A Christmas Carol Study Notes

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

IN PROSE

BEING
A Ghost Story of Christmas
BY
CHARLES DICKENS
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOHN LEECH

PREFACE

In this ghostly little book, I have endeavored to raise the ghost of an idea that shall not put my readers out of humor with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.
—C.D. December, 1843.

CONTENTS

STAVE I
  • Marley’s Ghost
STAVE II
  • The First of the Three Spirits
STAVE III
  • The Second of the Three Spirits
STAVE IV
  • The Last of the Spirits
STAVE V
  • The End of It

ILLUSTRATIONS

  • Marley’s Ghost
  • Ghosts of Departed Usurers
  • Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball
  • Scrooge Extinguishes the First of the Three Spirits
  • Scrooge’s Third Visitor
  • Ignorance and Want
  • The Last of the Spirits
  • Scrooge and Bob Cratchit

STAVE I

MARLEY’S GHOST
  • Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it.
  • Scrooge's name was good upon 'Change for anything he chose to put his hand to.
  • Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.
  • The narrator muses on the expression "dead as a door-nail" but respects the wisdom of tradition.
  • Importance of Marley’s Death: Scrooge knew he was dead; otherwise, nothing wonderful could come of the story.
Scrooge's Character:
  • Scrooge never painted out Old Marley’s name from the business. It was known as Scrooge and Marley.
  • Character Traits of Scrooge:
    • Tight-fisted, grasping, covetous.
    • Solitary as an oyster.
    • Cold in demeanor; external conditions had little effect on him.
    • Others avoided him out of fear or disdain, contributing to his isolation.
Scrooge's Christmas Eve:
  • It was a cold, bleak, biting weather on Christmas Eve; Scrooge was busy in his counting-house.
  • Description of the Weather: Fog and cold, with people outside trying to keep warm.
  • Scrooge had a small fire; his clerk's fire was tiny but was not replenished, thus leading to a conflict over coal.

Scrooge's Nephew:

  • Fred, Scrooge's Nephew: Full of joy and cheerfulness, he wishes Scrooge a Merry Christmas.
  • Scrooge's Reaction: Scrooge responds with "Bah! Humbug!" and criticizes Christmas as a time for the foolish and a burden on his finances.
  • Fred: Challenges Scrooge, stating that Christmas brings joy and kindness and encourages sharing and forgiveness.
  • This exchange represents the central conflict between Scrooge's cynical view and Fred's hopeful outlook.

STAVE II

THE FIRST OF THE THREE SPIRITS
  • Awakening: Scrooge awakens and finds himself in darkness; the clock strikes One, and he anticipates the arrival of the first spirit.
  • Appearance of the Ghost: He finds a spirit that appears as a mixture of an old man and child, radiating a bright light.
  • Ghost of Christmas Past: The spirit actually embodies Scrooge's own past and begins to take him to revisit memories.

STAVE III

THE SECOND OF THE THREE SPIRITS
  • Ghost of Christmas Present: This spirit, a jolly giant, shows Scrooge the joy of Christmas shared among people, including the Cratchit family.
  • Insights into the Cratchits: Scrooge witnesses the love and warmth in the Cratchit household despite their poverty. Tiny Tim's condition becomes evident and is heart-wrenching.

STAVE IV

THE LAST OF THE SPIRITS
  • Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: This spirit is shrouded and silent, showing Scrooge shadows of the future consequences of his present actions.
  • Visions of Death and Neglect: Scrooge sees the impact of people's indifference toward death and how it relates to his own choices. He learns that his life must change to avoid a lonely death.

STAVE V

THE END OF IT
  • Awakening and Transformation: Scrooge awakens on Christmas Day, realizing that he has the chance to change his future.
  • Becoming Generous: He buys the large turkey for the Cratchit family and vows to keep Christmas joyously from that day on.
  • Conclusion: Scrooge becomes a friend, master, and man of goodwill, proving that it’s never too late for redemption.
  • Final Words: "God bless Us, Every One!" signifies the overarching message of the importance of kindness, generosity, and community at Christmas.

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION:

  • Book: A Christmas Carol
  • Author: Charles Dickens, 1812–70
  • First published: 1843
  • Public Domain: The original book is in the public domain in the United States and in most countries. Readers should verify their own copyright laws to ensure legality.