Topics of A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

Silvia Faro Veltens

October 22nd 2023

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 1
 1. What in uence does Carles Dickens’ early
biography have on A Christmas Carol?
Charles Dickens' father was a well paid clerk. Due to his failings, he
accumulated a high debt and he ended up in jail. Charles was withdrawn
from school and put to work for a while to help maintain his family.
Money had a big impact on his childhood, and so does in the book. We
learn that money does not give you happiness, but kindness and a
loving family do.

2. Why do you think the book is called A Christmas

Carol? Can you think of a better title for the
story?
The book is titled like that because the intention of the author was for
it to be shared with others during this festivity, just like a Christmas
carol. I think this is a brilliant title since the novel does represent the
true values of the holiday. I can’t think of a better one because this
type of songs bring joy and spread kindness and love just like the book
does.

3. Who is Marley and why hasn't he had any rest in

the seven years since he died? What is his role
in the story?
Jacob Marley was Scrooge’s business partner. The only thing that
mattered to him was money. He was never kind nor good to others.
Since he wasn’t a good man during his time alive, now that he was
dead, he couldn't rest. His role in the story is to warn Scrooge of what

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2
fl
would happen after his death if he didn’t change his attitude towards
people. He also tells him three spirits are going to visit him the
following nights.

4. What does the Ghost of Christmas Past show

Scrooge?
First of all he takes him to his old town on Christmas Day years ago.
There he sees his young poor self alone at school. Then, he shows him
the same scenario years later. His sister is there and they are going to
spend Christmas together. After that, he showed him a dance he went
to years ago. Lastly he shows him two scenes where his old wife
appears; in one of them she’s divorcing him and in the second one she
is celebrating Christmas with her new husband and kids. All of this
memories make Scrooge regret choices he has taken in his life: not
giving money to kids, not treating his employees like he liked to be
treated, not taking better care of his loved ones…

5. What does the Ghost of Christmas present show

Scrooge?
The ghost of Christmas present shows him how, despite being poor or
having a dif cult life, during this time of the year, houses are full of
happiness. People have kind wishes for others, even for Scrooge.
Seeing Tiny Tim and knowing we won’t make it to the next Christmas if
nothing changes makes him realize how everyone deserves to live. He

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3
fi
also understands why his nephew invites him every year and realizes
how much fun he could have there.

6. What does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

show Scrooge?
He shows his and Tiny Tim’s deaths. While Tim’s family was devastated
by the loss of his loved one, no one cared for Scrooge’s. That made
him realize that his actions would result in a death as lonely as his life.
He doesn’t want that, and he nally learns he has to change his ways
of treating others in order to nd happiness.

7. Which ghost is decisive in changing Scrooge's

attitude?
All three have a big impact on Scrooge’s way of seeing the world and
himself. In my opinion, the ghost of Christmas yet to come is the one
that changes his way of behaving the most. When he sees what is
going to happen to him as a result of his actions, he is determined to
change. He says he’ll remember the past and think of the future. From
then on, he’ll keep Christmas in his heart, and he will be kind and
cheerful to others every day.

8. Dickens is credited with reinforcing the

celebration of Christmas in Victorian Britain.
Which Christmassy features appear in the story?
Since the story is developed during Christmas time, many references
appear. Some of them are: families having dinner together, like
Bob’s ; giving presents to your loved ones, like Belle’s husband to

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 4
fi
fi
their children; kids singing Christmas carols door to door; having a big
turkey; and the most important one, spreading kindness and good
wishes with others.

9. Does the story have a moral?

Yes, it does. It teaches readers the importance of being kind, cheerful
and merry. It also shows us that money means nothing if you don’t
share it with others. Wealth can’t compare to the joy and love that
friends and family bring to your life. So, instead of focusing on having
lots to spend, focus on making the most of what you already have.

10. What is Dickens’s attitude to money?

Dickens believes wealth may determine someone’s lifestyle and fate,
but not their happiness. He isn’t against wealth, but he is against
inequality. He is opposed to those who choose to keep it all to
themselves without valuing what others need.This results in the poor
having so little that, in some cases, it wasn’t even enough to survive.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 5