Chapters
A Christmas Carol is one of the study texts in the GCSE curriculum. At just over 30,000 words, it is one of the shorter books that can be studied. This enduring tale also has a lot of analysis for you to draw on having been studied for almost 200 years.
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is a novella that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man, and the main story told is a transformative journey toward redemption.
Set in Victorian London during Christmas Eve, the narrative unfolds through the intervention of supernatural entities who guide Scrooge through his past, present, and future, ultimately leading him to a newfound understanding of compassion and generosity.
Structure of A Christmas Carol
This is a novella that follows a slightly unusual structure. It is set in “staves” which is not common. Traditionally, a stave is a set of parallel lines for music notation to be written upon. However, by using this term, Dickens has suggested that there will be a musical quality to the book
The use of the term stave also connects nicely with the title of the novella – we know that a Carol is a traditional Christmas song.
The structure being split into staves also suggests that the story is meant to be read aloud, with a rhythm to the story.
Every stave has its own role in moving the story along.
Stave One sets up Scrooge as his miserly character with many flaws and poor relationships with others. He is ridiculed by others, though some characters like his nephew still have faith in him.
The middle three staves are the sections where ghosts visit him, to show him through almost biblical parables and examples that he has made errors.
Stave Five ties it all together, reminding us of the initial character that Ebenezer Scrooge possessed, and his hatred of all those around him, and lack of zest for life, before showing us the fact that he has changed, and been through a revolutionary journey with the help of his ghosts.
- 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 Three Spirits.
- Stave V - The End of it.
These five “staves” give us the structure for the book, and below we dive into what happens in each.
Introduction
The story begins with the introduction of Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy but miserly and bitter old man who despises Christmas and everything associated with it. He is known for his tight-fisted ways, cruelty to his employee Bob Cratchit, and indifference to the suffering of the poor. The narrative establishes Scrooge as a symbol of greed and selfishness, isolated in his disdain for the festive season.
If you’ve ever heard somebody say “Bah, Humbug!” then you have heard a reference to this tale.
Stave I - Jacob Marley's Ghost Visits
On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who had died seven years prior. Marley appears draped in heavy chains forged from a lifetime of selfishness and greed. He warns Scrooge that he is bound for a similar fate unless he changes his ways.
‘I wear the chain I forged in life,’ replied the Ghost. ‘I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is its pattern strange to you?‘
Marley informs Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits that night who aim to save him from his own tragic destiny.
Remember, there are many film and television adaptations of this book, and they can be useful revision aids, though they aren’t entirely faithful and should only be an accompaniment to reading the book.
Stave II-IV - The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future
As promised, the Ghost of Christmas Past appears to guide Scrooge through his early years. Scenes from Scrooge's childhood, youth, and the gradual hardening of his heart are revealed. This journey down memory lane sparks moments of joy, love, and pain, rekindling emotions that Scrooge had long suppressed.
The Ghost of Christmas Present materialises next, showing Scrooge scenes of people joyously celebrating Christmas despite their meagre circumstances. The Cratchit family, especially Bob and his ailing son Tiny Tim, captures Scrooge's attention. Despite their struggles, the Cratchits embody the true spirit of Christmas, emphasising the importance of love and compassion over material wealth.
The Ghost of Christmas Future, a foreboding figure often identified with the Grim Reaper, presents a vision of Scrooge's own death. Scrooge witnesses the indifference and disdain with which his passing is met, highlighting the consequences of a life lived without concern for others. The ghost then shows Scrooge the death of Tiny Tim, further underscoring the potential human cost of his selfishness.
Stave V
The following can be seen most evidently in the fifth of the Staves of the book:
Scrooge's Transformation
Overwhelmed by the revelations, Scrooge pleads with the spirit for a chance to change his fate. In a pivotal moment, he seizes the opportunity to embrace a new path. Waking up on Christmas morning, Scrooge is filled with joy and gratitude for the second chance he has been granted.
Determined to make amends, Scrooge embarks on a journey of generosity and kindness. He donates to charity, spreads holiday cheer, and becomes like a second father to Tiny Tim, ensuring the boy's health and well-being.
Reconciliation and the Christmas Celebration
Scrooge's newfound spirit does not go unnoticed by those around him, and there is a real sense of community in the end of the book. He reconciles with his nephew Fred, joins in the festive celebrations, and becomes a beloved figure in the community. The story finishes with a transformed Scrooge embodying the true spirit of Christmas.
“I don’t know what to do!” cried Scrooge, laughing and crying in the same breath…. “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world!”
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