A Christmas Carol

STUDY GUIDE
Grades 6–8

Created as part of the Alliance Theatre’s Dramaturgy by Students program

By: Christy Todd and Dr. Wendy Ashmore’s 8th grade classes at Rising Starr Middle School

Courtney Moors-Hornick, Teaching Artist

Rebecca Pogue, Head of Elementary School Programs

Liz Davis, Head of Secondary Curriculum & Partnerships

By Adapted by Directed by
CHARLES DICKENS DAVID H. BELL LEORA MORRIS

On the COCA-COLA STAGE

1 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 Georgia Standards of Excellence

4 Author Study: Charles Dickens
5 Playwright Study: David H. Bell
6 Act I Synopsis
7 Act II Synopsis
8 Character Analysis
11 Setting Study
13 Themes
15 Literary Allusions
18 Vocabulary
24 Discussion Questions (Pre-Show, Post-Show, During)
26 Post-Show Extension Activities
30 Sources

2 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE

 GEORGIA STANDARDS OF E XCELLENCE

English Language Arts Social Studies (Grade 7): Theatre (Grades 6–8):
(Grades 6–8): SS7E10 [Link].1
ELAGSE6RL [Link].2
ELAGSE6RL3 [Link].1
ELAGSE7RL3 [Link].2
ELAGSE8RL2
ELAGSE8RL3
ELAGSE8RL6

3 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE G EO R G I A S TA N DA R D S O F E XC E L L E N C E

 AUTHOR STU DY: CHARLES DICKENS
Compiled by Miles T., Leon C., and James H.

Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England on

February 7, 1812. His father, John, was a naval clerk who
dreamed of striking it rich, and his mother, Elizabeth,
aspired to be a teacher and school director.
When Dickens was twelve years old, he was forced to
work in a boot blacking factory to earn money to help
his father get out of Marshalsea Prison, where he had
been placed due to a debt he owed. Dickens was relieved
when he was allowed to go back to school after his father
inherited enough money to pay off his debts and be
released from the prison.
After finishing school, Dickens worked as a London
newspaper reporter, where he practiced freelance
reporting and drew sketches under the pseudonym of “Boz.” In 1836, he published his
first book called Sketches by Boz and married Catherine Hogarth, whom he would have 10
children with.
In his lifetime he published 15 novels, including Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Bleak House,
A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations. Dickens wrote the novella A Christmas Carol in
just six weeks. It was a huge success in Dickens’ lifetime, and remains beloved to this day.
Dickens died on June 9, 1870.

Impact on Christmas
Charles Dickens’ creation of the story A
Christmas Carol had a huge impact on how we
celebrate the holiday to this day. His tale shifted
the focus of the holiday to the family, and more
specifically, to children, as well as those less
fortunate. Dickens felt strongly that generosity
and compassion were lacking in London during
the Industrial Revolution, especially toward
the young and impoverished, and that people
should be more appreciative of what they have
and help others if they are able. He connected
the Christmas holiday with charitable giving and
good deeds.

4 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE AU T H O R S T U DY

 PL AY WRIGHT STU DY: DAVID H . BELL

David H. Bell is a Professor of Music Theatre and a

professional director who has worked extensively all over
the world – Including Broadway, off-Broadway, Carnegie
Hall, National Theatre, London’s West End, Kennedy
Center, Royal Albert Hall, Long Wharf, Ford’s Theatre
(Artistic Director 1983–1988), Alliance Theatre, Atlanta
(Associate Artistic Director 1992–2001), The Mongodor
Theatre (Paris), National Opera (Berlin), Bridgewater Hall
(Manchester), and the closing Ceremony of the Barcelona
Olympics. He holds an MA in Theatre from the University
of Virginia and a BA in Theatre from Yankton College.
Bell has been nominated for 44 Joseph Jefferson Awards
in Chicago (winning 11), the Laurence Olivier Award
(London), five Carbonall Awards (Florida), three Helen
Hayes Awards in DC (winning one), five Atlanta Circle
of Drama Critics Awards (winning 1) and has won the Dramalogue Award (LA), the Mac
Award (NYC), seven Atlanta Journal-Constitution awards, the Nebraska Award for Theatre
Excellence, and has been awarded three National Endowment playwriting grants.

5 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE P L AY W R I G H T S T U DY

 SYNOPSIS - ACT I
Created by Anna B., Ella G., Crista A., and Pav E.

The play opens on Christmas Eve morning with a lamplighter and his son extinguishing the
lamps from the previous night. We meet Ebenezer Scrooge, dressed in dark clothing and on
his way to collect a debt from someone who owes him money. Then, we meet the Cratchit
family, and we learn that their youngest, Tiny Tim, is ill. The head of the Cratchit household,
Bob Cratchit, works for Scrooge at his counting house. Scrooge is very rich but is a mean
old man who only cares about money. Scrooge’s only family, his nephew Fred, invites him to
a Christmas party, but Scrooge refuses to celebrate the holiday.

Later that evening, Mr. Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner,
Jacob Marley. Marley warns him that he may receive a great punishment in his death, just
as he has, for the way he has lived his life and the choices he has made. Before Marley
leaves, Scrooge is told that three spirits will visit him through the course of the night.

The first spirit to visit Scrooge is The Ghost of Christmas Past, who takes Scrooge back
in time. We see Scrooge as a schoolboy and learn that his childhood was far from perfect,
for his father fell into debt for not being able to pay the school’s fees. This later influenced
Scrooge as we see he is paranoid of falling into debt and holds on tight to his money.

Next, the Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge to his early years of being an apprentice
for the Fezziwig family. We meet Scrooge’s love interest Belle, who he plans to propose to.
The Fezziwig family ring is passed down to him; Scrooge proposes to Belle, and she says
yes.

Then, the spirit takes Scrooge to the funeral of his sister, Fan, who has died along with her
unborn child. Her surviving child, Fred, is all alone now, an orphan. Scrooge sends him to
school and promises to write.

Still in the past, we learn that the Fezziwig family has become bankrupt and evicted, so
an auction takes place where all their belongings are sold to repay their debt. Rather than
fighting to help the Fezziwigs, Scrooge solidifies his partnership with Marley, who oversees
the auction. Belle, Scrooge’s fiancée, sees the change in Scrooge, and she calls off their
engagement.

The Ghost of Christmas Past leaves Scrooge waiting for his next visitor.

6 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE SY N O P S I S - AC T I

 SYNOPSIS - ACT II
Created by Josiah B., Jagad K., Munachim K., and Nolan G.

Act II begins with Scrooge’s next visitor, the Ghost of Christmas Present, holding Fred’s
invitation to join him and his family for Christmas. First, the Ghost leads Scrooge to a
church where they see Tiny Tim praying to not to make his mother sad. He also prays for
a way to keep his father’s hands and feet warm while he’s working in the counting house.
Then, Tiny Tim astonishingly prays for Scrooge, because he believes that Scrooge is less
fortunate than he is, because Scrooge is all alone.

Next, the Ghost takes Scrooge to the Cratchit household, where the family is preparing for
their Christmas feast. Bob leads a toast to Scrooge for agreeing to give him Christmas day
off work. Scrooge sees that, even though the Cratchit family are poor, they are happy, as
they have each other.

Then, the Ghost and Scrooge visit Fred’s home, where Fred and his wife Alice and their
guests are enjoying a holiday party. Fred’s wife and friends criticize Scrooge and his frugal
ways. Scrooge wonders where he might be today if he hadn’t been so cruel to his fellow
man. He remarks on how happy Fred and his wife seem and seems to be remorseful about
how his own love life turned out.

The final spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Future, arrives to take Scrooge on the final leg of his
journey.

First, they see a mob of poor beggars outside Scrooge’s property, trying to raid his house
for any remaining riches as Scrooge’s housekeeper Mrs. Dilber tries to fend them off with
a broomstick. Even though Mrs. Dilber admits that Scrooge never did anything for her, she
tries to honor his life by defending his home. However, her attempts are futile as the mob
rushes past her into the house and steals all the goods. Scrooge is sad to realize that in
this “future”, he is dead, and no one seems to miss him, as he made no real friends in his
lifetime.

Next, the Ghost of Christmas Future takes Scrooge to a graveyard where he discovers the
grave of Cratchit’s boy, Tiny Tim’s. Scrooge does not want Tim to die, and he tells the Ghost
he will do anything to save the boy’s life. He promises the spirit that he can change his ways.
Scrooge collapses to the ground.

When he wakes up, the Ghost is gone, and he is back home in his bed. Mrs. Dilber informs
him it is Christmas Day. Scrooge arranges to have the debts of a man he loaned money to
erased, and have the man released from debtor’s prison as well. He gives freely to charity
workers and agrees to celebrate Christmas with Fred and Alice, to their surprise and
delight. He sends a cart piled with goodies to the Cratchits and tells Bob he’s doubling his
salary and making him a partner. Tiny Tim is alive, and Scrooge embraces him. All the bells
of London chime.

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 CHAR ACTER ANALYSIS
Created by Makenna E., Allison (AC) M., Karson Y., Maddy J., and Faith L.

Ebenezer Scrooge is the main character of A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is a negative,

selfish man who runs a counting house and cares only about money. He is very wealthy but
keeps every last penny to himself rather than using it to help those less fortunate. Scrooge
claims Christmas is a “humbug.” Scrooge does not like Christmas, as it disrupts him from
making money because his clerk, Bob Cratchit, wants the day off. Christmas is a time for
giving, and Scrooge does not like to give.

Scrooge doesn’t like anyone and is scared to allow anyone to love him. For example, his
nephew Fred tries to invite him to celebrate Christmas at his home, but every year, Scrooge
refuses.

When Scrooge was a young man, his devotion to business and his growing greed drove
away his fiancée, Belle.

With the help of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge undergoes
great change. Throughout the course of the play, he evolves into a kind and charitable
man who recognizes the mistakes of his past and seeks to be better. Scrooge learns the
importance of family and caring about those around you. He comes to understand that
Christmas is about love, the people we cherish, and helping those in need.

Fred is Scrooge’s nephew. Unlike Scrooge, Fred loves Christmas, and is pleasant, cheerful,
and kind towards others. His mother, Fan, died when Fred was very young. Scrooge is Fred’s
only remaining family member, and he tries to connect with Scrooge every Christmas, with
no luck. Fred is married to Alice, and they have a loving marriage, one that Scrooge comes
to envy.

Bob Cratchit is Scrooge’s working-class employee and later his partner at the counting
house. Bob and his wife have five children, including the sickly Tiny Tim. Every day Bob
puts up with Scrooge’s grumpy behavior at work, but when he returns home to his family at
night, he is jolly, amiable, and warmhearted.

Tiny Tim is the youngest son of Bob and Mrs. Cratchit. Tim has an illness that forces him to
use crutches to get around, but he is a positive and cheerful boy despite his ailment. Even
though he belongs to a poor family, he believes he is fortunate because he is surrounded by
love. He feels sympathetic toward Scrooge because he is all alone.

Jacob Marley has been dead seven years at the beginning of the play. In life, he was
selfish and greedy, much like his partner in business Scrooge. As a ghost, Jacob Marley
visits Scrooge on Christmas Eve and tries to convince him to turn his life around. He warns
Scrooge that he will be haunted by three spirits.

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 The Ghost of Christmas Past is the first ghost (after Marley) that visits Ebenezer Scrooge
on Christmas Eve. Childlike and gentle, Past takes Scrooge on a journey back in time.

The Ghost of Christmas Present is the second ghost that visits Ebenezer Scrooge on
Christmas Eve. This Ghost shows Scrooge joyful events happening on Christmas Eve, from
the Cratchit household to his nephew Fred’s Christmas party. Present is a vivacious Ghost
who doesn’t put up with any of Scrooge’s negativity.

The Ghost of Christmas Future is the final ghost that visits Ebenezer Scrooge on
Christmas Eve. This Ghost represents Scrooge’s future if he does not change his ways.
Future is silent because he aims to show Scrooge that he is the only person who can change
his future, but he must willingly choose to do so.

Fan is Scrooge’s sister who died when Fred was a young child. She and Scrooge were close
as children; they teased each other and enjoyed each other’s company.

Belle was Scrooge’s fiancée, who left Scrooge for caring more about his work than his
friends.

Mrs. Cratchit is Bob Cratchit’s wife and the mother of Tiny Tim, Peter, Wyatt, Melinda, and
Martha. She is a caring, loving mother, but also strict at times.

Wyatt, Peter, Melinda, and Martha Cratchit are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit.
Martha, the oldest, is a milliner’s (hat maker’s) apprentice.

Alice is Fred’s wife. She is kind and giving and loves Fred deeply.

Topper and Bess are friends of Alice and Fred’s and guests at their Christmas party. They
make fun of Scrooge for his miserly ways.

Mudge is Scrooge’s brutish schoolmaster from his boyhood days.

Dick Wilkins is Scrooge’s friend from school. As young men, they served as apprentices to
Mr. Fezziwig.

Mr. Fezziwig is Scrooge’s first employer and was like family to Scrooge. He gives Scrooge
a family ring so that Scrooge may propose to Belle. Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig fall into debt and
lose everything at an auction.

Mrs. Fezziwig is Mr. Fezziwig’s lovely and sweet wife.

Mr. Fouquet is a Frenchman who serves as the photographer at the Fezziwig Christmas
party.

Mr. Pritchitt is the auctioneer at the Fezziwig’s auction.

Tom Watkins was a drummer for the 27th regiment in the army. Tom and his wife Missy
and son Matthew operate a street cart, selling goods to Londoners. Tom is arrested and
thrown in Marshalsea Prison for a debt he owes Scrooge.

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 Missy Watkins is Tom’s wife and Matthew’s mother. She is a tough, untiring worker.

Matthew Watkins is Tom and Missy’s son.

Mrs. Dilber is Scrooge’s housekeeper. She cares for Scrooge even though he treats her
poorly.

Ignorance and Want are representations of the poor and destitute. They are childlike in
form, which makes Scrooge feel sympathetic towards them.

Peg and Joe are beggars who steal Scrooge’s things in the “Future” scene.

Additional characters: Businessmen, Charity workers, Carolers, Lamplighter,

Lamplighter’s Son, Officer

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 SE T TING STU DY
Created by John B., Kieran B., Finn H., and Annabelle S.

A Christmas Carol takes place on a cold Christmas Eve in London, England during a time
period known as the Victorian Era. The Victorian era takes its name from Queen Victoria
who ruled between 1837–1901. The era ended after her death.

The Industrial Revolution brought tremendous change and growth to England during this
time period; many British companies started using the latest inventions in their factories,
which led to faster production of materials. Inventions during this time period include
the spinning jenny, the steam engine, the high-speed printing press, the telegraph, and
electric generators and motors. Despite the new technology, conditions in the factories
were poor and many people died. The development of new factories and machines called
for more workers, and children were an ideal choice because they could be paid less and
were less likely to organize into unions and strike. Child labor became a massive problem
in England, one that Charles Dickens was well aware of, as he was sent to work in a factory
as a twelve year-old boy. In 1833, children under the age of 9 were banned from working in
textile factories, and all women and children under the age of 10 were banned from working
underground in the year 1842. However, many children continued to work, and it was not
until the end of the 19th century and into the 20th century that stronger labor laws were
passed.

There were three conflicts, or wars, that took place during the Victorian Era: the Crimean
War (1853–1856), the Indian Rebellion (1857–1858), and the South African Wars (also
known as the Boer Wars, 1899–1902). In A Christmas Carol, Scrooge’s sister Fan mentions
that her husband is fighting a war:

“Eben – have you seen your

nephew? Now that his father is
off fighting in India, he needs his
uncle more than ever.”

London, the capital of England,

was an extremely dirty and
unsanitary town during this
time. The population swelled
and overcrowding was common,
which led to increased pollution,
sewage problems, and the swift
spread of viruses and bacteria.

11 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE S E T T I N G S T U DY

 Camden Town is a district of northwest London. In the play, we learn
that the Cratchit family lives in Camden Town, which had many low and
middle-class inhabitants during this time period. Charles Dickens spent
much of his childhood in Camden Town, as his family settled there in
1822.

Architecture during this time period is known as

“Gothic Revival.” Buildings were constructed with
bricks and stone, and many incorporated decorative
elements like pointed arches, dormers, roof gables,
and parapets (towers), which gave the buildings a
fortified look. Most of the interiors of Victorian houses
were decorated with duller colors like burgundy,
white, black, and green, and many of these interiors
had wood accents on the walls. Many of the churches
The Palace of Westminster
and cathedrals you see in England that still stand
were refurbished and restored during this time, such
as St. Peter’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s Church.

Fashion in the Victorian

Era included dresses with
petticoats and full skirts
and poke bonnets for
the women, while men’s
attire was more rigid. Bold
patterns were popular
during this time.

Marshalsea Prison, built in 1373, stood along Borough

High Street in Southwark, London. The name “Marshalsea”
comes from the old English word “marshalcy” which refers
to “the office, rank, position of a Marshal.” Many prisoners
of Marshalsea were in debt, as was Charles Dickens’ father,
John Dickens, who was imprisoned there in 1824. Charles
was only 12 years old at the time, and this was to become
Dickens’s worst memory, which would haunt him for the
rest of his life. Conditions were unhygienic, dingy, and
even deadly. Marshalsea Prison was demolished in 1842.
Dickens wrote that Marshalsea “is gone now, and the world
is none the worse without it.”

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 THEMES IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Created by Nicholas A., Kimberly P., Julianna B., and Gavin G.

Themes are main ideas or underlying meanings a writer explores in a literary work. The
theme of a story can be conveyed using characters, setting, dialogue, plot, or a combination
of all of these elements.

THEME EVIDENCE ANALYSIS

You get out of Tim gives a penny to the beggar The Cratchit Family shows
life what you woman. generosity and charity towards
put into it PETER: others, even though they
Can we afford it father? themselves have little. Mr. and
Mrs. Cratchit teach their children
CRATCHIT: to care for each other, and the
Ah Peter – we make a living by world around them, and in turn
what we get but, we make a life by they are blessed as a family. They
what we give. have love, and they have each
other. Just as the saying “what
goes around comes around” goes,
the kindness they show others
comes back to them.

The importance SCROOGE: Scrooge is not content with what

of generosity Oh spirit – am I the cause of this? he has from the beginning of the
over greed Has money and my pursuit of it play. He always feels he could be
blinded me to the misery around earning more, his clerk Cratchit
me? Have I stood by and done could be working harder, and their
nothing while this child perished? profits could be higher. He realizes
Please spirit – spare the child. by the end of the play that he has
Let me rot in a grave next to the been so focused on his pursuit of
multitudes I could not see and did wealth that he has neglected the
not help – but spare the child – or people around him, and that it is
have mercy on me, spirit – and I more important to be charitable
will save this child – and any child and enjoy the company of friends
in need – I don’t know how – but and family than it is to be wealthy
let me try again. and alone.

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 THEME EVIDENCE ANALYSIS

The value of SCROOGE: You can have all of the riches in the
friendship and All these children on but fifteen world, but no amount of money
family shillings a week. It’s madness. can amount to friendship and
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: family. In many ways the Cratchit
The pleasure he takes in his family is richer than Scrooge, as
family defies price, Mr. Scrooge. they have the love of family while
Whatever you think. Scrooge has isolated himself from
love.
Scrooge learns the value of
friendship and family on his
journey with the Ghosts, and as
a result, he doubles Cratchit’s
salary and finally agrees to
celebrate the holiday with his only
remaining family member, Fred. He
apologizes to Fred for letting him
down and promises to make up for
his past mistakes.

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 LITER ARY ALLUSIONS
Complied by Nate P., Krishna K., and Caleb G.

A literary allusion is a reference to a person, event, thing, or other text within a literary
work.

ALLUSION IN CONTEXT LEARN MORE IMAGE

“The Aeneid” MUDGE: An epic poem by

I expect the first Virgil, about Aeneas’
five chapters of The travels from Troy to
Aeneid memorized Italy.
and word perfect, or
you’ll have the rod to
show for it.

Henley Regatta BELLE: A very posh rowing

I loved you the event held on the
minute you fell into River Thames with
the Thames at the individuals from high
Henley Regatta – society participating
and quite wilted your in the competition
straw hat. and festivities.

Old Scratch JOE: Old Scratch or

It seems that Old Mr. Scratch is
Scratch has got his a nickname or
own at last. pseudonym for the
Devil. The name
likely comes from
Middle English
scrat, the name of
a demon or goblin,
derived from Old
Norse skratte.

15 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE L I T E R A RY A L L U S I O N S

 ALLUSION IN CONTEXT LEARN MORE IMAGE

“Auld Lang Syne” MR. FEZZIWIG: Auld Lang Syne

Now smile as if is a song that is
you were making a often sung during
proper holiday toast New Year’s Eve
- “Auld Lang Syne” celebrations to
- that sort of thing. mark the end of
one year and the
start of another.
It was originally
a Scottish poem
written by Robert
Burns in 1788 and
is about two friends
having a drink and
remembering old
times. The literal
meaning of “Auld
Lang Syne” is “times
long past,” or “old
long since.”

Light of Heaven MARLEY: Biblical reference

The poor are poor from Acts 26:13: “At
because we made midday, O king, I saw
them so. This time in the way a light
of year, I suffer the from heaven, above
most. Christmas the brightness of the
­— when the light of sun, shining round
heaven shines so about me and them
brightly, I wonder which journeyed
lived my life in with me.”
darkness.

16 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE L I T E R A RY A L L U S I O N S

 ALLUSION IN CONTEXT LEARN MORE IMAGE

Great Clock on St. GHOST OF The Great Clock on

Martin’s Lane CHRISTMAS St. Martin’s Lane
PRESENT: is a clock made
My life on this globe by clockmakers
is very brief. It ends John Barwise and
tonight. Sons (W and J
SCROOGE Barwise) who were
Tonight? clockmakers and
watchmakers during
GHOST OF the Victorian Era,
CHRISTMAS and whose company
PRESENT: was located on St.
Tonight, with the toll Martin’s Lane. The
of the great clock in clock is referenced
St. Martin’s Lane. by The Ghost of
Christmas Present
to signify to Scrooge
that they don’t have
much time left.

Reap what you sow JACOB MARLEY: Biblical reference

I reap the misery from Galatians 6:8-9:
that I have sown. “Do not be deceived:
You should look God cannot be
to the chains that mocked. A man
you have made. reaps what he sows.
Ebenezer, they are The one who sows
so much heavier to please his sinful
than mine. nature, from that
nature will reap
destruction; the one
who sows to please
the Spirit, from
the Spirit will reap
eternal life.” In the
play, Marley warns
Scrooge that greed
and cruelty towards
others will come
back to him.

17 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE L I T E R A RY A L L U S I O N S

 VO CABU L ARY
Compiled by Frank P., Ayanna R., Robin S., Miles T., James H., Leon C., Sarah B., and Ouisie M.

WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT

Accrued (adj.) Accumulated over a “He has accrued a fortune simply because
period of time he has no idea how to spend it.”

Amends (n.) To “make amends” “I need to make amends.”

means to correct a
mistake

Apprentice (n.) A person who is “He’s my apprentice, he must do as I tell

learning a trade from him.”
a skilled employer,
having agreed to
work for a fixed
period at low wages.

Arrears (n.) Money that is owed “In full. Mr. Watkins — that is one hundred
and should have and twenty five pounds. You are in arrears.”
been paid earlier.

Blimey (n.) Used to express “Blimey — a whole thirty pounds?”

one’s surprise,
excitement, or alarm

Blind Man’s Buff (n.) A game where one “Blind man’s buff — and Topper, you’re
player is blindfolded first.”
and tries to tag the
other people

Compound interest Interest earned from “He was a fool who could never grasp the
(n.) the original principal dangers of compound interest”
(the debt owed),
plus accumulated
interest

18 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE VO CA B U L A RY

 WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT

Debt (n.) Something, typically “The Marshalsea Prison until the debt is
money, that is owed paid. It is the law, sir.”
or due.

Disposition (n.) The usual attitude or “Given your disposition — I warrant we

mood of a person should match your charity penny for penny.”

Forfeit (v.) To lose or be “If you leave now, you’ll forfeit all of it —
deprived of you’ll have to begin again.”
something; to give
up

Forgoing (v.) Refrain from; to go “You work all hours in your counting-house
without forgoing even a day off at Christmas —
why?”

Gruel (n.) A thin liquid food “As you wish — I was putting out your
of oatmeal or other supper. Would you like your gruel cold or
meal boiled in milk hot?”
or water.

Ha’penny (n.) Half of a penny “He gave me this coal for a ha’penny —
and a thruppence for my work.”

Hearth (n.) A brick, stone, or “The Christmas hearth — Mr. Scrooge.

concrete area in Stand by me.”
front of a fireplace

Humbug (n.) Deceptive or false “So say you… I say you’re a humbug.”
talk or behavior

Impertinent (adj.) Not showing proper “Out with you, you impertinent wretch and
respect; rude. I’ll expect you tomorrow as usual, Christmas
or no.”

Infernal (adj.) Of or relating to a “Why the infernal rush? I’m old.”

nether world of the
dead

19 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE VO CA B U L A RY

 WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT

Lad (n.) British term for a “Of course, you will, lad.”
boy or young man

Lamplighter (n.) Someone who lights “As dawn light reveals the stage, a
the streetlamps. lamplighter slowly
extinguishes the lamps as his equipment is
carried by his young son.”

Loot (n.) Goods usually of “They’ll join in the looting most likely.”
Looting (v.) considerable value
taken in war or
conflict; to take or
steal goods

Madame (n.) Madam, or madame, “The goods you ordered, madame.”

is a polite and formal
form of address
for women, often
contracted to ma’am

Mail coach (n.) Stagecoach “I’ve come to bring you home, Father set me
up with the mail coach”

Mate (n.) British term for “I was helping the barge mate load coal
a friend or fellow most of the night. He gave me this coal for a
employee ha’penny — and a thruppence for my work.”

Mickey (inf.) To tease or ridicule “Are you taking the mickey?”

someone

Milliner (n.) A person who “I ran all the way from the milliner’s shop.”
designs, makes,
trims, or sells
women’s hats

Miser (n.) A person who “I know he’s your family, Fred — but all
hoards wealth and society agrees he’s a most notorious
spends as little miser.”
money as possible.

20 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE VO CA B U L A RY

 WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT

Mum (n.) British slang for “Mum. It’s five o’clock.”

Mom

Parlor (n.) Sitting room where “What parlor trick is this?”

guests would be
entertained

Parsimonious (adj.) Unwilling to spend “It’s a tribute to your parsimonious old Uncle
money or use Scrooge?”
resources; stingy or
frugal.

Parson (n.) A member of the A member of the clergy: “I am giddy as a

clergy tipsy parson!”

Parsonage (n.) A church house “— I heard she burnt the pies at the
provided for a parsonage off Hanover Square —”
member of the
clergy

Pauper (n.) A very poor person “None, but for a nephew, he hardly knows;
so tell me which is the rich man and which is
the pauper.”

Pippin (n.) A red and yellow “The goods you ordered, madame. Oranges,
dessert apple dried pippins, candied plums, and a sack of
chestnuts. That’s two-pound three and six.
Having a party, are you?”

Principal (n.) The original sum “But it is the principal that has fallen due,
invested or lent Mr. Watkins. You may arrest him, Officer.”

Prison Barge (n.) A boat to transfer “As if the day wasn’t already bad enough —
prisoners your father sent word there’s no room in the
clink — so they’re trying to move him out to
a prison.”

21 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE VO CA B U L A RY

 WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT

Promissory note (n.) A signed document “Mr. Watkins, to warm your Christmas
containing a written dinner, I suggest you set fire to your
promise to pay a promissory note.”
stated sum to a
specified person
or the bearer at a
specified date or on
demand.

Redemption (n.) The act of making “You tire on your path to redemption?”
something better or
more acceptable

Scurvy (n.) A disease caused “If you don’t eat it, you’ll get scurvy — I read
by a deficiency that somewhere.”
of vitamin C,
characterized by
swollen bleeding
gums and the
opening of
previously healed
wounds, which
particularly affected
poorly nourished
sailors until the end
of the 18th century.

Sixpence (n.) Coin that is worth “With an extra sixpence for your troubles.”
six pence, or half a
shilling.

Specter (n.) A visible The Ghost of Christmas Future appears.

disembodied spirit: Scrooge, in chasing the Ghost of
Ghost Christmas Present collides with the
specter.

Starched (v.) To stiffen fabric or “I’ve got your collar and cuffs father.
clothing with starch Starched and white like new.”

22 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE VO CA B U L A RY

 WORD (Part of Speech) DEFINITION IN CONTEXT

Sultanas (n.) A pale yellow “I gots a cart full of plums, almonds,

seedless raisin sultanas, and candied fruit.”

Taper (n.) A thin candle “Here’s the taper — what’s your first wish?”

Thruppence (n.) Coin that is worth “He gave me this coal for a ha’penny —
three pence and a thruppence for my work.”

Warrant (v.) Justify a course of “Given your disposition — I warrant we

action should match your charity penny for
penny.”

Workhouse (n.) A public institution in “And union workhouses? Are they still in
which the destitute operation?”
of a parish received
board and lodging in
return for work

23 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE VO CA B U L A RY

 DISCUSSION QU ESTIONS
Created by Sarah B., Emily E., Ian D., and Ouisie M.

BEFORE THE PL AY
• Are you familiar with the plot of the story A Christmas Carol?

• Have you ever seen a film adaption of A Christmas Carol? If so, what version or versions
have you seen? What do you think is going to happen in this play?

• Does money influence your happiness? In what way?

• What do you think might have influenced Charles Dickens to write this story?

D U RIN G THE PL AY
• Notice the costumes worn by the different characters. How do the costumes help us
understand the personalities, backgrounds, and motivations of the characters?

• As you watch the play, notice how the lighting of the setting changes the mood from
scene to scene.

• What phrases resonate with you that you think make an impact on the story?

• How does the set represent and reflect the time period and setting?

• As you watch the play, what do you notice about the differences in the way things were
done during the Victorian Era versus now? Do you notice different social behaviors and
etiquette?

AF TER THE PL AY
Engage in a discussion as a class or use these questions as journal prompts.

• Do you think if this play were to be placed in modern times it would have the same
impact?

• What aspects of the setting were important to the story? How did the setting
contribute?

24 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

 • What do you think Scrooge meant when he said: “And we measure each day by what we
earn.”?

• How do Cratchit’s morals differ from those of Scrooge?

• What aspects of our society can we recognize in the Victorian Era, if any? How have we
progressed? How have we remained the same?

• Why do you think Charles Dickens chose to give such focus to poor and working-class
characters such as the Cratchit family?

• Do you think Tiny Tim is aware of his family’s financial status? Why or why not?

• Why do you think Charles Dickens named the story A Christmas Carol? What is the
significance of the title?

• What do you think Marley’s chains and lockboxes were formed by? Why was his visit so
significant to the story? Explain.

25 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

 P OST-SHOW E XTENSION ACTIVITIES
Created by Isabelle S., Caleb B., Karim M., Courtney M., and Emma H.

ALTERNATE ENDIN GS
Choose an important scene from the play, and in a small group, brainstorm other directions
the scene could have taken. Create a script and reenact the scene.

Examples:

• Scrooge is asked in Act I to donate to a charity. As we know, he denies the request. What
is another ending we can create to this scene? If he agreed to donate, how might the
charity workers react? What might Cratchit do and say?

• During the Fezziwig auction, Scrooge just stands by and watches his friends lose
everything they have. But what might have happened if he took action?

MONOLO GU E WRITIN G
A monologue is a speech given by one character.

Monologues provide us insight into a character’s deepest thoughts and feelings and allow
us to better understand the reason for their actions

• Select a character from the play to develop through a monologue.

• Determine a setting (a specific place and time) for your monologue.

- The setting includes the indoor or outdoor location and the character’s position
(sitting, standing, lying down).
- The time specifies the date, season, day of the week, and time of day.
- The setting may also include context (e.g. a café on a busy street in downtown
Atlanta) and mood (e.g., overcast, with clouds gathering overhead).
- Decide how your character might grow or change over the course of your monologue.
For example, a character might tell a story, come to a decision, share a revelation,
figure something out, or express a strong emotion.
- Determine whether your character is speaking to another character, and if so, whom,
or to himself, and, by extension, the audience (technically, a soliloquy).
- When writing your monologue, include stage directions and details indicating the
characters’ actions or emotions as they speak.

26 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE E X T E N S I O N AC T I V I T I E S

 • Additional options:

- Rather than writing, improvise the monologues out loud, in character, to yourself, or
to a partner or series of partners.

Student example: Belle’s monologue

Belle: (standing in the middle of the cold, empty Fezziwig warehouse after the auction,
speaking to Ebenezer) You have changed, Ebenezer – in learning to count “things” you have
forgotten how to value them. You’re so concerned about your job and your money that you
don’t put your time into the things that actually matter, like family and friends. You take
things from others to fatten your own purse. I just don’t understand how you find pleasure
in putting a family on the street, one after the other. You think that success is business and
business alone, and in the end, what is that worth? Success isn’t money. It isn’t wealth or
business. Success is happiness, falling in love, having good friends, and just….enjoying life.
You can’t feel love through a pence. One more coin in the jar can’t make you happy. You can
try, but it won’t work. If you choose that, there is no way I will stay with you. Your heart has
turned cold, and your spirit has been drained by the cruelty that has consumed you, but
there is nothing I can do about it. You think you don’t have debt, yet you carry the debt of
life. I want to marry the Ebenezer who had a spirit and loved me. I don’t know where he has
gone. If I marry you, I want you to love and care for me. And if there is anything I am for sure
of, it is that I don’t want to be another one of your items. You have no understanding of what
you are losing and what you have already lost. (She takes her ring off) To think, you gave me
this ring right on this very spot. (She places it down on an empty crate and exits).

THE ATRICAL DESIGN

• Imagine that you’re a part of the production team for an adaptation of A Christmas Carol
that is set in a completely different time and place. Choose the setting (ex: 1960s San
Francisco during the Hippie movement, or modern-day Silicon Valley). Design a set that
reflects that particular setting.

• Using that same setting, create a costume for one of the main characters using
your knowledge of that time period as well as your understanding of the character’s
personality, socioeconomic background/class, etc.

• Include notes in the margins around your designs, explaining your choices and
inspiration.

27 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE E X T E N S I O N AC T I V I T I E S

 J OU RNAL PROMP T
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Georgia state minimum
wage is $7.25 (per hour). Imagine you are an adult with a full-time job (40 hours per week).

• How much would you typically earn in one month (before taxes)?
• Would this wage support all of your financial obligations?
- Consider the costs associated with clothing, food, transportation, housing, cell
phone, education, and any family members that you financially support.
• In your opinion, is $7.25 a reasonable living wage?
- Why?
- If not, what should it be?
• Lastly, imagine your supervisor earns $1 million each year.
- Would you consider that individual a “Scrooge”?

Additional Journal Prompts:

• Do you believe Scrooge is trying to keep Cratchit poor? If so, in what ways?
• What systems are in place that keep Cratchit poor while Scrooge remains rich?
• Who is richer in spirit at the beginning of the play, Scrooge or Cratchit? Why? At the end
of the play?

PLOT PYR AMID

A plot pyramid is used to analyze the story. The elements of the plot includes the
exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
• Exposition: The introduction of a story that includes the main characters, settings, and
conflict.
• Rising Action: Key events that led to the climax.
• Climax: The most intense, important, or exciting part of the story.
• Falling Action: Events that occur near the end of the story and lead to the resolution.
• Resolution/Denouement: The end of the story.

28 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE E X T E N S I O N AC T I V I T I E S

 • Use the diagram above to fill in the key moments from the play.
• Additional extension: In small groups, create tableaux of each element. A tableau is
a frozen snapshot of a group of participants/actors that represents and explores a
particular moment in a story.
• Incorporate facial expressions and the use of levels. High, low, and medium body
positions make the tableau more interesting for the audience.
• 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 _____”.

29 ALLIANCE THEATRE INSTITUTE // A CHRISTMAS CAROL STUDY GUIDE E X T E N S I O N AC T I V I T I E S

 SOU RCES

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