A Christmas Carol - Stave 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Why is the story broken down into staves instead of chapters?

Because it relates to the nature of songs and carols (correct)

To follow a traditional structure

To provide a clearer progression

To better suit the narrative style

Describe the setting of the first scene in the novella. What day is it? What mood does Dickens convey?

It was Christmas Eve and Dickens gave the scene a dismal mood.

What comparison is made between Scrooge and rough weather? How are they contrasted?

Dickens stated that the horrible weather was better than Scrooge because although they were chilly, hard and rough, the weather 'came down handsomely', while Scrooge never did.

What are the first words Scrooge utters in the book? What do they mean?

'Bah! Humbug!' meaning 'that's nonsense!' Signup and view all the answers

Compare the description of Scrooge with that of his nephew.

Scrooge and his nephew are polar opposites; Scrooge is mean and cares little for others, while his nephew is cheerful and makes the best of life. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scrooge's nephew enjoy about Christmas?

He enjoys that people are more charitable and consider the poor as equals during that time. Signup and view all the answers

On what day of the year did Marley die? Why is the particular day he died noteworthy?

Christmas Eve. It was the same day he came back to Scrooge to tell him about the other ghosts and his fate. Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Scrooge give for refusing to give to charity?

He said that paying taxes for government-run charities was enough work and those without enough should just go there. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scrooge feel about poor people?

He believes they should be able to get along by themselves and they are not his problem. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Scrooge think it's fair to give his clerk the day off on Christmas?

He thinks it's not fair because he would still be paying him for that day. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Ghost of Marley visit Scrooge?

To convince him to change his wrong ways and to tell him of the other ghosts who will help him escape his fate of chains. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marley say should have been his business?

He said mankind, welfare, charity, and mercy should have been his business. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe two important conflicts from Chapter One. Support your idea. Explain what kind of conflict each is.

The first conflict is man vs. society because Scrooge fights against the cheeriness and charities to stay in his stingy solitude. The second conflict is man vs. self because Scrooge has to fight against himself in the form of Marley, who tries to save him while Scrooge only sees money. Signup and view all the answers

The narrator imagines that Scrooge's home is in such an odd location because it hid while 'playing at hide-and-seek with other houses.' What literary device is this an example of? Why?

It is personification because houses cannot play hide and seek. The story is giving it human qualities. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Dickens opens the novella this way?

He does this because he wants the reader to know more about Marley and to emphasize when Marley died. Signup and view all the answers

What's the deal with the weather descriptions?

He included weather descriptions to contrast with Scrooge; the weather represents Scrooge, while happier characters stand out. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of Scrooge's nephew?

The nephew is a foil to Scrooge. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Scrooge give Cratchit the day off?

Scrooge cared just a tiny bit for Cratchit, so he gave him the day off but said it was just so he wouldn't feel ill-used. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stave 1 Overview

A Christmas Carol is divided into staves, reflecting musical concepts similar to stanzas in songs.

Setting and Mood

The novella begins on Christmas Eve, establishing a dismal atmosphere.

Weather and Character Contrast

Scrooge is compared unfavorably to the harsh weather; despite being rough, the weather is depicted as more benevolent than Scrooge.

Scrooge's Attitude

Scrooge's first words, "Bah! Humbug!" indicate his dismissive attitude towards Christmas.

Character Comparisons

Scrooge and his nephew are depicted as opposites: the nephew embodies cheerfulness and hope, while Scrooge is miserly and indifferent.

Christmas Sentiment

Scrooge's nephew appreciates Christmas for fostering charity and equality amongst people.

Marley's Death

Marley died on Christmas Eve, the same day he returns to warn Scrooge about his fate.

Attitude Towards Charity

Scrooge refuses to donate to charity, believing tax contributions suffice and the needy should rely on government help.

Views on Poverty

Scrooge believes the poor should manage their own affairs, viewing them as unworthy of his concern.

Work Ethic

Scrooge resists giving his clerk, Bob Cratchit, Christmas off, feeling it unfair to pay for a day not worked.

Ghostly Visitations

Marley visits Scrooge to urge him towards a change of heart and to inform him of the ghostly guidance to come.

Reflection on Life

Marley expresses regret for neglecting humanity, emphasizing the importance of social responsibility and compassion.

Conflicts in Stave 1

The first conflict is man vs. society, as Scrooge isolates himself from the warmth of community Christmas spirit.
The second conflict is man vs. self, as Scrooge grapples with his values over money, spurred by Marley's haunting.

Literary Devices

The narrator’s description of Scrooge's home emphasizes personification, attributing human-like traits to houses.

Dickens’s Intent

Opening with Marley’s story connects the reader with Scrooge's past and foreshadows the significance of Marley's death.

Weather Symbolism

Weather descriptions serve to highlight Scrooge’s character, contrasting the warmth of others against his cold demeanor.

Importance of the Nephew

Scrooge's nephew acts as a foil, contrasting his optimism against Scrooge's cynicism.

Day Off for Cratchit

Scrooge reluctantly gives Cratchit Christmas off, revealing a sliver of care amidst his usual harshness.

Foreboding Elements

Early hints in the story suggest that Scrooge will experience transformative events during the night.

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Description

Test your understanding of the first stave of 'A Christmas Carol'. This quiz focuses on key elements such as the structure of the story and the setting on Christmas Eve. Delve into the mood that Dickens creates and explore the significance of staves in the novella.