A Christmas Carol Vocabulary Flashcards
(19 cards)
Parsimonious
Being stingy; unwilling to spend money or resources. Scrooge is parsimonious
Allegorical novella
A story with a meaning behind it, intended to teach a lesson
Transmogrify/Transmogrification
To change in a magical or surprising manner. Scrooge transmogrifies at the end of the novella.
Plight of the poor
The struggle of the poor.
Redemption
Being saved from sin, error or evil. Dickens writes the novella to show that everyone is capable of change and redemption
Misanthropic
Having a dislike for other people. In stave one, Scrooge is misanthropic, as he tends to avoid people and be alone
Philanthropic
Generous and benevolent. At the end of the novella, Scrooge’s philanthropic acts of kindness show that he is no longer the person he was at the beginning of the novella.
Salvation
Being saved from evil and harm. Dickens shows that even the most miserable people have a chance of salvation.
Altruistic
Showing a selfless concern for the wellbeing of others, without care for one’s own interests; not being selfish. Dickens uses Fezziwig as an example of how an altruistic employer creates a sense of family and community in the workplace.
Benevolence/Benevolent
Being kind and helpful to others. Fred demonstrates the Christian values of benevolence and forgiveness
Motif
A recurring image or idea. Dickens uses the motif of warmth and light throughout the novella.
Penitence
A feeling of regret and remorse. Scrooge feels a sense of penitence at the end of the novella
Avarice (to be avaricious)
Extreme greed for wealth and material gain. Dickens uses Scrooge as an allegorical figure to warn his audience about the negative consequences of avarice.
Epiphany
A moment of great realisation. Scrooge experiences a number of epiphanies throughout the novella, leading up to his redemption
Propel
Marley’s ghost propels Scrooge towards the path of redemption
Sabbatarianism
The Victorian practice of going to church and resting on Sundays. Dickens was anti-Sabbatarianism as this practice was harmful to the poor people. many poor people didn’t have an oven and therefore on a Saturday would go without warm food as bakers were closed.
Didactic
Intending to teach a moral or political lesson. Dickens’ didactic novella teaches his audience…
Apathetic
Showing no interest. At the beginning of the novella, Scrooge is portrayed as being apathetic.
Frugal
Stingy or tight with money. Scrooge is frugal as he doesn’t want to donate to the charity men
