A Christmas Carol Form and Structure Flashcards Preview

GCSE English Lit. A Christmas Carol > A Christmas Carol Form and Structure > Flashcards

Flashcards in A Christmas Carol Form and Structure Deck (7)
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1
Q

Narrator

A

The novella is narrated by a didactic third-person narrator, who manipulates our impression of Scrooge with scathing (negative) descriptions of him.

2
Q

Author’s voice

A

We sometimes hear Dickens’ voice when he adds a touch of comedy: this authorial intrusion is designed to win over the reader, making them more agreeable to Dickens’ message.

3
Q

Parable

A

The novella is a parable: a moral story with a strong message; it is a simple didactic tale.

4
Q

Structure/ organisation

A

It is arranged in five staves (not chapters) as a metaphor for an actual Christmas carol. It contains musical imagery throughout (e.g. church bells).

5
Q

Allegory/ Allegorical

A

Many of the characters are allegorical figures: characters who stand for ideas (e.g. Fred stands for tolerance and forgiveness).

6
Q

Gothic

A

Gothic imagery creates feelings of suspense, fear and tension.

7
Q

Circular structure

A

The circular structure emphasises Scrooge’s change. In Stave Five he makes amends with all those he rejected in Stave One: charity collectors, Fred, Bob/The Cratchits, the caroller.