Context 2

• When was Charles Dickens born?

  7th February 1812
• What era is Charles Dickens associated with?

  Victorian era
• How did Dickens' journalism influence his writing?

  It made him socially aware
• What social issue does 'A Christmas Carol' explore?

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

  It reflects his social consciousness
• What was Dickens' family background?

  Middle-class family
• Why was Dickens' education significant?

  It shaped his value of education
• What happened to Dickens' father?

  He was put in debtors' prison
• How did Dickens' childhood experiences influence his writing?

  He experienced poverty firsthand
• What does the Cratchit household represent in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  Sympathy towards the lower-class
• How does Scrooge's childhood reflect Dickens' own experiences?

  Both faced loneliness and hardship
• What are the impacts of the Industrial Revolution on society?

  • Overpopulation in cities
  • Formation of slums
  • Spread of diseases
  • Child labor exploitation
• How did the Industrial Revolution affect the working class?

  It exacerbated inequalities in society
• What does Scrooge's view of the "surplus population" reference?

  Thomas Malthus' economic theories
• How does Scrooge's character develop throughout the novella?

  He learns empathy and compassion
• What does Scrooge's hyperbolic speech signify?

  His ignorance and disdain for others
• What is poverty defined as in the novella?

  Lack of basic necessities
• What was the purpose of the workhouses according to the novella?

  To provide support for the poor
• How does Scrooge view charity?

  As rewarding bad behavior
• What does Scrooge mean by "idle people"?

  He equates idleness with being poor
• What are the societal responses to poverty depicted in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  • Workhouses as harsh solutions
  • Charity viewed as problematic
  • Ignorance towards the poor
• What were ragged schools established for?

  To provide basic education to poor children.
• What was Scrooge's response to charity collectors?

  He said poverty was none of his business.
• What does the phrase "surplus population" imply in Scrooge's view?

  He believed the poor should die.
• How does Dickens illustrate poverty in the setting of the novella?

  He describes the quarter reeking with crime.
• What do the characters "Ignorance and Want" represent?

  The effects of poverty on children.
• What did the Elementary Education Act of 1880 require?

  Children to attend school until age 10.
• What was the purpose of the Factory Act on Child Labour in 1833?

  To set a minimum working age of 9.
• How did Dickens portray the effects of a lack of education in the novella?

  Through the characters Ignorance and Want.
• How did the Victorian era change the perception of Christmas?

  It transformed into a widely celebrated festival.
• What role did Dickens play in the popularization of Christmas traditions?

  His book helped spread festive themes.
• How did Dickens view Sabbatarianism?

  He disagreed with its restrictions.
• What does Scrooge's conversation with the Ghost of Christmas Present reveal?

  Critique of society's misplaced religiosity.
• How does Dickens illustrate the hypocrisy of religious expectations?

  Through the actions of the Ghost of Christmas Present.
• What foundational belief of Christianity is reflected in Scrooge's story?

  Redemption through good deeds.
• What contrast does Dickens create between the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Cratchit family?

  Extravagance of the rich vs. modesty of the poor.
• How did the Cratchit family embody the spirit of Christmas?

  They were content with what they had.