Themes in ACC

Question 1

The main three themes in ACC

Answer 1

• Christmas
• Redemption
• Social injustice

Question 2

Christmas theme structure wise?

Answer 2

• The theme of the novella is clear from the title - A Christmas Carol - which refers to the traditional carols that are sung at Christmas time.
• The novella has an unusual layout, using five staves rather than chapters.

Question 3

Christmas theme character wise?

Answer 3

• Fred: Dickens shows Scrooge’s nephew as the opposite of Scrooge. He is able to abandon himself to childish pleasures at Christmas and enjoys the company of his friends.
• Tiny Tim: Through the character of Tiny Tim, Dickens shows the importance of family and love in the Christmas tradition.

Question 4

Redemption theme shown through misery?

Answer 4

• At the start of the novella Scrooge rejects all offers of Christmas cheer from everyone he meets.
• When Scrooge says Christmas is a ‘humbug’ we see him rejecting all the compassion and celebration that is linked with the festive season

Question 5

Redemption theme shown through Scrooge?

Answer 5

• Dickens uses the Ghost of Christmas Present to show Scrooge how unpleasant his behaviour has been.
• Scrooge feels ashamed when the Ghost uses his own words against him. We see him beginning to wish he could change.

Question 6

Redemption theme shown through Scrooge’s redemption?

Answer 6

• When the last of the ghosts has left and Scrooge finally awakes on Christmas day, we are shown a new man.
• Scrooge becomes generous and full of life. We see him welcomed into the homes of his family and friends and readers are delighted by his transformation.

Question 7

Social Injustice theme shown through Scrooge refusing to give money?

Answer 7

• Scrooge’s refusal represents the selfishness of the richer elements of Victorian society. Instead of creating a community in which life can be enjoyed by all, Dickens highlights the injustice of wealth distribution.

Question 8

Social Injustice theme shown through Ignorance and Want?

Answer 8

• The children that hide under the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present are ‘pinched’ and ‘twisted’ rather than being happy and joyous as we would like children to be. The Ghost tells Scrooge that the children are the responsibility of all mankind.

Question 9

Social Injustice theme shown through thieves dividing up Scrooge’s belongings?

Answer 9

• As the thieves sort through Scrooge’s possessions they comment on how miserly he had been in life. This makes him, and the reader, appreciate the failings of only thinking of oneself.