A Christmas Carol

Multiple Choice

1. B (Chapter 1)

2. B (Chapter 1)

3. A (Chapter 1)

4. C (Chapter 2)

5. A (Chapter 2)

6. C (Chapter 3)

7. A (Chapter 3)

8. B (Chapter 4)

9. A (Chapter 4)

10. D (Chapter 5)

Long Answer

1. In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens harnesses the power of memory to bring the protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge to an epiphany about his selfishness. The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge on a journey through his past, through both joyful and painful memories, to remind him of what it means to be a human. By the end of the first spirit’s visitation, Scrooge is painfully aware of the mistakes he made in his past and longs to change his future so that new memories will not be so painful. (Various chapters)

2. Charles Dickens capitalizes on the Victorian’s obsession with death and the afterlife by using the motif of ghosts in his story to lead the protagonist on a journey of personal rebirth and redemption. Dickens did not invent the concept of a spiritual journey guided by an otherworldly being; however, his usage of ghosts as Scrooge’s guide, particularly ghosts in different forms, holds a symbolic meaning. The Ghost of Christmas Past and Present are not frightening, ghoulish creatures and are, in fact, kind, peaceful, and gentle with Scrooge. Though the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is darkly ominous, it is not menacing or threatening. Marley’s ghost is the only specter that holds to the traditional notion of being “haunted”; his frightening appearance serves to awaken Scrooge, both physically and spiritually, and prepare him for the journey that is to come. (Various chapters)

3. Dickens is known for his use of phonetically symphonic names, which are fun to say but also relay the character’s personality traits. Saying “Scrooge” forces one to scrunch their face and sounds miserly and grumpy. In contrast, Fezziwig, which almost sounds like “Fizzy,” conveys the man’s bubbly, congenial attitude. Cratchit sounds brittle, weak, or similar to “crutch,” which represents Bob’s poverty and dependence on Scrooge. (Various chapters)

4. Bells are often associated with a church service or a holiday celebration. The ringing of a bell, however, can also sound ominous and signify the end of something or approaching danger; thus, the clanging bell precedes Marley’s visitation. Dickens manipulates time in the novel to allow for the Spirit visitations to occur in one night, and when Scrooge awakens after the last Spirit leaves, he hears the bells chiming, alerting him to the start of Christmas Day and the beginning of a new start for Scrooge in his life. (Various chapters)