Name: Date: Mrs. Bilden English 7 Common Core State Standards RL. 1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. RL.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.* RL. 6 Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text. RI. 3 Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas or events). RI. 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone. W. 9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Who is Charles Dickens? When did he live, and what was life like during his time period? What are some important things to remember about note taking? Vocabulary Drama- Morose- Prose- Destitute- Dialogue- Misanthrope- Stage directions- Void- Implored- Ponderous-
Benevolence- Connotative Meaning- Figurative Meaning- A Christmas Carol: Act 1 Directions: Answer these questions in complete, detailed sentences in your notebook. Make sure you label each question according to the Act and scene it came from. Act 1, Scene 1:
1. What is the setting of the play? Meaning the place and time. 2. Who is Jacob Marley and what relationship did he share with Scrooge? 3. According to Marley, what are some of Scrooge s flaws? What is Scrooge s attitude towards Christmas? How can his attitude be linked to Victorian attitudes at the time? Using the words used to describe Scrooge, and what we know of him from our reading so far, sketch an image of Scrooge here. Label him with the features described by Dickens. Act 1, Scene 2: 1. Why doesn t Scrooge start a larger fire in the office, or repaint the sign outside of his business? What does this say about who he is? 2. How are Scrooge and his nephew s views about Christmas different? 3. What does Scrooge value most in life? What does Fred value most in life?
4. Why does Bob Cratchit think Scrooge is so mean? 5. What establishments does Scrooge support? Why does he support them? 6. How does Scrooge deal with the men that visit the office when they come to his office? What does this say about how he feels about the poor? 7. What does Cratchit put into the hands of these men? What makes his action ironic? 8. What is Scrooge s reaction to the snow? What three adjectives could you use to describe Scrooge best? Find two quotes that you could use from the book to support your points about Scrooge. We stop reading as Scrooge is locking up the shop, and heading home. Imagine what Scrooge would be thinking on his way home about the events of the day; about Christmas; about his life. Write a monologue as Scrooge, starting with
Act 1, Scene 3: What is pathetic fallacy? Provide an example. 1. What items are being dragged from Marley s chains? What do they say about his character? 2. Why does Scrooge think he might be imagining Marley? 3. Why is Marley forced to wear those chains? 4. Why does Marley visit Scrooge? 5. What is Scrooge s only chance to escape the same fate as Marley? 6. When Marley disappears at the end of the scene, how does Scrooge react? How does this differ from how he normally acts? Is Marley happy in death? Why or why not? What message does he have for Scrooge? What message is Dickens trying to give to society? Act 1, Scene 4: What is literal meaning? What is figurative meaning?
1. What does Marley inform the audience of? 2. Describe the Ghost of Christmas Past-physical and personality. 3. What ability does the spirit Past give to Scrooge? Act 1, Scene 5: 1. What memories of Scrooge s past make him weep? 2. How does Scrooge s behavior change when he sees himself as a young boy? 3. Why does his sister, Fan go to see Scrooge at boarding school? How does Scrooge feel about his sister? 4. Who is Fezziwig? What lessons did he teach his apprentices? 5. Who are the man and the woman in this scene? What does Scrooge wish would have happened? 6. What effect have Scrooge s past experiences had on the person he has become?