Christmas carol - context

• When was Charles Dickens born?


  7th February 1812
• When did Charles Dickens die?


  8th June 1870
• What era is Charles Dickens credited as one of the greatest writers from?


  The Victorian era
• What notable work did Dickens write in 1843?


  A Christmas Carol
• What was Dickens' initial career before becoming a novelist?


  He began as a journalist
• In what year did Dickens become a parliamentary journalist?


  1833
• How did Dickens' experiences as a journalist influence his writing?


  They made him more socially aware
• What social issue does Dickens explore in 'A Christmas Carol'?


  Poverty within society
• How is 'A Christmas Carol' related to Dickens' life experiences?


  It reflects his social consciousness and sympathy towards the lower-class
• What type of family was Dickens born into?


  A middle-class family
• What event caused Dickens' education to be interrupted?


  His father was put in debtors' prison
• How is Bob Cratchit related to Dickens' father?


  Both were clerks
• How does Dickens' childhood experience influence his portrayal of the Cratchit family?


  It makes him sympathetic towards them
• At what age was Dickens separated from his family?


  12 years old
• Where was Dickens sent to live and work after being separated from his family?

  Warren's Blacking Factory
• What did Dickens experience while working at the factory?


  Appalling working conditions
• How did Dickens' experience at the factory shape his views on society?


  It gave him a firsthand view of poverty
• What allowed Dickens to return to education after working at the factory?


  His father inherited some money
• What does Scrooge's character reflect about Dickens' childhood experiences?


  Negative aspects of Dickens' childhood
• How does the Ghost of 'Christmas Past' contribute to Scrooge's character development?


  It shows how his childhood shaped him
• What are the key impacts of Dickens' journalism on 'A Christmas Carol'?


  • Reflects his beliefs on society
  • Aims to make social issues accessible to the public
  • Highlights the troubles of poverty
• What is the name of Dickens' sister who inspired a character in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  Fanny
• What does Fanny symbolize in 'A Christmas Carol'?


  Goodness
• Who is Tiny Tim in relation to Dickens' family?


  He is inspired by Dickens' nephew
• How does Tiny Tim contribute to Scrooge's character development?


  He helps Scrooge discover empathy
• What recurring theme is illustrated through Dickens' value of education in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  Linking "Ignorance" and "doom"
• How does Dickens' proximity to workhouses influence 'A Christmas Carol'?

  It enables him to empathize with the working class
• What was the time period of the Industrial Revolution?

  18th-19th century
• What major societal change occurred during the Industrial Revolution?

  Migration from rural areas to cities for work
• How did the Industrial Revolution affect production modes in the UK?


  Shifted from agriculture to machine-based production
• What impact did the Industrial Revolution have on the textile industry?

  Moved production from homes to large factories
• What was a significant consequence of the mechanization of industry?

  Less demand for workers
• How did the end of the Industrial Revolution affect the working class?


  It exacerbated inequalities within society
• What were the societal impacts of the Industrial Revolution?


  • Overpopulation and formation of slums
  • Spread of disease due to cramped living conditions
  • Exploitation of child labor
• How does Scrooge refer to the working class in 'A Christmas Carol'?


  As the "surplus population"
• What does Dickens illustrate through the Cratchit household?


  The cramped housing conditions of the working class
• What was the working age for children during the Industrial Revolution?

  As young as five years old
• How does Dickens portray the Industrial Revolution in 'A Christmas Carol'?


  As a character that dictates the lives of people
• What criticism does Dickens make regarding the treatment of workers in 'A Christmas Carol'?


  He highlights the darker consequences of the Industrial Revolution
• How does Scrooge's hyperbolic speech serve a purpose in the novella?


  It exaggerates his ignorance and critiques societal attitudes