
• What distinguishes working-class people from the middle class in the context provided?


  Working-class people traditionally do manual labor, while middle-class individuals may have professional jobs
• What type of work do miners, sailors, charwomen, and laundresses do?


  They do manual labor