“A Christmas Carol”
Stave 1
Questions
1. Who was Marley? Why does Dickens make such a point of telling us that Marley
is definitely dead? What is the allusion to Hamlet?
2. What is Scrooge like?
3. What is the setting of the story? Who else is in the building as the story begins?
4. Who comes to see Scrooge? What classic line does Scrooge deliver in reply to
this visitor’s holiday wishes? How do Scrooge and the visitor differ in their
feelings about Christmas? Make a t-graph to compare: Scrooge | Fred
5. Who comes to the counting-house next? Why is Scrooge so adamant about not
giving away a penny? Do you know anyone like that?
6. What is meant by “…it is a time, of all others when Want is keenly felt, and
Abundance rejoices”?
7. What is the atmosphere in this section? What phrases does Dickens use that
really help you “feel” the weather?
8. Why does the boy singing carols flee from Scrooge’s door?
9. Why is Cratchit wrapped in a comforter? What is Scrooge’s attitude toward
giving Cratchit the day off on Christmas?
10. When Scrooge sees Marley’s reflection in the door-knocker, is he horrified?
When does he begin to be uneasy? What play on words does he use to tell Marley
he doesn’t believe he’s a ghost? What action of the phantom finally convinces
Scrooge?
11. What does Marley explain about his chain? What is he now condemned to suffer?
12. What is the purpose of Marley’s visit to Scrooge?
13. How does Dickens get in a critical remark about the government at the end of this
chapter?
14. Find an example of personification other than the church tower.
“A Christmas Carol”
Stave 2
Questions
1. What has happened to time at the beginning of this section? How do you know
that Scrooge looks down his nose at the United States?
2. How does Scrooge almost become convinced that the vision of Marley was only a
dream?
3. How does this first spirit’s appearance seem to contradict itself? What is
especially strange about its head?
4. What is the name of this spirit? Is Scrooge afraid of it?
5. What is significant about the spirit’s advice to Scrooge—“Bear but a touch of my
hand there--” said the Spirit, laying it upon his heart, “and you shall be upheld in
more than this!” ? How do you know?
6. Who is the solitary boy left at the school? How does Scrooge change completely
as he watches the boy?
7. How does Scrooge transfer his feelings about his boyhood self back to the
present?
8. Why do you think Dickens included the appearance of Scrooge’s sister, Fan?
9. How do Fezziwig and the present-day Scrooge compare as employers?
10. What specific phrases does Dickens use to create the atmosphere of the party?
11. As Scrooge watches the festivities at Fezziwig’s, what is his reaction? How does
he explain to the spirit the reason for the great success of the party?
12. How does Scrooge transfer the memories of Fezziwig to thoughts of the present?
What do you suppose he would have said?
13. According to the young woman who talks with Scrooge in the next scene, what is
the reason she no longer wants to marry him?
14. Why do you think Dickens included so many children in the later scene at Belle’s
home?
15. Where was Scrooge on the day Marley was dying? What do you think he was
doing?
Stave Two Questions
Page 2
16. Scrooge tries to hide the light on the spirit’s head, but cannot. Why not?
ANALYSIS
Each scene in the Second Stave symbolizes a present relationship that Scrooge
doesn’t have or might still improve upon. Fill in the scene from the present that
echoes the past.
SCENE IN THE PAST ------------------------------SCROOGE’S PRESENT
Lonely, neglected boy
______________________________
Scrooge’s sister, Fan
______________________________
Fezziwig, the generous employer
______________________________
Belle breaking the engagement
______________________________
Belle’s happy family
______________________________