Themes of A Christmas Carol

Question 1

Supernatural theme

Answer 1

During Victoria era, gothic genre began to permeate literature.
Eg. Three spirits, Marley’s ghost - adds dramatic effect

Question 2

Religion & Christmas theme

Answer 2

Christmas - central them to novella (in title & being both set & published during festive time).

Religion - Marley’s purgatory introduces ideas of judgement/accountability. Spirits almost God-like figures (introduces ideas of divine intervention)

Question 3

Poverty & social injustice theme

Answer 3

Clear contrast between classes (eg. BC). Dickens believed in use of literature to convey ethical & political statements

Scrooge refers to poor as “surplus population” (Malthusian belief)

Ignorant & Want

Question 4

Redemption & change theme

Answer 4

Follows journey of Scrooge’s redemption. Builds hope/tension throughout novella as reader anticipates whether he will change

Theme of change implemented by Marley’s ghost - showing importance of change. Scrooge changes each stave, one step closer each time

Question 5

Family theme

Answer 5

Ideas abt family changing during Victorian era so readers more likely to be receptive to Dicken’s presentation of ‘family’

Emphasises importance of family duing festive time. As well as negative effects due to absence of family (Scrooge)

Question 6

Selfishness

Answer 6

P1. Sc is the epitome of selfishness in S1. A microcosm for the selfish Victorian upper class who neglects the lower class in order to prioritise own needs

P2. GoCPr marks the shattering of Sc’s selfish ignorance. Forces Sc to see detrimental consequences of his actions/attitudes

P3. Sc is the antithesis of selfishness in S5, becomes the paradigm of morality & benevolence as he undergoes his change