Study Guide Questions for A Christmas Carol

Study Guide Questions for 'A Christmas Carol' A Christmas Carol is a famous Christmas novella by  Charles Dickens, one of the greatest authors in Victorian literature. While Dickens is usually known for his longer work this novella has remained popular since its publication. As the main character Scrooge is visited by the ghost of past, present and future he learns a valuable lesson about the meaning of Christmas and the cost of greed. The message of this show still rings true in this modern age which has helped make the story a Christmas classic. The novella has remained popular in English classes because of its strong moral message. Here are a few questions for study and discussion. What is important about the title? What are the conflicts in A Christmas Carol? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) did you notice in this novel? What message is Dickens sending about greed? Do you think this message is still relevant to modern society? Why or why not?   If Dickens were telling this story in modern times how do you think the story would change?   How does Charles Dickens reveal character in A Christmas Carol? What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters? What are some symbols in A Christmas Carol? How do they relate to the plot and characters? Are the characters consistent in their actions? Which of the characters are fully developed? How? Why? Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters persons you would want to meet? Does the novel end the way you expected? How? Why? Why do you think it was important for Scrooge to travel to the past, present and future of Christmas?   Why did Jacob Marleys ghost appear to Scrooge in chains? What were the chains meant to symbolize?   What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful? How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else? What is the role of women in the text? How are mothers represented? What about single/independent women? What is the role of Tiny Tim in the story?   How does Fezziwig differ from Scrooge? Whats his purpose in the story?   What elements of this novel appear to diverge from the earlier works of Charles Dickens? How effective are the supernatural elements of A Christmas Carol? Why do you think this story has remained so relevant over the years?   Where there any parts of the story you think did not stand the test of time?   Would you recommend this novel to a friend? Study Guide A Christmas Carol TextQuotesVocabulary / TermsCharles Dickens Biography