A Christmas Carol - Stave 2 - Reading Quiz

“Scrooge, starting up into a half-recumbent attitude, found himself face to face with the unearthly visitor who drew them: as close to it as I am now to you, and I am standing in the spirit at your elbow.” When Dickens uses narrative intrusion as the first spirit arrives, his tone is _____ to ensure the reader is not frightened by the ghost.

• sarcastic
• lighthearted
• foreboding
• reverent

Why does the Ghost of Christmas past have contrasting symbols of holly and summer flowers on his garments?

• The holly symbolizes ever-present spirits and the flowers represent time.
• The holly represents Scrooge and the flowers represent his life.
• The holly symbolizes Christmas and the flowers represent youth and growth.
• The holly symbolizes Scrooge’s present and the flowers represent his future.

On Scrooge’s first journey into past Christmases, he sees himself _____.

• Alone in the schoolyard being taunted.
• On the road with others wishing Merry Christmas to passersby.
• Alone in a classroom with his books and characters as friends.
• With his sister playing a light game of blindman’s buff.

Of what present-day encounter does the first visit remind Scrooge?

• the caroler outside his house
• the vision of Marley’s face as a door knocker
• his clerk applauding his nephew
• the gentlemen seeking charity

Why does Scrooge cry upon seeing his younger self?

• He is saddened by the solitude he experienced in youth.
• He is overjoyed remembering the wonderful books he read.
• He is frightened by the presence of the ghost.
• He regrets the man he has become.

What can be inferred about Scrooge’s sister?

• She died as a young woman.
• She loved Scrooge very much.
• She had one son, the nephew from Stave 1.
• All of these

How is Fezziwig directly contrasted with Scrooge in present day?

• He is a jolly, benevolent boss.
• He also withholds coal from his clerks.
• He celebrates Christmas with his wife.
• All of these

What notable change had taken root in Scrooge when he sees himself as a younger man with Belle?

• He worked long hours neglecting his health.
• He valued money more than personal relationships.
• He chose Belle over his work.
• He had started giving to charity.

How does Scrooge feel when seeing Belle’s daughter?

• He is thankful he did not marry and have children.
• He is jealous of the family’s wealth.
• He regrets not marrying or having children.
• He is angry that Belle’s children misbehave.

What remark(s) by Belle’s husband causes Scrooge to pull down the Ghost’s cap and transport away from the final visit on this journey?

• Scrooge is still in love with Belle.
• Scrooge is the wealthiest man in town.
• Scrooge is quite alone in this world.
• All of these