A Christmas Carol - Planning your answer
It is always a good idea to plan your answer before you begin writing. Having a plan means you will leave space to make all the points you want to, rather than risk running out of ideas. A plan will mean you answer the question in a logical manner. You must also refer to the examiner's assessment objectives to ensure you have met the criteria.
Here is a plan you could use for your answer:
- Introduction - how is Scrooge presented?
- Point 1 - the way Scrooge is behaving.
- Point 2 - the way Scrooge talks.
- Point 3 - how this compares to Scrooge at the start of the novella.
- Conclusion - summarise your points.
Sample answers
Here are two sample answers that refer to Point 2 of the essay plan.
Sample answer 1
Scrooge is shown as being happy in this extract from the end of the novella. We know this because Dickens uses the word 'cried' instead of something negative like 'muttered' or 'grumbled'. This shows that Scrooge is excited. He says that he is 'as light as a feather' which suggests that he is feeling happy and weightless. He also cheers, saying 'Whoop!' and 'Hallo!' which shows how he is much more joyous than at the start of the story.
Feedback comments - good, but could be improved
- This answer shows that the candidate understands the character and has some sense of how language is used to convey meaning. However, a clearer explanation of the literary techniques used would be useful. For example, showing how the similes are used in the extract.
- The candidate identifies that the extract is from the end of the novella and briefly compares it to the presentation of Scrooge at the start. An improved answer would make more detailed comparisons, focusing on the actual language used in the text.
- Correct spelling and punctuation is used. For a higher level, more sophisticated language and use of technical language is needed.
Sample answer 2
In this extract from the end of the novella, we see Scrooge as a reformed character. Where he is described as 'tight-fisted' and 'grasping' in Stave I, in this final section we see him as 'light as a feather'. The similes that Scrooge uses in his dialogue show how cheerful he is. They are clichéd ideas that carry a sense of his new carefree spirit. When we first met Scrooge his repeated expression was a gloomy 'Bah!' and a dismissive 'Humbug!' showing the reader that he was mean-spirited. Here, however, he is changed to a man who cheerfully cries 'Whoop!' and 'Hallo!' and even 'Merry Christmas!' The onomatopoeia of 'Whoop!' carries a sense of his joy and the repeated exclamation marks add to the presentation of a man caught up in a child-like joy.
Feedback comments - much improved!
- The expression here is more sophisticated. Sentences are complex and ideas are confidently conveyed.
- The candidate makes use of literary terminology and explores the effects of language on the reader.
- Comparisons with earlier parts of the novella are integrated in the response.
- Candidate refers to structure in mentioning 'Stave I' and could expand on this further.
- Reference to historical context would make this an even better answer.
Read over the Assessment Objectives again. Then use the plan and everything you have learned in this revision section to write your own timed answer.
I am an avid enthusiast and expert in literature, with a particular focus on classic works such as Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." My extensive knowledge encompasses the nuances of character development, narrative techniques, and the historical context surrounding the novella. This expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of literary analysis, allowing me to dissect and appreciate the intricacies of Dickens' storytelling.
In the provided article, the emphasis is on planning an answer for an essay about "A Christmas Carol," specifically addressing the presentation of the character Scrooge. The article offers a plan for structuring the response and provides two sample answers related to Point 2 of the plan, which discusses the way Scrooge talks.
Let's break down the key concepts and literary elements mentioned in the article:
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Introduction - How is Scrooge presented?
- This involves setting the stage for the analysis of Scrooge's character, highlighting the initial impressions of the character.
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Point 1 - The way Scrooge is behaving.
- This suggests an examination of Scrooge's actions and demeanor, likely comparing his behavior at different points in the novella.
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Point 2 - The way Scrooge talks.
- The focus here is on Scrooge's dialogue, exploring the choice of words, tone, and language used by the character.
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Point 3 - How this compares to Scrooge at the start of the novella.
- This involves a comparative analysis, examining how Scrooge's behavior and speech have evolved over the course of the story.
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Conclusion - Summarize your points.
- The conclusion is a summary of the main points discussed in the essay, providing a cohesive and conclusive statement.
The first sample answer analyzes Scrooge's happiness in an excerpt from the end of the novella, focusing on Dickens' use of language, such as the choice of the word 'cried' and the simile 'light as a feather.' The feedback suggests a need for a clearer explanation of literary techniques and more detailed comparisons.
The second sample answer delves deeper into Scrooge's transformation, using terms like 'tight-fisted' and 'grasping' to describe his earlier self and contrasting it with the similes used to portray his cheerfulness later in the story. The feedback acknowledges the improvement, emphasizing the sophisticated expression, use of literary terminology, and integration of comparisons with earlier parts of the novella.
Both samples highlight the importance of understanding literary techniques, employing sophisticated language, and making detailed comparisons to create a comprehensive analysis of Scrooge's character evolution. Additionally, the feedback suggests the incorporation of historical context and further exploration of the novella's structure for a more comprehensive essay.
