A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol Background Knowledge Have you ever heard of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, The three Christmas spirits, or Bob Cratchit? If yes, state what you know. How are modern times in the US different from the 1800’s in England? What might these two time periods have in common?

The Victorian Era Named for Queen Victoria of England Her reign began in 1837 She was unmarried at the time of her coronation. Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in Ends with Victoria death in 1901.

Queen Victoria englishmonarchs.co.uk the100.ru

Social Climate Class Society Very limited social mobility Very wealth Extreme poverty Virtually no middle class clas.ufl.edu corbisimages.com

Industrial Climate Shift from agricultural to industrial society High pollution from burning coal Small children were forced to work hour days in sewing mills, and mines Children earned money to help support their families Limited formal education

Health Climate No indoor plumbing High rate of pollution from burning coal High rate of infant mortality Poor sanitation especially in urban areas (London) Drinking water is contaminated Poor hygiene Poor access to healthcare britlitwiki.wikispaces.com

Educational Climate Only the wealth were formally educated High illiteracy among lower classes Only males attended college Female attended “finishing schools” Push for public education at the end of the Victorian Era in England Only people who could read could vote. newman.ac.uk

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens Born a sickly child Unable to play sports, Charles spent much of his childhood reading His father was a naval payment officer and a horrible businessman. Dickens’ father was imprisoned in 1824 for debt.

Charles Dickens Charles’ family turned to him at that time to earn money. He worked in a shoe polish factory to pay off his father’s debts. After his father was released from prison, Charles and his father’s relationship was strained. Charles vowed he would never go to debtor’s prison.

Charles Dickens Writing Style and Famous works Dickens’ novels were originally published in parts through newspapers and literary magazines. (Serial novels) Dickens wrote very few drafts unlike most writers. Famous works: – A Christmas Carol – Oliver Twist – A Tale of Two Cities – Great Expectations