A Christmas Carol Novel Study

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a beloved classic that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy but miserly man who has little sympathy for others and dislikes Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, followed by three spirits who show him scenes from the past, present, and possible future. Through these encounters, Scrooge begins to recognize the consequences of his choices and discovers the importance of generosity, compassion, and human connection. In this course, students will explore themes such as kindness, generosity, redemption, social responsibility, family, and the importance of compassion. Through close reading, guided discussion, and literary analysis, students will examine characterization, symbolism, setting, narrative structure, and Dickens’s use of the supernatural to communicate social and moral ideas. Writing activities will include reflective responses, character analysis, theme-based writing, and evidence-based literary essays. The course strengthens reading comprehension, critical thinking, and expressive writing while helping students appreciate how classic literature can address both personal growth and broader social issues.