Name____________________________
Period___________________________
English 7
Literary Elements and Devices for This Unit
Characterization
The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character. Characterization is revealed
through direct characterization and indirect characterization.
Direct Characterization tells the audience what the personality of the character is.
Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well-mannered and did not disobey their mother.”
Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is
“quiet.”
Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. There are five different methods of indirect
characterization: STEAL, speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, looks
Setting
The general locale, historical time, and social circumstances in which the action of a fictional or
dramatic work occurs; the setting of an episode or scene within a work is the particular physical
location in which it takes place.
Theme
The message about life that comes out of a story. Theme can either be stated or unstated in a story.
Symbolism
Something concrete that stands for something abstract. A symbol may be a person, place, thing, or
action. It may stand for an idea, belief, feeling, or attitude. A symbol keeps its own meaning while
also standing for something else.
Foreshadowing
The use of clues early in a story to give hints about events that will happen later.
Dynamic Character
Character changes, grows, or learns something by the end of the story.
Static Character
Character experiences no major change in story.
Setting
Time Period
Describe when and where the story takes place.
1843; Victorian England; Industrial Revolution
London England; Scrooge’s office; home; and past, present, and future
events/memories
Place/Surroundings
There was a class system in the 1800’s which separate people based on
what they made. Upper-class and upper middle class was treated well, but
the lower classes were treated poorly but did most of the work in the time
Historical Context(What period.
do you know about the
In the lower-class, children were worked to death and treated poorly. Poor
country at this time?)
people put in workhouses and prisons .
Christmas eve and Christmas day; winter
Time of Year
Final questionHow is the setting important in the novel?
•
•
Charles Dickens was concerned about the way in which people were treated during the Victorian
time period.
The overall themes embedded within this story are based on the unfair treatment and class
separation of the Victorian time period; however, they can be still applied in current times.
Name: _________________________________
English 7
Literary Elements Section
Comprehension
ACT I SCENE ONE
1. Who is Marley? Why is it important to understand he is dead?
Marley is Scrooge’s old business partner who has been dead for seven years. He is the narrator of the
play. He was like Scrooge when he was alive. It’s important to understand that he is dead because Scrooge
would probably not listen to someone who was alive. Because Scrooge is so cold hearted, it took the dead to
get through to him.
2. What key background information about Scrooge is provided in scene one?
Scrooge is an insensitive cheapskate (miser) who only cares about himself. People in the town don’t like him,
and he likes it. He is mean to his clerk and treats him poorly. Scrooge is not nice to his own family member
(nephew/Fred). He thinks the poor should go to the workhouses or die if they don’t like what England has
to offer. He rarely believes what he sees and doesn’t listen to anyone.
3. In the very beginning of the play, why is Marley upset with Scrooge?
Marley is mad because Scrooge wants to imprison someone who owes him money. He also doesn’t like the
way Scrooge treats others.
ACT I SCENE TWO
4. Why does Scrooge’s nephew come to see him?
Scrooge’s nephew comes to ask Scrooge to wish him a Merry Christmas and to invite him to Christmas
dinner.
5. How does Scrooge feel about Christmastime and the people who celebrate it?
Scrooge thinks that Christmas is a waste of time and money, and people who celebrate Christmas are fools
and should die.
6. Why do the portly man and the thin man visit Scrooge?
The men visit Scrooge to collect donations for the poor.
7. What does Scrooge say to the thin man and portly man that shows that he supports the beliefs and
values of Victorian England?
He states that he supports the establishments (workhouses and prisons). He also thinks that the poor
should die (and decrease the surplus population) if they don’t want to go there.
8. What do you think Cratchit gave the thin man and the portly man when they left Scrooge’s office?
He gave them some money.
9. In what ways does Scrooge’s treatment of Cratchit show that he is a mean-spirited, cold, unfeeling,
miserly boss.
He doesn’t pay him a respectable salary; he makes his working conditions miserable (barely any heat or
lighting); he yells at him; he doesn’t want him to have a day off work.
10. In scene two of ACT I Scrooge states, “’ If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with
Merry Christmas on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through
his heart. He should!” What is the significance of this quote?
(indirect characterization ) It shows that Scrooge hates people who celebrate Christmas or show
Christmas-like generosity. It proves that he is very unloving and cold-hearted and stingy.
11. What does Fred mean when he says, “There are many things from which I derive good, by which I have
not profited. Christmas is a time when men and women open their shut-up hearts freely, and think of people
below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound
on other journeys?”
.
He means that he isn’t concerned about money, but he cares about the well-being of others no matter what
they have or don’t have. Basically, he sees everyone as equal. Also, he believes that Christmas is a time to
be kinder to others.
ACT I SCENE THREE
12. What is foreshadowed when Scrooge sees Marley’s face in the door knocker?
It is foreshadowed that something unusual is going to happen (Marley’s ghost).
13. Why is Marley visiting Scrooge? (What is his purpose?)
He is trying to get Scrooge to change because he doesn’t want him to endure the same fate.
14. What is Scrooge’s reaction to Marley’s Visit?
At first, Scrooge doesn’t think that Marley is real, but he eventually believes that he is real after Marley
takes off his head, screams, and yells at Scrooge. Scrooge becomes frightened.
15. What do Marley’s chains symbolize?
Marley’s chains are made of cash-boxes, keys, ledgers, deeds, and pursed fashioned with steel. These all
symbolize what Marley made a priority in his life. He is being weighted down by the sin (selfish acts) of his
life and being reminded of it throughout eternity.
ACT I SCENES FOUR AND FIVE
16. In scene four of ACT I, Scrooge states, “’I cannot in any way afford to lose my days. Securities come
due, promissory notes, and interest on investments: these are things that happen in the daylight!’” This
statement indicates
This shows that he isn’t convinced by Marley’s visit and is still stingy and consumed with his money; he has
not changed.
17. Describe the Ghost of Christmas Past.
The Ghost of Christmas Past appeared old and young at the same time: unwrinkled skin but white hair, long
muscular arms but delicate feet and legs. He also wore a white tunic that was trimmed with summer
flowers. He held a branch of holly in his hand. There were clear jets of light streaming from his head, and
he held a cap in his hand.
18. Why does the Ghost of Christmas Past say that he is visiting Scrooge?
He says that he is there for Scrooge’s welfare (well-being).
19. Where is the first place that Scrooge visits?
The first place that Scrooge visits is his old boarding school.
20. From the scenes that Christmas Past shows the reader, what can you guess about Scrooge’s childhood?
From the scenes that Christmas past show the reader, one may guess that Scrooge was a lonely, neglected
child.
21. Next, Scrooge visits another place. Where does Scrooge visit?
Next, Scrooge sees himself left alone at the boarding school as an older boy.
22. Who does Scrooge see there that upsets him?
Scrooge is upset during the first flashback because he sees himself all alone. He starts to cry when he
thinks about how lonely he was as a child.
23. What does this make him think of from the night before?
The first flashback makes Scrooge think of the boy who was singing outside his door the night before, and
he wishes he would have given him some money.
24. Who is Fan? Be Detailed!
Fan is Scrooge’s deceased younger sister, and mother of Fred (Scrooge’s nephew), whom he loved very
much. Fan comes to tell Scrooge that their father has changed (he is kinder now), and he said he can come
home and does not have to go back to the boarding school.
25. Next, the spirit and Scrooge move on to a warehouse. Who does Scrooge work for?
Scrooge works for Fezziwig.
26. What does Past say to Scrooge about Fezziwig that makes him a little upset at the Ghost of Christmas
Past? Why do you think the ghost said this to him?
Past tells Scrooge that the Christmas party he threw for his workers, friends, and family was a “small
matter” because it did not cost him much money. This upsets Scrooge because he says the Fezziwig
treated them with kindness and made them happy. He goes on to say that the happiness he gave was worth
a fortune implying that you can’t put a price on things such as happiness/kindness towards others. Past
says this to Scrooge to make him think about the way he runs his own business now, and Scrooge then
thinks about Bob Cratchit.
27. Who is Dick Wilkins?
He is Scrooge fellow apprentice (co-worker)
28. Next, Scrooge is taken to a scene with him and a woman. Who is she?
Scrooge sees his fiancé, Belle.
29. What reasons does she give Scrooge for leaving him?
She tells Scrooge that she is leaving him because he loves money more than he loves her. She says that
Scrooge is no longer the man she fell in love with, and that his love for money has replaced his love for her.
30. What is foreshadowed when Marley states, “‘So I pray that you hurry back to your seats refreshed an
ready for a miser – to turn his coat of gray into a blazen Christmas holly-red.’”?
Marley is foreshadowing a change in Scrooge.
Directions: In the right box, define each character.
Marley
Ebenezer Scrooge
Fred
Bob Cratchit
Thin Man/ Portly Man
Who Are They?
Marley is Scrooge’s dead business partner and friend.
He is a ghost and the narrator. He is important because
he is sent to help Scrooge change his fate.
Scrooge is the cruel, cold hearted, protagonist that hates
Christmas and everyone who celebrates it. He is
important because he is the protagonist and the action
revolves around him.
Fred is Scrooge’s nephew. He is important because he
tries to invite Scrooge to his home for the holiday and
wants to treat him like family.
Bob Cratchit is Scrooge’s poor employee who is treated
very badly by Scrooge.
The two men who come to ask Scrooge to make
donations to the poor.
Ghost of Christmas Past
The first of the three spirits who comes to show Scrooge
memories of his past for his welfare.
Fan
Scrooge’s sister who die as a woman; she had one son
named Fred.
Schoolmaster
The head of Scrooge’s school; he was very mean and
cold-hearted.
Woman (Lost Love)
Scrooge’s fiancé who broke off their engagement
because she felt that Scrooge was putting money above
her.
Dick Wilkins
Scrooge’s friend and fellow apprentice who worked for
Fezziwig.
Fezziwig
Scrooge’s boss when he was an apprentice. He was a
very kind and generous man who treated his friend and
employees well.
Ghost of Christmas Present
Second of the three spirits; he showed Scrooge what
was happening on Christmas Day. Carries a horn of
plenty and sprinkles kindness on everyone.
Peter
Bob Cratchit’s son who may get a job from Scrooge’s
nephew, Fred.
Martha
The Cratichit’s oldest daughter who comes to visit and
spend Christmas with her family. She teases her father
by pretending she was not coming to dinner on
Christmas.
Mrs. Cratchit
Married to Bob. She doesn’t like Scrooge but agrees to
toast him out of respect for her husband and Christmas.
Tiny Tim
Cratchit’s young son who is sick and will die if the
Cratchit’s future remains unaltered.
Belinda
One of Cratchit’s younger daughters.
Ghost of Christmas Future
Last of the three spirits. He shows Scrooge his fate if he
remains unchanged (death).
Mrs. Dilber
Scrooge’s house keeper who steals his goods to sell
when he dies.
Old Joe
Adam
Receives stolen goods from thieves.
Buys a turkey for Scrooge and delivers it to the
Cratchit’s house.
Evidence of Change
1. What evidence from the text shows how Scrooge has changed by the end
of Act I ?
Scrooge realizes that he would like to give the boy that sang to him
something ( money) and he would like to say something to his clerk
(appreciated him).
Choose one adjective to describe Scrooge at the beginning of ACT 1. (Write your Answer in an “A”format.)
Characterization
Find one solid example of each of the following methods of characterization for the character list below in ACT I
Scrooge
Direct Characterization (Directly Stated by the narrator)
“Oh, but he was a tight-fisted hand at the
grindstone….secret, self-contained, and solitary as
an oyster.”
“’There was a boy singing a Christmas carol at my
door last night. I should like to have given him
something: that’s all.’”
Indirect (Speech)
“’If they rather die, they had better do it and
decrease the surplus population.’” (implies change
through characters speech)
“ ‘It should be on Christmas Day, I am sure, ‘ said
[Mrs. Cratchit], ‘ on which one drinks the health of
such an odious, stingy unfeeling man as Mr.
Scrooge.’ “
Indirect (Thoughts of the Character)
There are none in the play. However, we know
that Scrooge thinks Christmas is a waste of time
and money; we also know that Scrooge feels the
poor belong in workhouses and prisons.
Indirect ( Effects on Others; other character’s opinions)
“Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say with
gladsome looks, ‘My dear Scrooge, how are you?’ No
beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no man or
woman now, or ever in his life, inquire the way to
such and such a place.”
Scrooge says, “ I’ll raise your salary, and endeavor
to assist your struggling family.’”
Indirect (Actions *Most important)
Mr. Scrooge purchased the largest turkey in the
poulterer’s shops and had it delivered to Cratchit.
He had been revolving in his mind a change of life
and thought and hoped he saw his new-born
resolutions carried out in this.
Indirect (Looks *Least Important)
What does scrooge look like that would describe
his personality
Symbol
Meaning
Scrooge
Beliefs of England during the Industrial Revolution ;
upper/ middle class structure of Victorian England
Bob Cratchit
The spirit of Christmas that Dickens wanted to see
revised in England; lower-poor class of in Victorian
England
Fire that Bob warms himself with and the fire from
Christmas Present
The warmth felt within those who share and celebrate
the season
Marley’s Chains
The deeds that Marley consumed himself with in life.
(His work that he put above everything else including
mankind)
Ghost of Christmas Past
1. Truth and memories
1. Light upon his head
2. Cap he holds
2. The greed and selfishness and other actions that
extinguished the spirit and memories of Christmas.
Ghost of Christmas Present
.
Christmas joy, kindness,generosity, and peace
Ghost of Christmas Future
Scrooge’s fate if he doesn’t change.
Girl Want
Represents the poor children who do not have the
common necessities (housing, food, clothing).
Boy Ignorance
Represents the uneducated, working-class factory
children; they should be feared because if they remain
uneducated, England will collapse and be doomed.
1. Scrooge’s coat of gray
1. Scrooge’s unpleasant and greedy personality
2. Scrooge’s coat of a blazing Christmas holly red
2. Scrooge’s redeemed personality who is caring,
warm-hearted, and generous.
ACT II SCENE ONE
1. In scene one of ACT II, Scrooge states, “Spirit conduct me where you will. Tonight, if you have aught
to teach me, let me profit by it.” Why is this statement significant?
This is significant because is shows that it is the first major sign that Scrooge is changing and is willing to
learn from the ghost.
2. Describe what the Ghost of Christmas Present and the room looks like? Why is this description
significant?
The Ghost of Christmas Present is in the center of the room on top of a make shift throne made out of
many traditional Christmas dishes. The walls are covered in greenery (holly, mistletoe, and ivy), and there
is a mighty warm fire. Present is wearing a simple green robe and bears a torch that is shaped like a Horn
of Plenty (horn overflowing with fruits, flowers, and grain standing for wealth and abundance). He also has
an empty scabbard girdling (no sword).
3. Who are the brothers that the Ghost of Christmas Present refers to?
Present’s brothers are past Christmases, and 1800 is significant because it represents the time that has
passed since the birth of Jesus.
ACT II SCENE TWO
4. What does the Ghost of Christmas Present sprinkle from his torch and why does he give it especially to
the poor?
Present sprinkles kindness from his torch, and he gives it especially to the poor because the poor are most
in need (symbolic of the poor wanting for common necessities).
5. What is Scrooge’s reaction when he sees Bob’s family for the first time?
Scrooge’s first reaction when he sees Bob’s family is that he thinks Bob is foolish because he has such a
large family on such little pay.
ACT II SCENE THREE
6. What scene does the Ghost of Christmas Present show to Scrooge?
1.
He shows the dinner at Bob Cratchit’s house. Mr. Cratchit is grateful to Scrooge for employing him, and
focuses on this rather than the meager salary he pays him. We know this because Cratchit offers up a
toast in Scrooge’s honor as the “Founder of the Feast,” the one who pays his salary.
7. How does Mrs. Cratchit feel about Scrooge? How do you know this?
Mrs. Cratchit thinks that Scrooge is mean, selfish, unfeeling, and miserly. We know this because she tells
Bob that she will only drink to his health for her husband’s sake and in honor of Christmas.
8. Why does Scrooge seem upset when he learns about Tiny Tim’s fate? (pg. 667)
Scrooge feels guilty because he could have helped the situation by paying Bob more money, and he has the
power to change it.
9. What does the Ghost of Christmas Present do that makes Scrooge feel guilty?
Present uses Scrooge’s own words against him (about decreasing the surplus population) when Scrooge
pleads for Tiny Tim to be spared.
ACT II SCENE FOUR
10. Why does Scrooge’s nephew tell his wife that he will continue to ask his Uncle Ebenezer for Christmas
dinner every year?
Fred says that he feels sorry for him and that Scrooge is his only uncle. He also says that he sees his dear
mother’s face in Scrooge and he cannot erase it from his mind.
11. Why do you think Scrooge wants the spirit to make him visible and audible to his nephew and his wife?
Scrooge probably wants to apologize to them and agree to join them for the holiday.
12. What did Scrooge see at Fred’s house?
Scrooge saw Fred talking to his wife about Scrooge, and he saw Fred toasting Scrooge at their Christmas
dinner.
13. After Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present leave Fred’s house, what happens to the Ghost of
Christmas Present? Why is this happening?
The Ghost of Christmas Present is aging. His hair is turning gray and his skin is wrinkling. This is happening
because the Ghost is only “alive” during the season. When Christmas is over, he passes away. *Remember,
at the end of scene two the Ghost of Christmas Present states that Scrooge has not known any of his
family members, and he indicates that he has more than 1800 brothers.
14. What does the Ghost of Christmas Present show Scrooge? What are they and why are they clinging to
him?
The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge two children who are clinging to him. The girl is called Want
and the boy Ignorance. They are clinging to him because he offers charity and generosity, which are
needed in order for the children to survive. Unless society reaches out to help those in need, society in
England will be doomed.
15. What does the Ghost of Christmas Present say to Scrooge when he leaves? Why does he say this?
“Have they no refuge or resource? Are there no prisons; are there no workhouses?” The Ghost says this to
remind Scrooge of his attitude toward the poor and uneducated. He uses Scrooge’s own words to show
Scrooge how he has helped create the problems faced by these children (the poor and uneducated of
Victorian England.) He also shows Scrooge how he has not helped provide these children with the refuge
and resource they so desire. Scrooge now has a personal connection to the underclass because of what he
has learned about Bob Cratchit and his family.
16. Describe the Ghost of Christmas Future.
He is a phantom who is shrouded in black. His outstretched hand is the only visible part of him.
17. Whose funeral does Scrooge think the three businessmen are discussing?
He thinks that they are discussing Jacob Marley’s funeral.
18. What made Scrooge extremely upset when he was listening to the conversation between Old Joe, First
Man, First Woman, and Mrs. Dilber?
He was mad because these people were trying to profit from a dead man’s belongings.
19. On pages 675-676 Scrooge begins begging and telling the spirit what he wants to do. Read it again and
explain how this reveals the theme of the play.
It supports the central message of the theme of change and redemption because it highlights Scrooge’s
acknowledgement of his wrong doings. He has seen the error of his ways and recognizes the grief he has
caused and wants to change so that he can help others. This illuminates Charles Dickens’ central message
to the people of Victorian England and their treatment of those in the lower/working classes.
20. How does Scrooge’s final pleas to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come reveal the theme of the play?
It shows that everyone has the ability to change and it highlights the need to treat others with respect.
ACT II SCENE FIVE
16. What is Cratchit’s reaction at the end of the play when Scrooge tells Bob he will raise his salary, assist
his family, discuss Bob’s affairs over a drink, and then suggests Bob make up a fire because it is too cold in
the office?
He smiles and faints.
17. How does Scrooge live up to the promise that he made to Christmas Future in the final scene?
He became a second father to Tiny Tim and a good friend to all those who knew him. He treated Bob
Cratchit with respect and dignity, and kept the spirit of Christmas in his heart all year.
Themes
o People can change, also expressed as
mankind can be redeemed.
o Acts of kindness enrich the spirit and
lead to more acts of kindness by others.
o Unless society reaches out to help those
less fortunate and in need, especially
children, society is condemned/
doomed.
o The way man treats others is more
valuable than one’s possessions.
o Man’s offensives carries its own
punishment
Name:__________________________________
English 7
AND I QUOTE………
Directions: Explain why these quotes are significant. Do not explain what is being said!!!! Explain why it is
important!!!
1. “ ‘Spirit, conduct me where you will. I went forth last night on compulsion and learnt a lesson which is
working now. Tonight, if you have aught to teach me , let me profit by it.’”
First major sign of change in Scrooge. It shows that he is willing to learn his lesson from the spirit.
2 ."'I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, Present, and the
Future. The Spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I
may sponge away the writing on this stone!'”
It shows that Scrooge has seen the errors of his ways and is willing to change his life and remember what he has
learned.
3. “'If he wanted to keep 'em after he was dead, a wicked old screw. . . why wasn't he natural in his lifetime? If he
had been, he'd have had somebody to look after him when he was struck with Death, instead of lying gasping out
his last there, alone by himself.' "
It shows that person speaking has no respect for the deceased person, and the man died alone because of his
actions toward others.
4 . "'Business! . . . Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance,
and benevolence were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive
ocean of my business!' "
It shows that Marley understands the insignificance of making money and the importance of generosity.
5. " ‘They don’t sing very well, do they? But, nonetheless, they do sing….. think of that Scrooge. Fifteen shilling a
week and they do sing…’”
It shows that while they are poor, they are still grateful for what they have, leave each other, and are pleased with
one another.