Christmas Carol Chapters 1 and 2 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is a stave? Why does Dickens choose to call his chapters stave?

A stave is a part of a musical score. His chapters are called 'staves' because it's a 'Christmas CAROL', which is a song, so it reminds us that it's a song.

'Scrooge kept the coal box in his own room; and so surely as the clerk came in with the shovel, the master predicted that it would be necessary for them to part.' What does this sentence tell us about Scrooge?

He is greedy.

Scrooge scorns humans to the point of stating that the poor should die and 'decrease the surplus population.' What does this statement reveal about Scrooge's character?

Scrooge hates mankind.

How do Scrooge's clerk and nephew differ in their interaction with Scrooge? What facts or circumstances may account for the difference?

Scrooge's clerk is frightened by Scrooge and doesn't want to get fired, so he barely talks to Scrooge. Scrooge's nephew is comfortable around Scrooge and will talk to him anytime without worry. Signup and view all the answers

What is the gruel that Scrooge eats? Why is this an included detail?

Gruel is what poor people eat, like oatmeal. It shows that Scrooge wants money for the money and not for what it could get him. Signup and view all the answers

Marley tells Scrooge, 'The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business.' What does Marley mean his true business should have been?

Helping mankind. Signup and view all the answers

When Marley's ghost tells Scrooge to look out his window, he sees the air filled with phantoms. What misery do all these phantoms have?

They want to help someone but can't. Signup and view all the answers

Marley tells Scrooge he has a 'chance and a hope' of escaping Marley's fate. What is this chance and hope?

Learn and listen from the three ghosts and follow their advice. Signup and view all the answers

What is comic relief? When Scrooge is speaking to Marley, how does Dickens use comic relief to show us Scrooge's fear?

Comic relief is a humorous scene or speech that alleviates the intensity of a situation. Dickens uses comic relief by saying you're more gravy than grave. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marley convince Scrooge he is real?

He takes off the bandage from his head because of his broken jaw. Signup and view all the answers

What very odd things does Scrooge notice about his door knocker?

It morphed into Marley's face. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the two portly gentlemen come to visit Scrooge?

He was donating to the poor. Signup and view all the answers

How many employees does Scrooge have?

One. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jacob Marley? When did he die?

Scrooge's only friend and late partner. He dies on Christmas Eve. Signup and view all the answers

How many siblings does Scrooge have? What are their names?

Scrooge has one sister; her name is Fan. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mr. Fezziwig?

Scrooge's old boss. Signup and view all the answers

Scrooge was once engaged to be married. What was the girl's name?

Belle. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't they get married?

Scrooge loved money more than he loved her. Signup and view all the answers

When did the Fezziwigs' party end?

When the clock struck 11. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the first Ghost. What is the strangest thing about it?

The first ghost looked like a combination of a child and an adult, with light coming out of his head. Signup and view all the answers

The Spirit of Christmas Past shows young Scrooge spending his time with such people as 'Ali Baba, Robin Crusoe and Friday.' Who are these people and what does this scene tell us about young Scrooge?

Scrooge and Robin Crusoe are very similar, and Robin Crusoe influenced him. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the character of Scrooge's sister.

She is carefree, selfless, and happy. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be a 'dowerless girl'?

When you get married, the only thing you offer is yourself; no money, land, etc. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dickens use repetition when the ghost first appears?

Opening and closing the curtains. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the Ghost of Christmas Past showed Scrooge the holidays he spent as a child at boarding school? How does Scrooge react?

It shows how his childhood was really sad and lonely, with no friends. He was sad to see his childhood was lonely. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Scrooge's father? How does this influence the reader's opinion of Scrooge?

The details about Scrooge's father reveal emotional neglect, influencing the reader to feel sympathy for Scrooge's character. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocabulary and Concepts

Stave: A section of a musical score; chapters are termed staves in a nod to "A Christmas CAROL," emphasizing the story's musicality.
Comic Relief: A humorous moment that contrasts with serious situations to enhance their gravity; used effectively by Dickens to depict Scrooge's fear, exemplified by the phrase "you're more gravy than grave."

Scrooge's Character Traits

Greed: Scrooge's possession of a coal box reflects his greed; he predictably deprives his employees of warmth.
Misanthropy: Expresses disdain for humanity, apparent in his statement that the poor should "decrease the surplus population," indicating a profound hatred for mankind.

Relationships and Interactions

Interactions with Clerk and Nephew: The clerk exhibits fear towards Scrooge due to job insecurity, while the nephew is comfortable and unbothered in his interactions.
Sister: Scrooge’s sister, named Fan, is portrayed as carefree, selfless, and happy, contrasting with Scrooge’s character.

Marley and the Ghosts

Jacob Marley: Scrooge's deceased partner, who died on Christmas Eve; tells Scrooge he has a chance to avoid his fate by learning from three spirits.
Marley's Warning: Emphasizes the true purpose of life should be helping others rather than material pursuits, indicating a chance for redemption.

Themes of Regret and Reflection

Personal Regret: Scrooge’s past is highlighted through memories of his former fiancée, Belle, showcasing that his love for money led to their broken engagement.
Childhood Loneliness: Flashbacks to Scrooge's school days reveal profound sadness and alienation, influencing understanding of his current bitterness.

Significant Events and Characters

Mr. Fezziwig: Scrooge’s former employer, who embodies generosity and joy, contrasting sharply with Scrooge’s current demeanor.
Spirit of Christmas Past: Appears like a mixture of child and adult, symbolizing innocence and the weight of memories; offers a journey through Scrooge's joyless past.

Notable Details

Gruel: Represents poverty, consumed by Scrooge, indicative of his desire for wealth over quality of life.
Phantoms at the Window: Reflect Scrooge's own fate; they long to help others but are restricted by their previous lives.

Other Key Elements

Scrooge's Employment: He employs only one clerk, highlighting his solitary and frugal nature.
The Door Knocker: Scrooge’s door knocker morphs into Marley’s face, foreshadowing later events with ghosts and the supernatural.

Closing Events

Fezziwig's Party: Ends at 11 PM, serving as a symbol of joy and celebration that Scrooge has lost touch with over the years.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the first two chapters of 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens with these flashcards. Learn about key terms and themes that enrich your understanding of the story's context and characters.