Literary Elements in A Christmas Carol Theme

• The main idea of a story, the hidden message that the author wants the reader to understand • It is not the specific events of the story. This is the plot. Themes in A Christmas Carol • Emotional wealth and happiness are more important than material wealth. • It is better to give than receive. • The Golden Rule – Treat others as you would want to be treated. • Use love and compassion with all humanity. Character Motivation

• The reason that partially or completely explains a character’s thoughts, feelings, actions, and words. • i.e. – Johnny Cade, from The Outsiders, is nervous and quiet because he has been abused by his parents and has been jumped by the Socs. Character Motivation in A Christmas Carol

• Look for clues to recognize why Scrooge acts a certain way. • What has made him into the man he is? Symbolism

• The use of an object to represent something else. • i.e. – The Stars and Stripes represent the USA. • The Statue of Liberty represents freedom. Symbolism in A Christmas Carol • Figure out what the following symbols represent. – The bells that Marley wears – Marley’s mouth fettered shut – The youth of Ghost of Christmas Past – The chains and register around Marley’s waist – Urchins hiding under the skirt of the Ghost of Christmas Present – The Ghost of Christmas that grows old so fast – The figure of the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come who doesn’t speak and has a long black cloak hiding the face Irony

• When the opposite of what you expect happens • i.e. – A firefighter sets fire to a building. Irony in A Christmas Carol

• What is ironic about Scrooge’s feelings for his father? • What is ironic about Belle’s wish for Scrooge? • What is ironic about Mrs. Cratchit’s wish for Scrooge? • What is ironic about Scrooge’s description of a tax collector while in Fred’s parlor? Foreshadowing

• A hint given by the author, as to what will happen later in the story Foreshadowing in A Christmas Carol • What do the following quotes and situations foreshadow? – “Mister Marley has been dead these seven years. He died seven years ago this very night” – “Without their visits, you cannot hope to shun the path I tread.” – What does Marley’s ghost and visitation to Scrooge’s past foreshadow? – “Yes, I’ll not deny he’s the hardest working apprentice to ever balance a book or close an account…” – Bob Cratchit’s remarks about Tiny Tim’s appearance. – The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to a cemetery where children are buried.