Context

• Who is the author of A Christmas Carol?

  Charles Dickens
• What is the significance of the Victorian Christmas in relation to A Christmas Carol?

  It reflects the origins of modern Christmas celebrations in Britain.
• How does Dickens portray the spirit of Christmas in A Christmas Carol?

  As a time of peace and goodwill to everyone, regardless of social status.
• What does Dickens suggest about the Christmas spirit in modern times?

  It is still spread by many who help others during the holidays.
• What social issue was Dickens acutely aware of in Victorian Britain?

  Poverty
• What caused the overpopulation in cities during the Victorian era?

  The Industrial Revolution
• How does Dickens depict the living conditions of the poor in his works?

  As cramped and unsanitary, leading to disease and crime.
• What was the purpose of the new Poor Law introduced in 1834?


  To combat the large numbers of poor people in Britain.
• What was required of individuals without jobs to receive financial assistance under the new Poor Law?

  They had to enter a workhouse.
• How did Dickens view workhouses?

  He likened them to prisons to discourage people from wanting to go there.
• What message does Dickens convey through the characters of Scrooge and the Cratchit family in A Christmas Carol?

  He contrasts hard-hearted businessmen with the poor but hard-working families.
• What do the two children named Ignorance and Want symbolize in A Christmas Carol?

  They represent the consequences of poverty and lack of education.
• What are the key themes presented in A Christmas Carol regarding wealth and poverty?

  • The contrast between rich and poor
  • The impact of poverty on families
  • The importance of compassion and charity
  • The critique of social injustices
• How did the Industrial Revolution affect the social structure in Victorian Britain?

  • Increased urbanization and overpopulation
  • Rise of factory work over agricultural jobs
  • Exploitation of workers by wealthy businessmen
  • Worsening living conditions for the poor
• What are the main characteristics of a Victorian Christmas as depicted in the study material?

  • Introduction of the Christmas tree by Prince Albert
  • Sending of Christmas cards starting in 1843
  • Traditional meals like turkey
  • Family gatherings and games
• What criticisms did Dickens have regarding the Poor Law and workhouses?

  • Workhouses were likened to prisons
  • They discouraged people from seeking help
  • They reflected a belief that the poor were lazy
  • Criticized in works like Oliver Twist
• In what year was A Christmas Carol written?

  1843
• What societal issues does A Christmas Carol reflect?

  Poverty, child labor, and class disparity
• How does Dickens critique the Industrial Revolution in A Christmas Carol?

  Through characters like Bob Cratchit and their struggles
• What does the novella highlight about the class divide?

  The gap between the wealthy elite and working class
• What role did Dickens play in Christmas traditions?

  He popularized customs like family gatherings and generosity
• What personal experiences influenced Dickens' writing?

  His childhood poverty and father's imprisonment for debt
• What does the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge symbolize?

  Hope for personal and societal change
• What themes are advocated in A Christmas Carol?

  Generosity, compassion, and the spirit of Christmas
• How does A Christmas Carol align with Christian morality?

  It reflects values like forgiveness and caring for others
• What are the key themes in A Christmas Carol?

  • Redemption: Transformation of Scrooge
  • Generosity and Compassion: Advocacy for kindness
  • The Spirit of Christmas: Emphasis on goodwill and community
• What social issues does A Christmas Carol address?

  • Poverty
  • Child labor
  • Class divide
  • Need for social responsibility
• How did Dickens' life experiences shape his views in A Christmas Carol?

  • Experienced poverty firsthand
  • Father imprisoned for debt
  • Worked in a factory as a child
  • Developed empathy for the poor
• What impact did Dickens have on Christmas traditions during the Victorian era?

  • Popularized family gatherings
  • Emphasized feasting and generosity
  • Contributed to the festive spirit
• How does A Christmas Carol reflect Victorian society's moral expectations?

  • Aligns with Christian values
  • Emphasizes forgiveness and redemption
  • Advocates for caring for the less fortunate