Plot & Structure
What holiday is central to the events of the novel?
Christmas
What is Scrooge's personality at the beginning of the story?
Scrooge is intolerant (callous, unsympathetic, unkind, haughty, cold, selfish) due to his indifference to humanity
A change of heart can lead to redemption (people can change)
During what season does the story take place?
Winter
What does coldness symbolize in the story?
Unkindness
What is the name the author gives to the chapters of the story?
Staves
How does Scrooge treat Bob Cratchit early in the story?
He is unkind considering that he is very demanding and stingy as a boss
How does the author show the importance of generosity?
Through the joy of giving and helping others
How does the author describe the weather to match Scrooge's mood?
Cold and harsh since Scrooge hates Christmas
What does Christmas symbolize in the novel?
Generosity and togetherness (family)
What happens to Scrooge after he is visited by the Ghost of Christmas past?
He begins to reflect on his earlier life and choices seeing how he looks back on how he was ostracized
What does Bob Cratchit represent?
Bob Cratchit represents kindness and patience despite poverty since he is grateful for what little he has and is considerate of Mr. Scrooge
What lesson does Scrooge learn about wealth and what law did it expose?
Wealth should be used to help others, exposing the impact of The Poor Law on the working class/the poor
What mood is created in the Cratchit home on Christmas Day?
Warm and joyful seeing how the Cratchit family is close and happy even though they are poor
What does Scrooge's counting house symbolize considering his intolerant mindset?
Greed since all Scrooge cares about is money; isolation due to the way he refuses those who visit him like his nephew, Fred, the carolers, and the gentlemen (the charity workers)
How does the ending of the story resolve Scrooge's main conflict?
He changes his behavior/attitude considering he becomes generous and kind
What is the impact of the Cratchit family's situation on Scrooge?
After seeing the family, especially Tiny Time, Scrooge changes seeing how he shows concern and empathy
How does the Cratchit family help develop the theme?
There are thankful, content, and demonstrate gratitude despite hardship
What does darkness and light represent in the novel? Provide examples.
Darkness emphasizes isolation (like when Scrooge was ostracized) and light shows hope (like when Tiny Tim got better)
How do the 3 spirits/ghosts propel (drive) the story's development?
The 3 spirits propel the story by representing the journey of Scrooge seeing how he goes through reflection, empathy, and consequence that cause him to change
How does the structure of multiple spirits' visits help develop the story's theme?
Each visit shows Scrooge a different perspective/experience that leads to change - seeing how the Ghost of Christmas past propels Scrooge to reflect, the Ghost of Christmas present unearths his empathy, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come exposes the consequences of his choices
What proves Scrooge's transformation at the end of the story?
Scrooge's actions and new mindset prove his transformation due to how in the end he gifts the Cratchit family a turkey and raises Bob's salary
What does the novel suggest about society?
The author uses the novel to suggest that people should treat others with compassion and kindness considering how in the end, Scrooge reflects on his choices and learns to be caring
How does the final setting (when the spirit of Christmas Yet to Come visits) have an effect on Scrooge?
The the setting provokes Scrooge's final transformation seeing how Scrooge does not want a terrifying and lonely death; fear and regret drive him to change
How does Tiny Tim symbolize the antithesis of Scrooge?
Tiny Tim symbolizes the antithesis of Scrooge seeing how he has optimism and hope, contrasting Scrooge's selfishness and greed