Literary Elementsin

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 Present 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 Belle’s wish for Scrooge?

• What is ironic about Mrs. Cratchit’s wish for Scrooge?

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?

– Bob Cratchit’s remarks about Tiny Tim’s appearance.