Questions and Answers
Why is the story broken down into staves instead of chapters?
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?
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Compare the description of Scrooge with that of his nephew.
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What does Scrooge's nephew enjoy about Christmas?
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On what day of the year did Marley die? Why is the particular day he died noteworthy?
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What reason does Scrooge give for refusing to give to charity?
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How does Scrooge feel about poor people?
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Why doesn't Scrooge think it's fair to give his clerk the day off on Christmas?
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Why does the Ghost of Marley visit Scrooge?
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What does Marley say should have been his business?
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Briefly describe two important conflicts from Chapter One. Support your idea. Explain what kind of conflict each is.
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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?
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Why do you think Dickens opens the novella this way?
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What's the deal with the weather descriptions?
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What is the importance of Scrooge's nephew?
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Why did Scrooge give Cratchit the day off?
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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.