Christmas Carol CONTEXT

• Who is the author of A Christmas Carol?

  Charles Dickens
• What significant event in 1840s Britain influenced Christmas celebrations?

  Prince Albert married Queen Victoria
• From which country was the decorated Christmas tree brought to Britain?

  Germany
• When was the first Christmas card designed?

  1843
• Who asked an artist to design the first Christmas card?

  Henry Cole
• How much did the first Christmas cards cost?

  1 shilling each
• What meal became popular during Victorian Christmas celebrations?

  Turkey
• When was the first collection of Christmas carols published?

  1833
• How did Dickens typically spend Christmas?

  With family, eating and playing games
• What message did Dickens believe Christmas should convey?

  Peace and goodwill to everyone
• What is the attitude of some people towards Christmas, as mentioned?

  Bah humbug approach
• What social issue was Dickens aware of in Victorian Britain?

  Poverty
• What caused overpopulation in Victorian cities?

  The Industrial Revolution
• What were the living conditions like for many people in Victorian cities?

  Cramped and unsanitary
• What did Dickens compare workhouses to?

  Prisons
• What was the purpose of the new Poor Law introduced in 1834?

  To combat poverty by requiring workhouse entry
• How did Dickens feel about the new Poor Law?

  He was against it
• What do the characters Ignorance and Want represent in A Christmas Carol?

  Education as a way out of poverty
• What are the key themes presented in A Christmas Carol?

  • The spirit of Christmas
  • Poverty and social injustice
  • The importance of family and community
  • Transformation and redemption
• How does Dickens portray the contrast between Scrooge and the Cratchit family?

  • Scrooge: Hard-hearted businessman
  • Cratchit family: Poor but hardworking
  • Highlights social inequality and compassion
• What role does education play in Dickens' view of poverty?

  • Education as a means to escape poverty
  • Ignorance and Want symbolize lack of education
  • Advocates for social reform through education
• What are the consequences of the Industrial Revolution as depicted in Dickens' works?

  • Overpopulation in cities
  • Unsanitary living conditions
  • Exploitation of workers
  • Increase in crime and disease
• What are the characteristics of Victorian Christmas celebrations?

  • Decorated Christmas trees
  • Sending Christmas cards
  • Family gatherings and feasting
  • Singing carols
• What is the context of A Christmas Carol?

  Victorian England and social issues
• Who wrote the novella in 1843?

  Charles Dickens
• What was Dickens' initial intention for writing?

  To write a pamphlet on poverty
• Why did Dickens choose a novel over a pamphlet?

  He believed it would have more impact
• What period does the term 'Hungry Forties' refer to?

  The 1840s in England
• What was Dickens' personal experience related to poverty?

  He experienced poverty and hardship in childhood
• What was Dickens' stance on the Poor Law?

  He opposed it, favoring support for the poor
• What solution did the Poor Law advocate?

  Workhouses and prisons
• What did Dickens believe the wealthy should do?

  Share their fortunes with the vulnerable
• Who did Dickens reference regarding views on poverty?

  Thomas Malthus
• What was Malthus' view on poverty?

  Poverty was inevitable and surplus population needed decreasing
• How was Christmas viewed by 1843?

  It had fallen out of favour
• What does Christmas celebrate?

  The birth of Jesus Christ
• What traditions did Christmas encompass besides Christian ones?

  Pagan traditions around the winter solstice
• How did Dickens view the 'Christmas spirit'?

  As generosity and compassion for others
• What is Dickens credited with regarding Christmas?

  Cementing the popularity of the holiday
• What type of stories were traditional at Christmas?

  Ghost stories