A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Stave by stave
Before you read the book …
1.
Find out ten interesting facts about Charles Dickens.
2.
Find out what these words / writing techniques mean:
Allegory
Novella
Time travel narrative
Gothic elements
When you have read Stave 1, complete the following activities.
1.
Complete a similar table, describing Ebenezer Scrooge and his nephew Fred, using words from the opening Stave.
Scrooge
Tight-fisted
Cheerful
Covetous old sinner
2.
Fred
Glowing
Find evidence from the text that supports the following points relating to Jacob
Marley, Marley’s Ghost:
The effect the chains have on Scrooge and the reader
The words he uses to appeal to Scrooge
The torment that Marley is experiencing.
When you have read Stave 2, complete the following questions.
Comprehension style questions:
1.
Why is the Ghost of Christmas Present described as both a child and an old man?
2.
How does Dickens use this Ghost to reflect Scrooge’s childhood and his memories associated with this time in his life?
3.
How is this Ghost dressed and does it symbolise anything?
4.
Why is the Ghost also a source of light and what does light symbolise?
5.
How does the Ghost communicate with Scrooge?
6.
How do we learn about his childhood and his sister, Fan?
