A Christmas Carol

• Who is the author of A Christmas Carol?

  Charles Dickens
• What are the four main context points for A Christmas Carol?

  1. Dickens' father in debtors' prison
  2. 1834 New Poor Law
  3. Thomas Malthus' theory on overpopulation
  4. The Industrial Revolution's social divide
• What happened to Dickens' father when Dickens was 12?

  He went to debtors' prison
• How did Dickens' childhood influence his writing?

  He empathized with the poor from experience
• What did the 1834 New Poor Law require from the poor?

  Work for free in a workhouse
• How did Dickens view the 1834 New Poor Law?

  As punishing the poor for their situation
• Who is Thomas Malthus?

  A theorist on overpopulation and poverty
• What was Dickens' criticism of Malthus' theory?

  It was insensitive and shifted blame
• What major societal change was occurring during Dickens' time?

  The Industrial Revolution
• How did the Industrial Revolution affect social classes?

  It widened the gap between rich and poor
• What are the main themes in A Christmas Carol?

  1. Importance of Christmas
  2. Redemption
  3. Charity
  4. Social injustice
  5. Family
• What does Dickens emphasize about Christmas in the novel?

  It is a time for charity and family
• What is the theme of redemption in A Christmas Carol?

  It shows the possibility of change and forgiveness
• Who does Dickens target with his message about charity?

  The wealthy upper-class readers
• How does Dickens portray family in A Christmas Carol?

  As a source of support and strength
• What does the theme of social injustice critique?

  The gap between the rich and the poor
• What does Scrooge's character represent in the novel?

  Isolation and the need for connection
• What are key quotations for Scrooge in A Christmas Carol?

  • "Solitary as an oyster"
  • "Bah! Humbug!"
  • "Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?"
• What does the simile "solitary as an oyster" illustrate about Scrooge?

  His isolation and misery
• What does Scrooge mean by "Bah! Humbug!"?

  He disdains Christmas and its spirit
• What do Scrooge's rhetorical questions about prisons and workhouses signify?

  His uncharitable attitude towards the poor
• What simile describes Scrooge's character at the beginning of the novel?

  Solitary as an oyster
• What does the simile "solitary as an oyster" illustrate about Scrooge?

  It shows his isolation and misery
• How does Scrooge's greed affect his character?

  It makes him more miserable and isolated
• What change occurs in Scrooge when he becomes more charitable?

  He becomes less solitary and more loved
• What is the second quotation associated with Scrooge?

  Bah humbug
• What does Scrooge mean by saying "Bah humbug"?

  He disdains Christmas and its celebrations
• What rhetorical questions does Scrooge ask regarding the poor laws?

  Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?
• What do Scrooge's rhetorical questions illustrate about his character?

  He is uncharitable and harsh towards the poor
• How does Scrooge view the poor at the beginning of the novel?

  He sees them as inhuman and undeserving
• What does Scrooge realize when he sees Fezziwig's party?

  Employers can greatly affect their workers' happiness
• What literary technique does Scrooge use when he reflects on Fezziwig's impact?

  Oxymoron
• What does Scrooge's reflection on Fezziwig suggest about his transformation?

  He begins to understand the power of kindness
• What is the final quotation illustrating Scrooge's chance at redemption?

  I will live in the past, present, and future
• What does Scrooge's statement about living in all three time frames signify?

  His complete transformation and acceptance of change
• What are the main quotations associated with Bob Cratchit?

  1. Described as having a smaller fire
  2. Happy with a small Christmas pudding
  3. Cries out for Tiny Tim, "my little child"
• How is Bob Cratchit first described in Scrooge's office?

  His fire was very much smaller
• What does the comparative adjective "smaller" illustrate about Scrooge?

  His meanness and mistreatment of Bob
• What does Bob Cratchit's happiness with a small pudding signify?

  Contentment despite poverty and hardship
• What oxymoron is used to describe Bob Cratchit's Christmas meal?

  Small pudding for a large family