The supernatural

• What genre began to permeate literature during the Victorian era?

  Gothic genre
• What themes were particularly popular in the Gothic genre during the Victorian era?

  Supernatural themes
• How is the Victorian era often described in relation to Gothic and supernatural motifs?

  As a 'golden age'
• Who was John Forster in relation to Charles Dickens?

  His close friend and biographer
• What does John Forster suggest about Dickens's interest in the supernatural?

  That Dickens had a "hankering" for the supernatural
• Why did Dickens brand 'A Christmas Carol' as a ghost story?

  Because it was a popular tradition to read ghost stories during the festive time
• How does the supernatural contribute to the plot structure of 'A Christmas Carol'?


  It provides a logical structure through the three Ghosts who enable Scrooge to change
• What role do the Ghosts play in Scrooge's transformation?

  They act as catalysts for his transformation
• How do the Ghosts heighten the dramatic effect of the novella?

  By introducing a greater consequence to Scrooge's actions
• What is the most explicit representation of the supernatural in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  The Ghosts
• How does Dickens characterize Scrooge in relation to supernatural themes?

  As a character with no middle-ground, representing extremes
• What does Scrooge's characterization suggest about the possibility of change?

  If Scrooge can change, then it is feasible for the readers to change as well
• How did the beliefs of The Church influence public perception of the supernatural?


  They categorized ideas as either permitted or sinful
• What role does the idea of purgatory play in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  It is recognized in Stave One when Scrooge sees the air filled with phantoms
• How does Dickens adhere to biblical teachings in 'A Christmas Carol'?

  By recognizing the concept of purgatory, allowing publication without controversy
• How do religious doctrines enhance the narrative of 'A Christmas Carol'?

  They create a believable narrative for religious Victorians
• What does 'willingly suspend disbelief' mean in the context of the novella?

  To put aside criticisms and enjoy the unbelievable aspects for enjoyment
• What are the Ghosts regarded as in the novella?

  Structural tools to help drive forward the plot
• Why should the Ghosts not be dismissed as mere plot devices?

  Because they teach lessons and symbolize key ideas within the narrative
• What does each Ghost in 'A Christmas Carol' symbolize?

  • The Ghost of Christmas Past: Personification of the past
  • The Ghost of Christmas Present: Represents festive spirit and joy
  • The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: Symbolizes death and doom
• How is the Ghost of Christmas Past described?

  As being "like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man"
• What is the paradoxical nature of the Ghost of Christmas Past?

  It is both an "old man" and a "child," possible only through a supernatural medium
• What quality does the Ghost of Christmas Past possess?

  A certain quality of innocence, symbolized by a tunic of "purest white"
• How does the Ghost of Christmas Present resemble 'Father Christmas'?

  He is described as a "jolly giant" who sits on a "throne"
• How does Dickens characterize the Spirit of Christmas Present?

  As God-like, highlighted through Scrooge's perception of him
• What supernatural property does the Ghost of Christmas Present possess?

  His ability to spread joy
• How does the Ghost of Christmas Present spread joy?

  By "sprinkling incense" on the food that people are eating
• How is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come described?

  As a "phantom"
• What parallels does Dickens draw between the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and the Grim Reaper?

  Both are personifications of death, establishing a sense of doom
• What does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come wear?

  A "deep black garment which concealed its head, its face, its form"
• How are Ignorance and Want depicted in the novella?

  As "wretched, abject, frightful, hideous, miserable" children
• What do Ignorance and Want symbolize in society?


  The disease of Ignorance and Want
• What is significant about Marley’s Ghost being described as "chained"?

  It signifies that the things he created in life keep him trapped in the afterlife
• What didactic purpose does Marley’s Ghost serve?

  To illustrate that the way one lives dictates their eternal resting place
• How does Scrooge's description contain supernatural undertones?

  Through metaphors and similes that suggest he has superhuman qualities
• What does the phrase "No warmth could warm him" suggest about Scrooge?

  It suggests there is something almost superhuman about his apathy
• How is Fred characterized in relation to supernatural qualities?

  His goodness is seen as supernatural due to his unchanging nature
• What imagery does Dickens use to describe Fred's goodness?

  Imagery of light, such as "all in a glow" and "eyes sparkled"
• What biblical allusion is made in relation to Fred's character?

  Jesus saying he is "the light of the world"
• How is Tiny Tim described in relation to supernatural spirit?

  His "childish essence was from God"