ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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Created as part of the Alliance Theatre’s Dramaturgy by Students program
By: Charles Harper and Tess Keller’s fth grade gifted class at Inman Elementary School
Courtney Moors-Hornick, Teaching Artist
Rebecca Pogue, Head of Elementary School Programs
A Christmas Carol
STUDY GUIDE
Grades K–5
By
CHARLES DICKENS
Adapted by
DAVID H. BELL
Directed by
LEORA MORRIS
On the COCACOLA STAGE
ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 Georgia Standards of Excellence
4 Author Study: Charles Dickens
5 Playwright Study: David H. Bell
6 Synopsis
7 Characters
9 Setting
11 About Victorian England
• Lamplighting
• Apprenticeships
• Auctions
• Counting Houses and Currency
14 Themes
15 Motifs
16 Vocabulary
22 Pre- and Post-Show Discussion Questions,
Journal Prompts, and
24 Post-Show Activities
26 Word Search
27 Word Scramble
28 Crossword Puzzle
29 Answer Keys
30 Sources
ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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GEORGIA STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE
English Language Arts:
ELAGSE1RL3
ELAGSE1RL9
ELAGSE2RL3
ELAGSE2RL5
ELAGSE2RL6
ELAGSE3RL3
ELAGSE4RL3
ELAGSE4RL5
ELAGSE5RL2
ELAGSE5RL3
ELAGSE5RL4
ELAGSE5RL5
ELAGSE5RL6
GEORGIA STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Social Studies/Economics:
SS1E1
SS1E4
SS2E3
SS4E2
Theatre (Grades 6–8):
TA.RE.1
TA.RE.2
TA.PR.1
TA.CN.1
ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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AUTHOR STUDY
Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812 in
Portsmouth, England to John and Elizabeth Dickens. One
of seven children, young Charles went to work in a boot
polish factory when he was only 12 years old. His father
was sent to Marshalsea Prison, a debtor’s prison, during
this time, and these experiences would shape his writing
in the years to come. Like many authors, Charles got his
start as a journalist. In 1836, he published his rst novel,
The Pickwick Papers, which was followed by many more
books and stories. Charles wrote A Christmas Carol in
1843, a story which led to him being called “The creator of
Christmas,” because his story connected Christmas with
giving and popularized the holiday. He married Catherine
Hogarth in 1836, and they had ten children. Charles’ stories were famous in his lifetime and
many are still commonly read today. Charles Dickens died on June 9, 1870 at the age of 58.
AUTHOR STUDY: CHARLES DICKENS
1836
The
Pickwick
Papers
Timeline of Important Works by Dickens
1837
Oliver Twist
1843
A Christmas
Carol
1844
Martin
Chuzzlewit
1849
David
Coppereld
1852
Bleak House
1859
A Tale of Two
Cities
ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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PLAYWRIGHT STUDY
David H. Bell is a director, choreographer, lyricist, and
author. In addition to this adaptation of A Christmas Carol,
he has also adapted the musical comedy Hot Mikado.
Mr. Bell has directed more than 20 productions, both
on and o-Broadway, including The Grapes of Wrath,
Chess, Romeo and Juliet, Blood Knot, and The Boys From
Syracuse. Bell’s work is known internationally, and he has
been the recipient of several awards for his direction and
choreography, including the Joseph Jeerson awards in
Chicago and the Helen Hayes awards in D.C.
PLAYWRIGHT STUDY: DAVID H. BELL
Compiled by Hadley D., David R., and Malachi M.
ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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SYNOPSIS
The story begins on Christmas Eve, with the Cratchit family hoping that Bob, the patriarch
of the family, can convince his mean, old boss Ebenezer Scrooge to give him the day o
work to spend Christmas with his wife and children. Cratchit works in Scrooge’s counting
house as a clerk, and we learn that Scrooge is a greedy, cold man who thinks Christmas
is “a humbug.” Even Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, can’t convince him to celebrate the season.
Only when Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, does
he begin to fear that his unkindness towards others may have consequences. The ghost of
Marley warns Scrooge that in order to escape a similar fate, he must allow three spirits to
haunt him throughout the night. These spirits will show Scrooge the error of his ways.
First, The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge back in time to his childhood as a boy
in school, lonely and ashamed of his father’s debts. Then, the Ghost of Christmas Past
takes Scrooge to his young adult years, where we see Scrooge as an apprentice for Mr.
Fezziwig. We nd out that Scrooge once had a love interest, Belle, but that she broke o
their engagement when Scrooge became more focused on money and business than on his
family and friends.
Next, Scrooge is visited by The Ghost of Christmas Present. He takes Scrooge to a church
where Cratchit’s youngest child, the sickly Tiny Tim, is buying candles to grant wishes for
his loved ones and those less fortunate. Then, they travel to the Cratchit household, where
the family is busy decorating and preparing their home for Christmas day. Their next stop
is to Scrooge’s nephew Fred’s house, where a Christmas party (which Scrooge declined to
attend) is in full swing.
Finally, The Ghost of Christmas Future arrives to show Scrooge what his future could
look like if he does not change his ways. In this “future,” a riotous mob is trying to remove
Scrooge’s belongings from his home after he has passed away. No one cares about who
he was as a person, just about his money. Then, The Ghost of Christmas Future shows
Scrooge a gravestone for young Tiny Tim. Scrooge pleads with the Spirit to spare Tim’s life
and says that he can change.
When Scrooge wakes up, he nds himself back in his bed on Christmas morning.
…What will happen next? Will Ebenezer Scrooge be granted a second chance? Can he change
his ways? Will Tiny Tim live? Enjoy the performance of “A Christmas Carol” to nd out!
SYNOPSIS
Compiled by Joshua K. and Kristen I.
ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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CHARACTERS
Ebenezer Scrooge: A bitter old man who runs a counting house, lending money and
charging interest to his borrowers. Scrooge is greedy, rude, and selsh. On Christmas Eve,
he is taken on a great journey by the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Jacob Marley: Scrooge’s old business partner who died seven years prior to the beginning
of the story. In life, he was greedy like Scrooge. Marley comes back as a spirit to give
Scrooge a warning.
Ghost of Christmas Past: One of the spirits who visits Scrooge on Christmas Eve. This
Ghost shows Scrooge his past, from a young boy at school to a young man entering the
world of business.
Ghost of Christmas Present: One of the spirits who visits Scrooge on Christmas Eve. This
Ghost shows Scrooge the inner lives of the people he knows.
Ghost of Christmas Future: One of the spirits who visits Scrooge on Christmas Eve. This
Ghost shows Scrooge what could happen if he does not change his ways.
Bob Cratchit: Head of the Cratchit household, husband to Mrs. Cratchit and father to the
ve Cratchit children. Bob works as a clerk for Ebenezer Scrooge. He is a kind, loving, and
charitable man who enjoys joking around with his children, especially his youngest, Tiny Tim.
Bob does not make a lot of money, but his family’s happiness is worth everything to him.
Mrs. Cratchit: Bob’s wife and the mother the ve Cratchit children. She and her husband
teach their children to be giving and caring. Mrs. Cratchit is tough but kind and loving.
Wyatt Cratchit: One of the Cratchit boys.
Peter Cratchit: One of the Cratchit boys.
Melinda Cratchit: One of the Cratchit girls.
Martha Cratchit: One of the Cratchit girls. Martha works as an apprentice to a milliner (hat
maker).
Tiny Tim: The youngest Cratchit child. Tiny Tim is sick and uses crutches to walk. Tiny Tim
feels sympathetic towards Scrooge because he believes that Scrooge is lonely.
Fred: The only remaining living relative of Scrooge, Fred is Scrooge’s nephew. Fred’s mother,
Fan, was Scrooge’s sister. He is kind, loving, and charitable. Fred loves Christmas and tries
every year to involve his uncle in the holiday.
Alice: Fred’s loving and generous wife.
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
Complied by Sara Kate L. and Zehra S.
ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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Fan: Fan was Scrooge’s sister, and Fred’s mother. When they were children, Fan was kind
and bubbly towards Scrooge. She died when Fred was a young boy.
Dick Wilkins: Scrooge’s childhood friend and acquaintance. Wilkins and Scrooge part ways
after their apprenticeship with the Fezziwigs. Wilkins cannot stand to see the Fezziwigs lose
their business and livelihood, and he faults Scrooge for standing by and watching it happen.
Mudge: Young Scrooge and Wilkins’s cruel schoolmaster.
Mr. Fezziwig: Scrooge’s rst employer. He is caring toward young Scrooge, almost like a
father to him. The Fezziwigs lose their business and belongings at an auction overseen by
Jacob Marley.
Mrs. Fezziwig: Mr. Fezziwig’s wife, a sweet, caring woman who cries often.
Belle: Belle was Scrooge’s ancée. She broke o the engagement when she felt Scrooge’s
greed had overtaken him. She is quite the opposite of Scrooge: kind, benevolent, and
courteous.
Mr. Pritchitt: An auctioneer.
Tom Watkins: A street vendor who sells goods from a cart. Tom and his wife Missy and son
Matthew hope to open a proper shop, but they owe a debt to Scrooge that they can’t yet
aord to pay. Because of this, Scrooge has Tom arrested and sent to Marshalsea Prison.
Missy Watkins: Tom’s wife and Matthew’s mother. Missy is a hardworking and caring street
vendor.
Matthew Watkins: Tom and Missy’s son, a sweet and hardworking boy.
Topper: A friend of Alice and Fred’s.
Bess: A friend of Alice and Fred’s.
Mrs. Dilber: Mrs. Dilber is Scrooge’s housekeeper. Although she doesn’t like working for
Scrooge, she cares for him and shows him kindness.
Ignorance: A childlike being who represents ignorance, or a lack of knowledge.
Want: A childlike being who represents want or need.
Peg: A beggar in the mob who tries to raid Scrooge’s household.
Joe: Another beggar in the mob who tries to raid Scrooge’s household.
Mr. Fouquet: French photographer at the Fezziwig party.
Others: Businessmen, Charity workers, Carolers, Lamplighter, Lamplighter’s Son, Ocer
CHARACTERS
ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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SETTING
A Christmas Carol takes place in London, England in the early-mid 1800s. This time
period was known as The Victorian Era because it was during the reign of England’s
Queen Victoria. The Industrial Revolution was a period in which England became a
global industrial power, with factories popping up all over the country, especially in big
cities like London. London’s population grew quickly during this time, which contributed to
overcrowding, child labor, and poverty for many people who lived there.
The poor had very few luxuries, and only bought food they could aord. Poor Londoners
worked long hours and lived in damp, lthy conditions. Many children were forced to work,
and many died of various diseases.
The wealthy, however, were usually well fed, clean and well clothed. Many wealthy
Londoners didn’t need to work and lived in big houses with servants. They went on holidays,
and their children were educated and had expensive toys.
The Cratchit Family lives in Camden
Town, a district in northwest London that
was established in 1791. It was known for
being very populated and having many
markets, warehouse, and factories.
Ebenezer Scrooge lives in London, the
largest city in England.
SETTING
Compiled by Orron O., Teddy S., and Erin T.
ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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SETTING
The River Thames is 215 miles long and
ows through southern London. It is north
of Marshalsea Prison. Mostly saltwater,
it is the largest river in England. During
the Victorian Era, the River Thames was
a popular place for sports such as the
Henley Regatta (boat race).
Marshalsea Prison was located
in Southwark, London. It was
known as a debtor’s prison
because half of the prisoners
kept there were in debt (owed
money). Marshalsea was
open from 1373 to 1842 and
was demolished in the 1870s.
Conditions in the prison were
poor, and many prisoners died
of starvation. When Charles
Dickens was only 12, his father
was sent to Marshalsea because
of a debt he owed.
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ABOUT VICTORIAN ENGLAND
Lamplighting
In Victorian England, a lamplighter was a person employed to light and extinguish street
lamps, especially those burning gas. Lamplighters were an important part of the city,
because they lit up the streets, allowing people to feel safer.
A gas street lamp only illuminated a few feet around its post. The light was more to provide
distant points of brightness to aim for; in parts of London, they were 65 meters apart (over
200 feet!). Every night, the lamps needed to be lit by hand, and each morning, the ame
needed to be put out. Teams of lamplighters would use ladders and long poles to spark the
gas. Lamp posts had a horizontal bar towards the top of the post to provide a secure rest
for the lamplighters’ ladder.
Above left: The cover of ‘Daylight by Night,’ a 1931 publication put together by the British
Commercial Gas Association, depicts the soft glow of London’s gas-lit streets. Credit: The
British Commercial Gas Association.
ABOUT VICTORIAN ENGLAND
.
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ABOUT VICTORIAN ENGLAND
Apprenticeships
During the Victorian Era, apprenticeships were
common. An apprentice is someone who is
learning a trade from a skilled employer, having
agreed to work for a xed period at low wages.
Apprentices counted on their employer for
food, shelter, and clothing. Many apprentices
in this time period were young, around 14 years
old. The average term served by an apprentice
was seven years.
In the play, Martha Cratchit is an apprentice
to a milliner (hat maker), and she only comes
home from her job for special occasions, like Christmas Day.
A millinery shop
Auctions
An auction is a public sale in which goods or
property are sold to the highest bidder. In the
play, Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig lose their business
and must give up all of their belongings to be
sold at an auction. The character Mr. Pritchitt
serves as the auctioneer, the person who
conducts auctions by accepting bids and
declaring when the goods are sold.
Compiled by Jack B. and Ben R
ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE
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ABOUT VICTORIAN ENGLAND
Counting Houses and Currency
In the play, Scrooge runs a counting house,
which was an apartment or building set aside
for the keeping of accounts for nancial books
and the exchanging of money. Scrooge was a
money lender. People borrowed money from
him with a promise to pay it back later.
The currency (coins and money system) used
in Victorian England had existed for hundreds
of years. Coins were minted in gold and silver.
The pound was represented by a £ sign, the shilling
by a ‘s’ and the penny by a ‘d.’
1 shilling = 12 pennies (or “pence”). In the play, Bob
Cratchit earns 15 shillings a week.
1 sovereign = 1 pound (£).
Lower value coins included the penny, the
halfpenny (ha’penny) (½) and the farthing, worth a
quarter (¼) of a penny.
Compiled by Zach L. and Aijalon B.
Arthur C. Michael’s illustration shows Cratchit
in the “Tank,” Scrooge’s open door, and
Scrooge beyond in his “counting-house.”
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THEMES
A theme is a moral or lesson of the story, or messages that are explored in the story.
Discuss these themes together as a class!
THEMES IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
People can change
“Change can be good, and people can change over time.”
Ebenezer Scrooge changes many times throughout the story. When he was young, he did
not want to become like his father, who was selsh and had debts. For a while, Scrooge
was a caring person, but unfortunately as he got older, he became very greedy and miserly.
After the Ghosts take Scrooge on the journey, he changes again and becomes kinder and
more generous. He even gives his employee Bob Cratchit a raise!
Isolation can be harmful
“If you are isolated you will not connect to the outside world.”
Isolation, or keeping to yourself, can be harmful. Young Scrooge experienced isolation
from his father. After his sister, Fan, died, Scrooge isolated himself even more. Over time,
Scrooge even ignored his only remaining family member, his nephew Fred. Scrooge and
Fred barely talked to each other or spent any time together because Scrooge was stubborn,
so they both felt isolated.
Isolation made Scrooge mean and selsh.
Past, Present, and Future – the passage of time
“We can learn from our past to change our future.”
The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future took Scrooge on a journey through time.
This journey made Scrooge realize that he had transformed over time and that he may want
to change some of his bad choices and make better choices in the future.
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MOTIFS
A motif is an idea or image that is important to the story. Motifs often show up over and
over in a story.
MOTIFS IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Compiled by Santana W., Camden F., and Mekhi M.
Compassion
It is important to have compassion for others.
Family
We are all family no matter what, and we are all connected.
Forgiveness
It is important to forgive others and ourselves.
Generosity
It is better to give than to receive.
Greed
Greed can make you selsh and uncaring.
Holidays
The holiday season is about spending time with your family.
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WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT
Abed (adv.)
In bed “You should be abed, Tim. You’ll never get
healthy without your rest.”
Aeneid (n.) A heroic poem by
Virgil that tells of a
hero’s good deeds
“I expect the rst ve chapters of the
Aeneid memorized and word perfect, or
you’ll have the rod to show for it.”
Apprentice (n.) A person who is
learning from a
skilled employer
“He’s my apprentice, he must do as I tell
him.”
Arrears (n.) Money that is owed
and should have
been paid earlier.
“In full. Mr. Watkins — that is one hundred
and twenty ve pounds. You are in arrears.”
Auction (n.) A selling of
someone’s property
“You said it would not be a public auction.”
Auld Lang Syne (n.) A song people
sing at midnight
on New Year’s Eve.
Means “times long
past.” Robert Burns
popularized the song
in the 1700s.
“Now smile as if you were making a proper
holiday toast - “Auld Lang Syne” - that sort
of thing.”
Blimey (informal,
slang)
British term used
to express surprise,
excitement, or
alarm.
“Blimey – a whole thirty pounds?”
VOCABULARY
VOCABULARY
Compiled by Hailey F., Emory N., and Brynlee C.
Blind Man’s Bu (n.) A game in which a
blindfolded player
tries to catch others.
“What shall we play?”
“Blind Man’s Bu — and Topper you’re rst.”
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VOCABULARY
WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT
Candelabra (n.) An instrument for
holding candles
“Next, we have two Minton porcelain
candelabra. A matched pair.”
Caroler (n.)
A singer of carols A group of carolers starts singing.
Cavorting (v.)
Jump or dance
around excitedly
The stage is rocked with the noisy cavorting
of boys let out on school holiday.
Coach (n.)
A horse-drawn
carriage
“Hurry up! The coach won’t wait for us
forever!”
Compound interest
(n.)
Interest is the
amount of money a
lender or nancial
institution receives
for lending out
money. Compound
interest is interest
earned from the
original principal
(the debt owed),
plus accumulated
interest.
“He was a fool who could never grasp the
dangers of compound interest.”
Conde (v.)
Tell someone a
secret and trust
them not to repeat it
“Wilkins, can I conde in you?”
Dawdle (v.)
To waste time and
move slowly
“And don’t dawdle back - we have more
deliveries than we have time to make them.”
Debt (n.) Money owed or due
to someone
“Better men than Fezziwig have been ruined
by debt.”
Destitute (adj.)
Poor; lacking
necessities
“Mr. Scrooge, it is usual to make some slight
provision for the poor and destitute who
suer greatly for want of common comfort.”
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VOCABULARY
WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT
Dismal (adj.)
Gloomy
and dreary
“What reason have you to be dismal? You’re
rich enough, are you not?”
Dowry (n.)
Property or money
brought by a bride to
her husband on their
marriage
“You know I bring nothing to this union – no
dowry, no position – only myself.”
Ensemble (n.)
Performers
(musicians, actors
and dancers) who
perform together as
a group
The ensemble is illuminated throughout the
theatre - singing a building cacophony of
Christmas carols.
Extinguish (v.)
To put out a light As dawn light reveals the stage, a
lamplighter slowly extinguishes the lamps
as his equipment is carried by his young
son.
Gruel (n.)
A thin liquid food of
oatmeal boiled in
milk or water.
“Would you like your gruel cold or hot?”
Hearth (n.)
The place in a home
where a re was
traditionally kept
“It’s time to light the hearth lamp for
the day ahead.”
Humbug (n.)
Deceptive or false
talk or behavior
“Christmas? Christmas, sir, is a
humbug.”
Immobilized (v.)
Prevent something
or someone
from moving or
operating as usual
Synonyms: disable,
paralyze
Wilkins throws his work apron to the
oor and exits — leaving Young Scrooge
immobilized.
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VOCABULARY
WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT
Invest (v.)
Increase the value of
something
“In this age of steam, steel, and sea trade,
you invest in progress and the prot will take
care of itself.”
Lamplighter (n.)
A person employed
to light and
extinguish street
lamps, especially
those burning gas
The Cratchits exit noisily as the Lamplighter
makes his rounds with his son.
Parsimonious (adj.)
Unwilling to spend
money or use
resources
“It’s a tribute to your parsimonious old Uncle
Scrooge?”
Mate (n.)
British term for a
friend or buddy
“Stand like you do when you’re out with your
mates.”
Miser (n.)
A person who
hoards wealth and
spends as little
money as possible
“I know he’s your family, Fred — but all
society agrees he’s a most notorious miser.”
Mortgage (n.)
An agreement
between you and a
lender that allows
you to borrow
money to purchase a
home, and gives the
lender the right to
take your property
if you fail to repay
the money you’ve
borrowed
“I haven’t come to beg a mortgage or ask a
loan, only to invite you to Christmas dinner.”
Mum (n.)
British term for Mom
or Madam
“My mum went to fetch him out.”
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VOCABULARY
WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT
Promissory note (n.)
A written promise by
one person to pay
another person
“Mr. Watkins, to warm your Christmas
dinner, I suggest you set re to your
promissory note.”
Parsonage (n.) A church house
provided for a
member of the
clergy
“It’s Widow Karp. Sir — I heard she burnt the
pies at the parsonage o Hanover Square.”
Pippin (n.) British term for
apple
“The goods you ordered, madame. Oranges,
dried pippins, candied plums, and a sack of
chestnuts.”
Prison Barge (n.)
A prison boat that
held the overow
of prisoners when
prisons on land were
out of room.
“Your father sent word there’s no room in
the clink- so they’re trying to move him out
to a prison barge.”
Riotous (adj.) Wild and
uncontrolled
behavior
“I want to take a photograph of my two
apprentices having riotous fun.”
Sovereign (n.) A former British
gold coin worth one
pound
“I have a gold sovereign for each of you for
Christmas.”
Sultanas (n.) A small raisin used
in foods such as
puddings and cakes
“I gots a cart full of plums, almonds,
sultanas, and candied fruit.”
Surveying (v.) To look carefully and
thoroughly
He hums as he stands surveying his oce,
assuring himself all is in place.
Taper (n.) A slender candle “Here’s the taper — what’s your rst wish?”
Upstage
To move towards the
back of the stage
A large churchyard gate ies in and two
gures with umbrellas facing upstage are
revealed.
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VOCABULARY
WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT
Wither (v.)
To fall into decay or
decline
“My mother made me promise not to let him
wither away.”
Workhouse (n.)
A public institution
where the poor and
destitute received
board and lodging in
return for work
“Those who are badly o must go there.
That is what the prison and workhouses
are for.”
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Compiled by Penelope B., Makinley M., and Tatum C.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
BEFORE THE PLAY
• Are you familiar with the story of A Christmas Carol? If so, what do you remember about it?
• How do you think Victorian England in the 1800s was dierent from England today?
• Do you prefer to give gifts on holidays or do you prefer to receive gifts? Why?
• Describe a time you realized you had made a mistake in your past. What did you do to
correct your mistake?
DURING THE PLAY
• What do you notice about the lighting of the play? How does it help show the setting and
mood of the scenes?
• Do you have a favorite character? Why is that character likeable to you?
• Do you have a least favorite character? What do you dislike about that character?
• What do the dierent sound eects and songs (chiming of the bells, Christmas carols,
chains clinking) make you feel?
• How do the costumes tell us about the characters’ personalities?
• Notice the set moving! How do you think the set moves so smoothly?
• What materials do you think that they used in the construction of the set? What textures
do you notice?
AFTER THE PLAY
• What were some of the words that you heard in the play that you didn’t know? Make a
list on the board as a class. What do you think each word means?
• Is Scrooge a good or a bad person? Discuss with your class!
• What do the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future represent in the play?
• Why do you think the Ghosts show Scrooge certain memories from his past, moments
from the present, and potential moments from his future? What do you think is
important about the scenes they show him?
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• Compare and contrast Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit. Who is the richer man, and
in what ways?
• Pick a character from the play and write a monologue (a speech given by one character)
from their point of view. Who are they talking to, and what are they thinking? Are they
trying to decide about something important? Are they reecting on their past?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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POSTSHOW ACTIVITIES
POSTSHOW ACTIVITIES
STATUES
When we create statues, we are shaping
our bodies to create a frozen “statue”
that represents something. Our statues
could represent a person, a feeling, or
even an idea!
Create a statue of:
• Lamplighter extinguishing a streetlight
• Guest at a holiday party
• Caroler singing a carol
• Street vendor selling goodies from a cart
• Ebeneezer Scrooge at dierent points in the story (Ex: at the beginning of the play vs.
the end of the play)
• Scrooge seeing Marley as ghost
• The ghost of Jacob Marley in chains
• Bob Cratchit working in the counting house by candlelight
Photo by Sara Keith Studios.
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EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
TABLEAU
A tableau is a frozen snapshot of a
group of participants/actors that
represents and explores a particular
moment in a story.
• Pick a moment from A Christmas
Carol and describe the scene
so everyone knows what kind of
tableau they’ll be creating.
• Have the participants/actors join
the scene one at a time, building
the image one statue at a time.
• Incorporate the use of levels. High, low, and medium body positions make the tableau
more interesting for the audience.
• Strong tableaux utilize expressive facial expressions! What is your character thinking or
feeling in that moment?
Option to layer in Thought Tracking:
- The teacher can activate certain statues in the tableau by calling their name or
tapping them on the shoulder.
- Once activated, the statue, as the character, has to say how they’re feeling or what
they’re thinking, using 1st person perspective: “I’m feeling _____” or “I’m thinking
about _____”.
Tableau Prompts for A Christmas Carol:
• The Cratchit household at dinnertime
• The Cratchit household if Bob made more money/had a higher salary
• The Fezziwig Party in full swing
• The mob of beggars trying to get into Scrooge’s house (in the scene from “the future”)
• Charity workers in Scrooge’s oce asking him for a donation
• Create three tableaux: the beginning, middle, and end of the play
• Compare and contrast Ebenezer Scrooge’s attitude toward money at the beginning and
end of the play in two tableaux
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WORD SEARCH
WORDSEARCH
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WORD SCRAMBLE
CHARACTERS AND SETTINGS IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
WORD SCRAMBLE
Unscramble the names of the following characters and settings from A Christmas Carol!
ERZEBNEE EOGRCOS
DECNAM WTNO
NYIT IMT
NOONDL
OBB THTARCCI
LEEBL
NCNITGOU EUSHO
IIGWFZEZ
RELAASHMSA SROIPN
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Down:
2. A person who is learning from a
skilled employer
5. Money owed to someone
7. British term for “mom” or “madam”
8. Deceptive or false talk or behavior
(also Scrooge’s favorite word)
Across:
1. A horse drawn carriage
3. A singer of carols
4. A selling of someone’s property
6. A person employed to light and
extinguish street lamps
1 2
3
4
6
7 8
5
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ANSWER KEYS
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SOURCES
SOURCES
• whttp://histropedia.com/blog/timeline-novels-charles-dickens/
• https://www.biography.com/writer/charles-dickens
• https://www.charlesdickenspage.com/charles-dickens-biography.html
• https://www.charlesdickenspage.com/charles-dickens-family-friends.html
• https://alliancetheatre.org/person/david-h-bell
• https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/what-happened-during-victorian-era
• https://www.charlesdickenspage.com/charles-dickens-london.html
• https://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution/industrial-revolution
• https://www.museumoondon.org.uk/application/les/1414/5579/2208/what-was-
life-for-children-victorian-London.pdf
• https://www.camdenwatchcompany.com/blogs/the-camden-watch-company/a-brief-
history-of-camden-town
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Thames
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshalsea
• https://www.dictionary.com/browse/lamplighter
• https://theconversation.com/in-mary-poppins-returns-an-ode-to-the-gas-lamp-108655
• https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Apprenticeship_in_England
• https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auction
• https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2019/12/more-about-the-business-of-scrooge-and-
marley-an-ethnographic-approach/
• https://logicmgmt.com/1876/living/money.htm
• http://www.web40571.clarahost.co.uk/currency/PreDecimal/predecimal.htm
• https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/how-is-the-theme-of-isolation-presented-in-
a-2259150#:~:text=The%20theme%20of%20isolation%20is,have%20obligations%20
to%20each%20other.
