1. How to craft an analytical answer:
Character-based question: Sheila/Gerald/relationship In Stave One, Dickens presents positive attitudes of appreciation and love towards Christmas through the character of the nephew because he values this time of year as being “sacred […] a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable time”. At this point, the nephew contradicts his “growl[ing]” uncle, who hates Christmas. As Victorian society believed that Christmas was the most important time of the year for togetherness and love because it was Christianity’s – which was the most wide-spread religion – biggest festival, the nephew reflects the social beliefs of its time. As a result, such readers would have valued his appreciation for Christmas. The nephew specifically exposes his appreciation towards Christmas when he lists his positive adjectives of it being “kind, forgiving, charitable” as well as “sacred”. In order to truly expose his attitudes, Dickens uses an ongoing list of adjectives “kind, forgiving, charitable” to create an impression of inclusion and equality in society, where everyone is treated the same throughout Christmas. Typically, the words “charitable” and “forgiving” create images of a place of shared responsibility and generosity . Consequently, the character appears to believe that – as Christian’s were expected to at this time – Christmas was a time to provide love and harmony. Therefore, Dickens may use this character in order to reinforce Christian beliefs and values towards Christmas as a time of giving and “forgiveness”.
In the Stave, what does Dickens present about the character?
Through what evidence from the text proves your point?
At this point, what has just happened in the text? Explain your evidence.
What did society of its time believe?
So, how would they react?
When does the character specifically expose this appearance?
In order to truly expose the character in a certain way, what technique does Dickens use?
What general idea/atmosphere/impression does this technique create?
Zooming into the words, what do they mean to you?
Consequently, what do you know about the character based on the words?
Therefore, what might Dickens use this character to reinforce in Victorian society?