Stave 1

• Who is Jacob Marley in "A Christmas Carol"?

  Scrooge's deceased business partner
• How long has Jacob Marley been dead?

  Exactly 7 years
• What significant date coincides with Marley's death?

  Christmas Eve
• What connection does Dickens establish between Marley and Christmas?

  Supernatural elements linked to Christmas
• How does Scrooge feel about Marley's death?

  He is not particularly sad
• How is Scrooge described in the first stave?

  As a horrible and unpleasant man
• What does Scrooge refuse to give Bob Cratchit?

  Extra coal for the fire
• Who is Fred in relation to Scrooge?

  Scrooge's nephew
• How does Scrooge respond to Fred's Christmas wishes?

  With disdain and rejection
• What do two men ask Scrooge for at his workplace?

  Financial aid for the less fortunate
• What is Scrooge's opinion on the poor?

  They should go to prisons or die
• What does Scrooge give Bob Cratchit on Christmas Day?

  The day off
• Where does Scrooge live?

  In Marley's former home
• What does Scrooge see in the door knocker?

  Marley's face
• How does Scrooge react to seeing Marley's face?

  He feels shocked and scared
• What unusual event happens when Scrooge is at home?

  A bell starts to chime
• Who appears to Scrooge after the bell chimes?

  Marley's ghost
• What does Marley's ghost wear?

  A heavy chain with cash boxes
• What does Marley's ghost represent?

  The consequences of greed and selfishness
• What warning does Marley's ghost give Scrooge?

  He will be haunted by three spirits
• What lesson does Marley's ghost suggest Scrooge should learn?

  To be more generous and charitable
• How does Scrooge react to Marley's ghost's message?

  He begins to listen and reflect
• What does Scrooge say after Marley's ghost leaves?

  He says "humbug"
• What does Scrooge's hesitation to finish "humbug" suggest?

  He may be learning something
• What are the main themes introduced in Stave 1 of "A Christmas Carol"?

  • Death and the supernatural
  • Greed and selfishness
  • The importance of generosity
  • The contrast between Christmas spirit and Scrooge's attitude
• What character traits define Scrooge in Stave 1?

  • Grumpy and unpleasant
  • Greedy and selfish
  • Disdainful of Christmas
  • Unkind to employees and family
• How does Scrooge's attitude towards Christmas reflect his character?

  • Shows his disdain for joy and generosity
  • Highlights his isolation and selfishness
  • Indicates his lack of empathy for others
• What role does Marley’s ghost play in the narrative?

  • Serves as a warning to Scrooge
  • Represents the consequences of a selfish life
  • Introduces the theme of redemption