If you are looking for the beginning of the study for A Christmas Carol then you can go HERE for a brief introduction. At the bottom of the introduction you will find the links to each section of the study guide as it becomes available. If you would like to see the growing list of available book studies available for free on this site you can go HERE. Enjoy!
Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)
What strange thing occurred “to his great astonishment” with the bell tolling the hours? (pg. 21)
What was Scrooge debating about within himself concerning Marley's Ghost? (pg. 22)
What happened upon the bell tolling “ONE”? (pg. 22)
Describe some standout qualities about the Ghost of Christmas Past’s appearance. (pg. 23)
According to Dickens what was “the strangest thing about” the Ghost of Christmas Past? (pf. 23)
What “special desire” did Scrooge have concerning the Ghost? (pg. 24)
For what purpose had the Ghost of Christmas Past come to Scrooge? What was its stated business? (pg. 24)
How was Scrooge’s old schoolhouse described? (pg. 26-27)
For what reason did Scrooge’s sister, Fan, come to the schoolhouse? (pg. 28)
Logic Questions: (Interpreting, Comparing/Contrasting, Reasoning)
What should we make of the Ghost appearing simultaneously old and young, strong and weak, at the same time? What is Dickens trying to tell his reader? (pg. 23)
Why did Dickens portray this ghost as having “a bright clear jet of light” springing from the crown of its head? What is this meant to communicate? (pg. 23)
What did the Ghost mean by saying that Scrooge is “one of those whose passions made this cap” and forces it to be worn? (pg. 24)
What did the Ghost do by touching Scrooge’s heart? (pg. 25)
In what way might we say that Scrooge wasn’t entirely alone even though no one was left with him at the schoolhouse? (pg. 27)
Why did Scrooge’s “pity for his former self” lead him to think of the “boy singing a Christmas carol” at his door the previous day? (pg. 28)
Why would the schoolmaster’s shaking of Scrooge’s hand throw “him into a dreadful state of mind”? (pg. 29)
What comparisons and contrasts might we make between Scrooge’s childhood (as seen in this reading) and his adulthood (as seen in Stave 1)?
Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)
Perhaps the primary role of the Ghost of Christmas Past is to make Scrooge remember what he has forgotten. How important is it to remember our past experiences? What is the benefit of keeping our memories fresh in our mind? What detriment might we suffer if we forget?
Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)
What “Christ-like” qualities do we see in the Ghost of Christmas Past prior to their departure from Scrooge’s house? Consider the following passage in giving your answer: Matthew 9:1-8.
“‘Bear but a touch of my hand there,’ said the Spirit, laying it upon his heart, ‘and you shall be upheld in more than this.’” (pg. 25) How might we connect this to Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Titus 3:3-7?
Using a Bible concordance look up the word “remember” and answer the following question. How important is the concept of remembering in the Bible? Why is it important?
Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)
Light vs. Darkness, Regeneration, Music, Home