Christmas Carol Context Flashcards
Historical Context for ACC
Victorian London - Migration from Europe prompted a population growth from one million in 1800s to 7 million in 1900s. London transformed into the biggest city in the world, global capital for trade finance and politics.
The Great Reform Bill 1832 - Required to own property to vote
The Poor Law Amendment Act 1834 - To reduce the cost of looking after those in poverty, people without the means to support themselves were sent to workhouses to inhumane and dangerous conditions
Workhouses
Those without employment or the means to feed themselves were forced to go to the workhouse, where they were made to do hard labour with little food and without pay. Conditions inside workhouses were intended
to be harsher than conditions outside, to deter people from relying on the government for support.
Dickens and Christmas
Christmas in Victorian times was not widely celebrated; not everyone shared family meals and exchanged gifts. Dickens has been acknowledged as an influence in the way we celebrate Christmas today: his vivid descriptions of family gatherings and lavish festive feasts have become an integral part of modern-day festivities. Christmas was a on day holiday. Cards weren’t shared until 1846 and the first Christmas cracker appeared in 1850.
Religion
Throughout the Victorian era, England was a Christian country. The Christian messages are clear throughout A Christmas Carol. The novella is full of messages of love, hope, and charity.
Ragged Schools
These schools were established to provide poor children with an education. Dickens was a sponsor of the Ragged Schools, giving his money and time to the movement.
Stave One
The passage reveals that Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s deceased business partner for seven years, left Scrooge isolated, handling all matters alone. On a misty Christmas Eve, we meet Scrooge, driven solely by greed. Bob Cratchit, his overworked clerk, suffers in poor conditions. Scrooge’s disdain for Christmas is evident during a visit from his nephew, Fred. He supports prisons and workhouses, believing the poor to be lazy, and rejects charity workers before returning home to find Marley’s face on his door knocker. In bed, Scrooge is visited by Marley’s Ghost, haunted for his lack of compassion, who warns of three forthcoming spirits.
Stave Two
Scrooge awakens to twelve church bell chimes and is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past at 1 am. The ghost, appearing as both a child and an old man, reveals scenes from Scrooge’s lonely childhood at school and his apprenticeship under the kind employer Fezziwig. Scrooge’s former fiancée, Belle, ends their engagement due to his love of money. Distressed by these memories, Scrooge is swiftly returned to his chamber by the Ghost.
Stave Three
Scrooge anxiously awaits the next ghost and is led by the Ghost of Christmas Present to witness the city’s vibrant Christmas celebrations, filled with hope and joy. They visit the Cratchit family, where Scrooge sees Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit’s ailing son, and witnesses their humble but loving home. Despite Scrooge’s mistreatment, Cratchit toasts to his health. The ghost warns that without change, Tiny Tim will perish. They then attend Fred’s joyful party before the ghost reveals two impoverished children, Ignorance and Want, beneath his cloak. Scrooge, horrified, questions what help is available, echoing his earlier callous words about prisons.
Stave Four
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come leads Scrooge silently through future scenes. Scrooge overhears callous gossip about a man’s death, witnessing thieves profiting from stolen goods and a couple relieved by their debt’s end. Initially unaware it’s himself, Scrooge acknowledges his role in these events. Even seeing another in his office, he remains oblivious until confronted with his own grave. Finally understanding, Scrooge resolves to change after witnessing the grief of the Cratchit family over Tiny Tim’s death.
Stave Five
Scrooge wakes on Christmas Day, realizing the spirits visited in one night. Overjoyed, he rushes to make amends. He buys a turkey for the Cratchits and donates to charity, seeking forgiveness from the workers he turned away. At Fred’s, he joins their Christmas dinner, welcomed warmly. On Boxing Day, he surprises Bob with a raise, promising support for his family. Tiny Tim survives, and Scrooge earns respect, becoming known for celebrating Christmas generously.
