The Supernatural

• What genre began to permeate literature during the Victorian era?

  Gothic genre
• Why is the Victorian era considered a 'golden age' for supernatural motifs?

  It was popular and widely explored in literature
• What does Dickens's "hankering" for the supernatural imply?

  He was curious about supernatural themes
• What type of story did Dickens brand 'A Christmas Carol' as?

  Ghost story
• How do the Ghosts contribute to Scrooge's transformation?

  They act as catalysts for his change
• What role do the Ghosts play in the dramatic effect of the novella?

  They heighten the consequences of Scrooge's actions
• How does Dickens present Scrooge's character in relation to the supernatural?

  As one of two extremes without middle-ground
• What does Scrooge's characterization emphasize?

  His transformation and supernatural qualities
• How does the Church influence perceptions of the supernatural?

  By categorizing ideas as permitted or sinful
• What is purgatory in Christian belief?

  An intermediate state following death
• How does Dickens adhere to biblical teachings in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  By recognizing the concept of purgatory
• What effect does Dickens create by using religious doctrines?

  He creates a believable narrative for religious Victorians
• What does 'willingly suspend disbelief' mean for readers?

  To enjoy unbelievable aspects for enjoyment
• What are the most obvious presentations of the supernatural in the novella?

  The Ghosts that appear to Scrooge
• How do the Ghosts function beyond being plot devices?

  They teach lessons and symbolize key ideas
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Past represent?

  Personification of the past
• How is the Ghost of Christmas Past described?

  As a child and an old man simultaneously
• What is the paradoxical nature of the Ghost of Christmas Past?

  It embodies both youth and age
• What does the tunic of the Ghost of Christmas Past symbolize?

  Truth found in Scrooge's memories
• How is the Ghost of Christmas Present characterized?

  As a jolly giant
• What does the size of the Ghost of Christmas Present signify?

  His dominating presence and impact
• How does Scrooge perceive the Ghost of Christmas Present?

  As related to God in some way
• What supernatural property does the Ghost of Christmas Present possess?

  His ability to spread joy
• How is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come described?

  As a phantom, not a ghost
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come symbolize?

  Personification of death
• How does Dickens create a sense of doom with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?

  By likening it to the Grim Reaper
• What do Ignorance and Want symbolize in the novella?

  The disease of societal issues
• How are Ignorance and Want described?

  As wretched, abject, and frightful
• What is the significance of Marley’s Ghost being chained?

  It represents his life's consequences
• What lesson does Marley’s Ghost illustrate through its chains?

  Life choices dictate eternal resting place
• How does Dickens present implicit forms of the supernatural through Scrooge?

  Through metaphors and similes in his description
• What does the phrase "No warmth could warm him" suggest about Scrooge?

  His extreme apathy and coldness
• How does Dickens use Fred's character to represent supernatural qualities?

  Through imagery of light and goodness
• How is Tiny Tim described in relation to the supernatural?

  Filled with an almost supernatural spirit
• What does Tiny Tim's "childish essence" symbolize?

  The foundation of Christmas Spirit
• How does Scrooge's final transformation relate to Tiny Tim's spirit?

  Both embody the essence of Christmas Spirit
• How does the theme of the supernatural develop throughout the novella?

  Each experience brings Scrooge closer to redemption
• What is the first explicit form of the supernatural in the novella?

  Scrooge's door-knocker transforming
• What feeling does the transformation of the door-knocker aim to instill in Scrooge?

  Feelings of horror
• How do Scrooge's supernatural experiences become more meaningful?

  They teach him how to amend his ways