Supernatural

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

Dickens uses the supernatural as vehicle to highlight the need for a catalyst in the reformation of Scrooge’s character. Without the ghosts, Scrooge would have been unlikely to reflect upon his behaviours in order to change his outlook and so they may be considered integral to the novella. Dickens plays into the rise in popularity of the supernatural during the Victorian era.

Question 2

Quote 1 + opening

Answer 2

In the opening of the novella, we are introduced to Marley’s ghost, who had been Scrooge’s former business parter. He states “I wear the chain I forged in life”, which is a reference to the consequences of his misdeeds on Earth, and the negative impact of his greed and selfishness. This warns Scrooge of the torment he can face if he does not begin to change his ways, and sets the stage for his eventual transformation.

Question 3

Quote 2

Answer 3

“Like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man” suggests the ghost embodies both youth and age, reminding Scrooge of his own past whilst also symbolising the passage of time.

Question 4

Quote 3

Answer 4

“Remove me!” Scrooge exclaimed, “I cannot bare it!”

Question 5

Quote 4

Answer 5

“Are there no prisons?”

Question 6

Quote 5

Answer 6

“If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population”

Question 7

Quote 6

Answer 7

“I haven’t missed it. The spirits have done it all in one night.”