Structure and Narrative

• How many chapters is A Christmas Carol divided into?

  Five chapters
• What does Dickens call each chapter of A Christmas Carol?

  Stave
• What is the significance of the word 'stave' in relation to the novella?

  It refers to musical notes and verses
• How does the title A Christmas Carol relate to the novella's intended experience?

  It suggests the novella is meant to be enjoyed aloud
• What was more common in Victorian times regarding reading A Christmas Carol?

  Reading it aloud to friends and family
• What is the purpose of each chapter in A Christmas Carol?

  • First chapter: Introduces Scrooge and his flaws
  • Middle three chapters: Relate to Scrooge's past, present, and future
  • Final chapter: Reintroduces elements from the first chapter, showing Scrooge's change
• What does the first chapter of A Christmas Carol emphasize about Scrooge?

  His character flaws
• What do the middle three chapters of the novella relate to?

  Scrooge's past, present, and future
• How is each ghost's appearance signaled in A Christmas Carol?

  By the ominous tolling of a bell
• What does the final chapter of A Christmas Carol reintroduce?

  Elements from the first chapter
• What does the circular structure of the story demonstrate about Scrooge?

  How he has changed
• What does Scrooge promise at the end of the novella?

  To live in the Past, Present, and Future
• What hints does Dickens include to suggest a happy ending in A Christmas Carol?

  • Scrooge's transformation foreshadowed by his father's change
  • Scrooge's kind-heartedness in youth suggests he can change
  • Use of "Once upon a time" links to fairy tales
• How does Scrooge's father's change foreshadow Scrooge's transformation?

  It suggests Scrooge can also change
• What phrase does Dickens use in the novella that links it to fairy tales?

  "Once upon a time"
• What does the phrase "Once upon a time" suggest about the story's ending?

  It suggests a happy ending
• The story has an unusual time scheme

  1. The story doesn't follow a chronological structure. It's mainly set in Scrooge's present, but it includes three separate episodes that have visions set in different time periods - Scrooge's past, present and future

  2. Each individual episode with the ghosts doesn't follow a regular time scheme - each one contains several jumps in time

  3. The linking sections between each ghostly visit are set in Scrooge's present, but they also don't follow the normal rules of time. Scrooge falls asleep after 2am, but he's visited by the first ghost at 1am that same night. The tolling of the "melancholy" bell shows that hours are passing, but the three visits only take one night
• What drives the plot forward in the story?

  Supernatural visits
• How do the ghosts create dramatic tension in the story?

  They have a short time to convey messages
• What effect does the urgency of the Ghost of Christmas Past have on Scrooge?

  It compels Scrooge to follow and learn
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Past instruct Scrooge to do?

  Rise and walk with me
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Past mean by "My time grows short... Quick!"?

  It indicates urgency in delivering messages
• How does the Ghost of Christmas Present's visit affect Scrooge's learning?

  It creates a sense of urgency to learn
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Present warn Scrooge about its life?

  It is very brief
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come represent in Scrooge's journey?

  His final lesson about mortality
• How does Scrooge's reaction to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come affect the story's tension?

  His refusal to look increases the tension
• What does Scrooge call his time with the ghost in Chapter Four?

  Precious
• How does Scrooge's attitude change towards the ghosts?

  He becomes eager to learn from them
• What are the key elements of urgency in the ghosts' visits to Scrooge?

  • Ghosts have limited time to convey messages
  • Urgent instructions from the Ghost of Christmas Past
  • Warning of brief life from the Ghost of Christmas Present
  • Scrooge's refusal to look at his corpse increases tension
  • Scrooge's changed attitude reflects his desire to learn
• How does the narrator's tone influence the reader's view of Scrooge?

  The narrator's casual tone puts the reader at ease
• What phrase does the narrator humorously discuss?

  "Dead as a doornail"
• Why does Dickens present the narrator as a talkative storyteller?

  To make the reader like and trust him
• What negative opinions does the narrator express about Scrooge?

  He describes Scrooge as a "covetous old sinner"
• How does the narrator's opinion of Scrooge affect the reader's feelings?

  It encourages the reader to despise Scrooge initially
• What change occurs in the narrator's portrayal of Scrooge as the novella progresses?

  The narrator reveals Scrooge's feelings, leading to sympathy
• What effect does Scrooge's transformation have on the reader?

  It makes his eventual transformation more powerful
• What does the narrator share about his own feelings?

  He shows a mischievous side when discussing Belle's daughter
• How does the narrator's personality contribute to the story?

  His light-hearted personality makes him engaging
• How does the narrator's influence change throughout the novella?

  • Initially encourages disdain for Scrooge
  • Later fosters sympathy as Scrooge changes
  • Makes Scrooge's transformation impactful