A Christmas Carol (AQA GCSE English Literature)

the balance between Scrooge’s childhood and old age

the conflict between wealth and poverty

the idea that memories are timeless and span all ages

Scrooge’s inability to remember his youth

by showing him his gravestone

by confronting him with his own childhood mistakes

by encouraging Scrooge to relive his past joys

by using Scrooge’s own words against him

It comforts Scrooge by reminding him of his family’s love.

It forces Scrooge to confront the consequences of his future actions.

It shows Scrooge that he cannot change his destiny.

It encourages Scrooge to live a selfish life to avoid future suffering.

by showing Scrooge the wealthy’s celebrations and the Cratchit family’s struggles

by focusing on Scrooge’s financial success and how the wealthy celebrate Christmas

by confronting Scrooge with his own childhood memories of past Christmas celebrations

by showing Scrooge scenes associated with his own death

that poverty and ignorance are natural consequences of society

that poverty and ignorance are the real enemies of society

that children should be feared for their future mistakes

that Scrooge’s wealth can protect him from a fate similar to theirs

He distances himself further, feeling that he cannot change people’s opinions of him.

He ignores the vision, believing it is inevitable and beyond his control.

He seeks forgiveness from those he has wronged to improve his legacy.

He tries to bribe other characters for a better reputation before his death.

The ghost’s ambiguous appearance reflects the unclear and shifting nature of memory.

The ghost’s size emphasises that memories are larger than life.

The bright jet of light from the ghost’s head shows how memories are always clear and vivid.

The ghost’s youthful appearance suggests that memories focus on childhood.

The silence represents Scrooge’s finality in accepting his death.

The silence symbolises Scrooge’s inability to influence his own future.

The silence emphasises the uncertain future and Scrooge’s fear of judgment.

The silence suggests that there is no hope for Scrooge’s redemption.

It highlights the idea that poverty is the fault of the poor themselves.

It reflects the themes of social responsibility, poverty and inequality.

 It implies that wealthier individuals should feel no guilt for the suffering of the poor.

It suggests that Christmas is the time to show concern for those less fortunate.

Scrooge is amused by this spirit, showing his disbelief in its message.

Scrooge is angry at this spirit because it shows him a future he cannot change.

Scrooge is indifferent to this spirit, as he already accepts his fate.

Scrooge is fearful of this spirit, which symbolises death and judgment.

Scrooge learns that celebrating Christmas is pointless for the poor.

Scrooge learns that his wealth has no impact on others’ happiness.

Scrooge learns that Christmas should be celebrated by everyone, regardless of wealth.

Scrooge learns that social inequality is too complex to be addressed through individual actions.