Table of Contents
Explore Charles Dickens’ novella, A Christmas Carol (1843), with these discussion questions, intended for middle and high school students. These questions can be used as: classroom discussion topics, essay prompts, short answer questions, or whatever you’d like! They’re springboards to help design lesson plans.
Scrooge’s Transformation
- How does Ebenezer Scrooge change over the course of the novella?
- What events lead to Scrooge’s transformation from a miserly, selfish man to a more compassionate and generous individual?
- How do Scrooge’s interactions with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future challenge his perspective on life and relationships?
- Explore the theme of redemption and how Scrooge’s actions and choices reflect his desire to make amends.
Ghosts and Time Travel
- How does the novella use the concept of time to explore Scrooge’s past, present, and potential future?
- Why is helping Scrooge part of Jacob Marley’s own path to redemption?
- How does the Ghost of Christmas Past help Scrooge confront his past mistakes and lost opportunities?
- Reflect on the Ghost of Christmas Present and its representation of the joy and camaraderie associated with the holiday season.
- How does the Ghost of Christmas Future (also known as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come) instill a sense of urgency and fear in Scrooge?
Social Injustice and Compassion
- How does Scrooge’s attitude toward the poor and less fortunate reflect the societal values of his time?
- Discuss how the Cratchit family’s situation provides a contrast to Scrooge’s wealth and miserliness. How do the Cratchits embody the spirit of Christmas?
- How do characters like Fezziwig and Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, exemplify the importance of human connection and compassion? Are they meant to be foils to Scrooge?
- How does Scrooge’s newfound empathy and generosity contribute to the broader message of the novella?
- Reflect on how the theme of social injustice and the need for community is a precursor to issues in modern society.
Themes and Symbols
- Analyze the symbolism of Scrooge’s counting house and the imagery associated with his wealth and isolation.
- Discuss the significance of the title, “A Christmas Carol”. How does the word ‘carol’ relate to the themes and messages of the novella?
- Reflect on the recurring motif of the supernatural and its role in Scrooge’s transformation.
- Explore the theme of isolation and loneliness. How does Scrooge’s solitary existence contribute to his unhappiness?
- How does the theme of family and community play a role in the story, and how do they align with the values of Christmas?
Literary Techniques and Style
- Discuss the narrative technique of third-person omniscient used in “A Christmas Carol”. How does this technique provide insight into characters’ thoughts and emotions?
- Reflect on Dickens’ descriptive language to create vivid imagery and evoke emotions in the reader.
- How does Dickens employ humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of Scrooge’s behavior and the societal values of his time?
- How does Dickens use repetition, such as the repeated mention of Marley’s chains, to reinforce the novella’s themes?
Relevance and Adaptations
- Reflect on the lasting popularity and cultural significance of “A Christmas Carol”. How do adaptations keep the story relevant?
- How does the story’s portrayal of the importance of spreading goodwill and cheer align with the spirit of Christmas?
- Discuss how the themes of redemption, kindness, and personal growth resonate beyond the holiday season.
- Reflect on the novella’s enduring legacy and its call to recognize the power of empathy in individuals and society.