Literary Devices and Historical Context in A Christmas Carol

These flashcards cover key literary devices and historical context relevant to 'A Christmas Carol'.

What is an allusion?

An indirect reference to a concept or theme without explicit mention.

What does antithesis refer to in literature?

A rhetorical device where contrasting concepts are placed together to highlight their opposition.

What is the definition of foreshadowing?

An indication that an event will occur later in the narrative.

What is an interjection?

A sudden remark, often used as an interruption or aside in the text.

What is irony in literary terms?

Embedding a meaning by using language that implies the opposite of what the writer intends to express.

What does juxtaposition entail?

Comparing two concepts, characters, or clauses closely for contrast.

What is meant by the term manifestation?

An instruction on what is right and wrong, as provided by the Ghosts in A Christmas Carol.

What is poetic justice?

A situation where characters get what they deserve, often accompanied by irony.

What is prolepsis in literature?

A flash forward in the narrative.

What is satire?

Criticizing people through the use of humor or irony.

What is a semantic field?

A collection of words linked by a theme or topic throughout a passage.

What does stave mean in musical terms?

A set of five horizontal lines in musical notation where music is written.

What is symbolism in literature?

Using one object or character to represent a wider concept throughout a novel.

What is a superlative adjective?

An adjective describing the highest degree of a quality.

What is a foil in literature?

A character that serves to contrast another, emphasizing certain characteristics.

What does idealisation involve?

Imagining something better than it is in reality.

What is an archetype?

The traditional or typical idea of a concept or character.

What does 'bob' refer to in Victorian slang?

A slang word for 'shilling'.

What is a debtor's prison?

A prison someone goes to when they owe money.

What was the industrial revolution?

The period when production means in Britain switched from agriculture to industry.

What are Malthusian economics?

The belief that overpopulation leads to inevitable poverty due to insufficient resources.

What is a parliamentary journalist?

Someone who reports on governmental issues.

What does philanthropy mean?

An act of helping those less well off, especially involving donations.

What is phrenology?

A pseudoscience studying skull bumps to predict mental traits.

What does purgatory refer to?

A Medieval Christian belief that is a limbo between hell and life.

What are ragged schools?

Schools providing basic education for impoverished children.

What is sabbatarianism?

A religious belief that it is a sin to work on Sunday.

What is a treadmill in historical context?

A means of production where workers walk a wheel to produce flour.

What are union workhouses?

Workhouses established under the Gilbert Act for collective parish responsibility.

What was the 1833 Factory Act on Child Labour?

A law requiring children to be at least 9 years old to work and receive basic education.