Introduction

Give some background information regarding the novel.

What is the purpose of your essay? (Show Scrooge changing)
Why / How does he change? (Be brief in this paragraph)

Paragraph 1: The Beginning

What is Scrooge like at the beginning of the novel? Quote.
Does the author create sympathy for Scrooge?
Why? How?
What are his feelings towards Christmas? Friends? Money?
Why is he visited by Jacob Marley?
How are their fates' linked?
Discuss any literary techniques you might have notice, what effect do they create?
How do they improve the story

Paragraph 2: Christmas Past

How does Scrooge react to a) the Ghost
b) visions of his past
What does this reveal about his character?
What does the Ghost show Scrooge? Why? (1-2 examples, quote)
What do we learn about Scrooge in the past?
Was he different?
Why did he change?
How does- his past affect him?
Does he regret anything?
Is he motivated to change?

Paragraph 3: Christmas Present

How does Scrooge react to this ghost?
Has his attitude changed yet?
What does the Ghost show Scrooge? Why? (1-2 examples, quote)
What is Scrooge's frame of mind? (is he willing to change?) How do you know this?
(Possibly comment on specific language)
What motivates him to change? Why? (Hope for him? For Tiny Tim?)
Paragraph 4: Christmas Future
How does Scrooge react to the third Ghost? Compare to others?
What does- this show about him now?
What does the Ghost show Scrooge? Why? (1-2 examples, quote)
How does this motivate Scrooge to change?
Does he want to change?
Has he already changed?
How do you know?

Paragraph 5: The End

What is Scrooge's attitude towards others?
(1-2 examples to show this)
Has he changed? Why?
Is there a moral or life lesson in the story?
Do you think a Victorian audience would have enjoyed this
novel? Why?

Paragraph 6: The Context (1850)

What was life like during these times?
How does that affect the story?
How did life influence Dickens?
Does he have any ideas/opinions that affect his writing?
What message does he want to tell to people?
Comment on differences between THEN and NOW.
Is the story still relevant (worth reading, does it matter?) Why?

Paragraph 7: Conclusion
Briefly sum up your main ideas.
What are your opinions on the text?
Your favorite parts?
Do you agree with the message?
Explain why!