Religion and christmas in ACC

Question 1

Religion

Answer 1

• Could be argued that Dickens feels as if society isnt practicing religion as they should be.
• he presents religious ideals in the
  text but still criticises some aspects of the way
  religion is observed.
• seen through the fact that he does idealise values such as being charitable and going to church.

Question 2

The Title

Answer 2

• multiple interpretations of what Dickens was aiming to suggest with the title.
• Some may argue that he intended to hold the church accountable for failing to unite society. This is because he ironically highlights the substantial divisions between social classes in Victorian society.
  Others believe that Dickens endeavoured to produce a novella which would guide readers on how to celebrate Christmas in a manner which would unite society in a similar way to traditional Christmas carols

Question 3

Religious redemption

Answer 3

• marleys ghost appears in a state of purgatory- a christian belief of where the body was cleansed of all sins- and the state we se ehim in isnt pleasant- introduces ideas of judgement and accountability, which adds a religious weight to Scrooge’s need to change.
• Towards the end it is clear his change was based around religious ordeals- from being a miselry man to hnouring christmas, spending time with Fred and the cratchits but also going to church desite not knowing what to do at first