Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a stave? Why does Dickens choose to call his chapters stave?
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?
'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 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?
How do Scrooge's clerk and nephew differ in their interaction with Scrooge? What facts or circumstances may account for the difference?
What is the gruel that Scrooge eats? Why is this an included detail?
What is the gruel that Scrooge eats? Why is this an included detail?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Marley tells Scrooge he has a 'chance and a hope' of escaping Marley's fate. What is this chance and hope?
Marley tells Scrooge he has a 'chance and a hope' of escaping Marley's fate. What is this chance and hope?
What is comic relief? When Scrooge is speaking to Marley, how does Dickens use comic relief to show us Scrooge's fear?
What is comic relief? When Scrooge is speaking to Marley, how does Dickens use comic relief to show us Scrooge's fear?
How does Marley convince Scrooge he is real?
How does Marley convince Scrooge he is real?
What very odd things does Scrooge notice about his door knocker?
What very odd things does Scrooge notice about his door knocker?
Why do the two portly gentlemen come to visit Scrooge?
Why do the two portly gentlemen come to visit Scrooge?
How many employees does Scrooge have?
How many employees does Scrooge have?
Who is Jacob Marley? When did he die?
Who is Jacob Marley? When did he die?
How many siblings does Scrooge have? What are their names?
How many siblings does Scrooge have? What are their names?
Who is Mr. Fezziwig?
Who is Mr. Fezziwig?
Scrooge was once engaged to be married. What was the girl's name?
Scrooge was once engaged to be married. What was the girl's name?
Why didn't they get married?
Why didn't they get married?
When did the Fezziwigs' party end?
When did the Fezziwigs' party end?
Describe the first Ghost. What is the strangest thing about it?
Describe the first Ghost. What is the strangest thing about it?
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?
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?
Describe the character of Scrooge's sister.
Describe the character of Scrooge's sister.
What does it mean to be a 'dowerless girl'?
What does it mean to be a 'dowerless girl'?
How does Dickens use repetition when the ghost first appears?
How does Dickens use repetition when the ghost first appears?
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?
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?
What do we learn about Scrooge's father? How does this influence the reader's opinion of Scrooge?
What do we learn about Scrooge's father? How does this influence the reader's opinion of Scrooge?
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.
