Christmas Spirit Flashcards
how is the celebration of a Christmas a central theme
Dickens presents Christmas as a joyful time full of games and food a time to enjoy company and family and friends, a time to show compassion to others
What does Scrooges hatred of Christmas tell us about his character
It is an effective way to show he is a cold, heartless, joyless charater
which characters is the spirit of Christmas shown through what is significant about them
Fred, Fessiwig and the Crachets they all have different social backgrounds and all enjoy Christmas in their own way
what is the consequence of Scrooges refusal to celebrate Christmas (2)
1 cuts him off from the joy of spending time with family and friends
2 Dickens makes it clear without Christmas spirit Scrooges money can never bring him happiness
What does Dickens use the festive atmosphere to do (3)
1 the festive atmosphere overcomes the gloomy, smoggy streets of London and brings cheer to those who work tirelessly in dangerous conditions
2 shows the importance of charity at Christmas the happiness of Christmas highlights the misery faced by the poorest members of society
3 Christmas is a reminder and opportunity to improve lives of the less fortunate
what is the key contextualised information about Christmas spirit (2)
1 Dickens played a major part in establishing Christmas traditions we know today he saw it as a way to brighten up the country made dark and gloomy by the industrial revolution - which was happening in the cities at the time the novella was written
2 Dickens saw Christmas not just to remember the birth of Jesus but also to follow his example of generosity and charity and helping those less fortunate
name the key quotes relating to christmas spirit and explain them
1 “the only time i know of in the long calendar of the year , when men and women open their shut up hearts and think of people below them” - Fred sums up Christmas spirit here - to him it means treating less fortunate as equals, showing them kindness. It brings rewards more important than money
2 “there was nothing very cheerful in the climate or town and yet there was an air of cheerfulness” - Dickens describes the power of Christmas spirit, even the dirty streets of London can not be overpowered by the cheerfulness spread by Christmas
3 “ Mr Scrooge … I give you Mr Scrooge founder of the feast” Bob demonstrates spirit of Christmas by giving a toast to Scrooge
3 “ A merrier Christmas than I can give you for many a year Ill raise your salary and assist your struggling family” - Scrooge finally understood the spirit of Christmas spreading kindness and joy to others brings more happiness than any kind of wealth
What are Scrooges feelings of christmas as the beginning of the novella
At the beginning Scrooge presents as totally lacking in Christmas Spirit, money obsessed, meanspirited his attitude is the opposite to what we traditionally think as Christmas spirit
what is Fred’s attitude to Christmas
Fred’s attitude represents the attitude of the majority when he explains to Scrooge the good that comes from Christmas spirit has done him despite it not making him any money. He sees it as a powerful force which helps people to be compassionate to others
what changes Scrooges attitude towards the Christmas spirit (2)
1 he comes face to face with Christmas spirit in the form of 3 ghosts that visit Dickens personifies Christmas in 3 aspects past present and future
2 the ghost of Christmas present shows Dickens perception of Christmas Spirit - jolly spirit that stands for joy this spirit is surrounded by the best food he is warm generous and brings an air of celebration . \the trip he takes \\scrooge on shows his influence stretches across the world. People in whatever circumstances see Christmas as a time to celebrate
