Brainstorm/Outline Worksheet

SAMPLE
Topic: Analysis of the (Past, Present, Future) in the Rebirth of Scrooge

Introduction: Thesis Statement

Introductions provide general information leading into a main argument that the entire
paper will revolve around- your thesis statement. For this essay, how does this section
of time impact the development and rebirth of Scrooge? Remember to include the title
and author of the work you are discussing in your essay.

My Thesis Statement:

Scrooge’s past experiences contributed to miserly future; however, revisiting key moments from
his youth provided the necessary reminders of love and family to redeem his character after
years of isolation.

Body Paragraph #1: The Mask

Refer to your Lecture Notes for details.
Others see Scrooge as quiet and a loner. He is shy as a child and very focused on work as a
young adult. Though Fan, Belle, and Fezziwig reach out to him, he doesn’t appreciate their
efforts until he revisits these days as an old man.

A quote to demonstrate how others see Scrooge at this time is:

“At one of these a lonely boy was reading near a feeble fire; and Scrooge sat down upon a form,
and wept to see his poor forgotten self as he had used to be” (Dickens,1911, p.41)

Explanation of quote:
The quote describes indicates how lonely Scrooge was as a child and how he masked himself
in schoolwork and reading so as not to be pitied. Older Scrooge recognizes this and, though the
isolation as a child likely contributed to his isolation as an adult, seeing it again softens his
heart.

This supports the thesis statement because:

Older Scrooge recognizes this mask and, though the isolation as a child likely contributed to his
isolation as an adult, seeing it again softens his heart.

Body Paragraph #2: The Fear

Refer to your Lecture Notes for details.
Scrooge appears to be afraid of being poor, but this comes from being afraid of losing people he
cares about, like Fan and Belle. Scenes from the past show how close Fan and Ebenezer were
and her early death must have been hard on him. He uses profits and work to fill the emptiness
in his life.

A quote to show what Scrooge is afraid of is:

“’She died a woman,’ said the ghost ‘and had, as I think, children.’
‘One child,’ Scrooge returned.
‘True,’ said the ghost. ‘Your nephew!’
Scrooge seemed uneasy in his mind; and answered briefly, ‘Yes.’” (Dickens, 1911, p.45)

Explanation of quote:
The ghost reminds Scrooge of how Fan lives on through her son, Fred, and the implication is
that Scrooge realizes he’s not appreciated his nephew.

This supports the thesis statement because:

This scene from the past shows why Scrooge may push people away (because loss is hard),
but it also reminds him of the love he felt for Fan, which helps guide him back to his nephew.

Body Paragraph #3: The Admiration

Refer to your Lecture Notes for details.
Scrooge admires Fezziwig’s good nature and love of people as much as he admires his
business sense.

A quote to show what Scrooge admires in someone else is:

“The happiness he gives is as great as if it costs a fortune” (Dickens, 1911, p.49)- about
Fezziwig
“I should like to say a few words to my clerk just now” (Dickens,1911, p.49)- after revisiting
Fezziwig’s party.

Explanation of quote:
Scrooge realizes the importance of comradery among coworkers and that a boss is better when
he lifts spirits.

This supports the thesis statement because:

Revisiting his past is redeeming his character—he realizes how he’s treated Bob Cratchit

Conclusion: The Core Need and the Impact of the Spirit

Refer to your Lecture Notes for details.
The Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge that he does seek the affection of others and that
he even once loved and admired others for their affections. Revisiting the past sheds light on
the fear that initiated Scrooge’s drive for success and fortune as well as the admiration and
treasured relationships that were lost along the way.
No need for a quote in this paragraph. You are drawing a conclusion (your thesis
argument) based on evidence in the other paragraphs.

Reference:
Dickens, C., Michael, A. C. & Katherine Golden Bitting Collection On Gastronomy. (1911) A
Christmas carol. [New York: Hodder and Stoughton] [Pdf] Retrieved from the Library
of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/47037729/.