Christmas Carol Section 4 Quiz

 Many attribute the change to Queen Victoria, and it was her marriage to the German-born Prince Albert that introduced some of the most prominent aspects of Christmas. In 1848 the Illustrated London News published a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree, a tradition that was reminiscent of Prince Albert's childhood in Germany. Soon every home in Britain had a tree bedecked with candles, sweets, fruit, homemade decorations and small gifts.

_{"History of Christmas"}

What is the author's purpose in writing "History of Christmas"?

• to explain the impact A Christmas Carol had on Victorian society

• to inform readers about popular Christmas traditions that are rooted in Victorian England

• to tell the story of how Christmas traditions evolved throughout history

• to persuade readers that modern Christmas traditions are more meaningful than Victorian Christmas traditions

How does the paragraph structure support the author's purpose for writing "History of Christmas"?

• The paragraph refers to significant events in the history of Christmas over a widespread period of time.

• The paragraph compares and contrasts a Victorian Christmas with modern Christmas traditions.

• The paragraph presents A Christmas Carol as the solution to the problem of Christmas losing its popularity.

• The paragraph explains how a modern Christmas tradition began with an actual event followed by the effect it had on Britain.

According to the text "History of Christmas," how did A Christmas Carol influence Christmas traditions?

• It promoted the 25th day of December as the official date of the Christmas holiday.

• It universalized roast turkey as the traditional Christmas meal for middle class family gatherings.

• It revived the Victorian tradition of singing Christmas carols as a form of musical entertainment.

• It broadly spread the traditions, themes, and spirit of the Christmas holiday.

“Spirit,” said Scrooge, with an interest he had never felt before, “tell me if Tiny Tim will live.”

     “I see a vacant seat,” replied the Ghost, “in the poor chimney corner, and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die.”

     “No, no,” said Scrooge. “Oh, no, kind Spirit! say he will be spared.”

     “If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, none other of my race,” returned the Ghost, “will find him here. What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”

     Scrooge hung his head to hear his own words quoted by the Spirit, and was overcome with penitence and grief.

_{A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens}

What does Scrooge's physical reaction to the Ghost of Christmas present reveal about Scrooge's perspective?

• Scrooge shows remorse for his previous lack of compassion.

• Scrooge cannot bear to watch the Cratchit family celebrate Christmas.

• Scrooge realizes that he needs to provide better working conditions in his office.

• Scrooge shows pity for the Cratchit family members and their living situation.

Which quote best illustrates what Scrooge's reaction to the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals about Scrooge's perspective.

• "I see a vacant seat," replied the Ghost, "in the poor chimney corner..."

• "If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, none other of my race...will find him here."

• "What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."

• Scrooge hung his head to hear his own words quoted by the Spirit, and was overcome with penitence and grief.

   “I was only going to say,” said Scrooge’s nephew, “that the consequence of his taking a dislike to us, and not making merry with us, is, as I think, that he loses some pleasant moments, which could do him no harm. I am sure he loses pleasanter companions than he can find in his own thoughts, either in his mouldy old office, or his dusty chambers. I mean to give him the same chance every year, whether he likes it or not, for I pity him. He may rail at Christmas till he dies, but he can’t help thinking better of it—I defy him—if he finds me going there, in good temper, year after year, and saying Uncle Scrooge, how are you? If it only puts him in the vein to leave his poor clerk fifty pounds, that’s something; and I think I shook him yesterday.”

_{A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens}

How does Fred's perception of Scrooge differ from the perceptions of the other characters?

• Fred knows that Scrooge is sad and disappointed by not having a family with whom to share the holidays.

• Fred persists and believes that even if he can make a small impact on Scrooge and Scrooge's actions toward others, it would be worth it.

• Fred feels that Scrooge wants to treat those around him kindly, but just does not know how to act.

• Fred thinks that Scrooge only treats those around him without care because no one has ever truly cared for him.

Which quotation from the text best demonstrates how Fred's perception of Scrooge differs from the perceptions of others?

• "I was only going to say...that the consequence of his taking a dislike to us, and not making merry with us, is, I think, that he loses some pleasant moments..."

• "I am sure he loses pleasanter companions that he can find is his own thoughts, either in his mouldy old office, or his dusty chambers."

• "I mean to give him the same chance every year, whether he likes it or not, for I pity him."

• "...I think I shook him yesterday."