Overview

• What is the main character's name in Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'?

  Ebenezer Scrooge
• What transformation does Ebenezer Scrooge undergo in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  He transforms from a miserly, misanthropic businessman to someone who appreciates the spirit of Christmas.
• How does Dickens achieve Scrooge's metamorphosis in the novella?

  Through the use of supernatural phantom figures that guide Scrooge towards the right path.
• Who is the first ghost that visits Scrooge?

  Jacob Marley
• What warning does Jacob Marley give to Scrooge?

  That three more ghosts will visit him and that he will end up in chains if he doesn't change his ways.
• What are the names of the three Spirits that visit Scrooge?

  The Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come.
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Past show Scrooge?

  Scenes from his past, including his lonely school days and his relationship with his sister Fan.
• How does Scrooge feel when he sees his sister Fan in the Ghost of Christmas Past's vision?

  He begins to pity himself and is overcome with emotion.
• What does Belle's complaint about Scrooge reveal about their relationship?

  It shows that Scrooge prioritized money over their relationship, leading to its breakdown.
• What does Scrooge's reaction to Belle's new life signify?

  It signifies his regret and the emotional impact of his choices on his life.
• Who is Tiny Tim?

  Bob Cratchit's young, disabled son.
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Present reveal about the Cratchit family?

  They celebrate Christmas joyfully despite their financial struggles.
• What does Scrooge's realization during the Ghost of Christmas Present's visit indicate?

  It indicates his growing awareness of the importance of family and community.
• What do the child-like creatures named "Ignorance" and "Want" symbolize?

  They symbolize societal issues that can lead to doom if ignored.
• What is the nature of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come?

  The Spirit does not speak to Scrooge but shows him scenes of the future.
• What does Scrooge witness about his own death through the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come?

  He sees that he is isolated and uncared for after his death.
• How does Scrooge's reaction to the scenes shown by the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come reflect his character development?

  His disgust and desire for change indicate his repentance and desire to alter his fate.

  
• What does Scrooge do when he wakes up on Christmas Day?

  He vows to change his ways and embrace the spirit of Christmas.
• What is the main didactic message of 'A Christmas Carol'?

  Materialism and wealth do not lead to happiness; compassion and community do.
• What are the characteristics of the narrator in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  • Intrusive narrator who offers commentary
  • Conversational tone to build trust with the reader
  • Third person limited omniscient perspective focused on Scrooge
  • Not sympathetic towards Scrooge initially
  • Uses direct address to engage the reader
  • Represents Dickens' authorial voice

  
• What is the significance of referring to chapters as 'staves' in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  • 'Stave' relates to musical notation, aligning with the novella's title as a 'carol'
  • Each stave contains its own narrative arc, tone, and mood

  
• What is the opening line of 'A Christmas Carol' and its significance?

  • The opening line is "Marley was dead: to begin with."
  • It introduces the supernatural theme and sets the tone for the novella.
• What does the narrator say about Marley in the opening of the novella?

  The narrator repeatedly states that "Marley was dead."
• How does the narrator's commentary affect the reader's perception of the story?

  It builds a relationship of trust, allowing the reader to accept the narrator's opinions.
• Why might Dickens choose to emphasize Scrooge's negative traits in the first stave?

  To highlight his character development throughout the novella.
• What does the narrator's use of direct address accomplish in the story?

  It makes the reader feel involved in the narrative.
• What does the narrator say about Fred's laugh?

  He asks the reader to "introduce" him to anyone "more blest in a laugh than Scrooge’s nephew."
• How does the narrator's commentary on Marley contribute to the theme of the supernatural?


  By emphasizing Marley's death, it establishes the supernatural elements of the story.
• What does the phrase "to begin with" imply about the story's focus?

  It suggests that the supernatural theme will be central to the narrative from the start.
• What is the purpose of the narrator's witty commentary?

  To put the reader at ease and build a relationship of trust.
• What does the term 'didactic message' refer to in the context of 'A Christmas Carol'?

  A moral message intended to teach the reader.
• How does the narrator's commentary influence the reader's understanding of Scrooge's character?

  It allows the reader to see both his negative traits and his potential for change.
• What does the use of the term 'covetous old sinner' suggest about Scrooge's character?

  It emphasizes his greed and selfishness at the beginning of the story.
• What is the significance of the phrase "hard and sharp as flint" in describing Scrooge?

  It highlights his cold and unfeeling nature.
• How does the narrator's lack of sympathy towards Scrooge affect the reader's perception?

  It may alienate the reader from Scrooge initially, emphasizing his character development.
• What is the effect of the narrator's relentless description of Scrooge in the first stave?

  It emphasizes the negative aspects of Scrooge's personality and sets the stage for his transformation.
• What does the term 'narrative arc' refer to in the context of each stave?

  It refers to the structure and development of the story within each stave.
• Why is it essential to understand the events within each stave of 'A Christmas Carol'?

  To provide textual references in essays and link extracts to the wider novella.
• How does the structure of 'A Christmas Carol' as a novella affect its storytelling?

  It allows for a concise narrative that can effectively convey moral lessons through each stave.
• What is the significance of the phrase "Marley was dead" in the novella?

  It establishes the supernatural theme and sets the tone for the story.