Dec. 22, 2007
Finishing A Christmas Carol: Stave V
Posted in A Christmas Carol
We’re finished with the book! Once again, Dickens has totally amazed me. He is easily on my top-ten authors list. Maybe sometime we'll read another one of his books here on the SAYR. It would definitely be fun to do it again.
Discussion Notes
To me, I see this story as one of the ultimate pictures of redemption. I mean, look at Scrooge at the beginning of the story and at the end. Can you imagine any more polar opposites?
"Yes! And the bedpost was his own. The bed was his own, the room was his own. Best and happiest of all, the Time before him was his own, to make amends in!"
Oh, if we would only wake up each each morning in that way! Looking forward to the time before us to make the best of while we have it. Scrooge lingered in his greed, and look how he ended up. He nearly spent all of his time. Thankfully, he was warned before it was too late. Can you imagine how he must have treasured his time after his conversion?
Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times! ~ Psalm 106:3
Discussion Questions
1. Which visit from out of the 3 spirits (or 4 including Marley) spoke to you the most?
2. Why did Scrooge seem to delight in every little thing after he awoke on Christmas Day?
3. What would Scrooge have done if his nephew had not been so faithful in inviting him to Christmas dinner? Would his Christmas have been as joyful?
4. What was something that you learned about the English culture from that time period?
I think that next we'll be reading The Giver by Lois Lowry. I've heard a lot of good things about it from different people. We'll start up sometime in mid-January. Until then, enjoy your Christmas break!
Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Best regards,
Sylvia
Comments
Dec. 22, 2007 - Wonderful idea
Posted by Adso
What a wonderful idea here! Just wanted to say thank you for the insightful and interesting discussion questions, too.
* Permanent Link
Dec. 22, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sweetpotato
1. Probably the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come, simply because the thought of how I will be remembered and the legacy I leave is a very sobering one.
2. He saw how close he had been to making a total waste of his life, and after he awoke, and realized that he still had life to live yet, it was like he was delighting in every moment. Making up for lost time, I guess you could say.
3. No...it was good that his nephew kept persevering, even in the face of rejection.
4. Oh my goodness, I've taken the book back to the library, otherwise I would look for an answer for this one. So, I don't really know.
I thought that Dickens ALMOST came too close to overdoing the change in Scrooge's personality. I realize that Scrooge had a complete change in personality, but it almost seemed like he should have changed in a quieter sort of way. He was almost TOO jolly afterwards. As I said, almost. I ended up being okay with it, but it came awful close to the lines of credulity.
Of course, I ought not to be complaining, because it was an awesome book. I really enjoyed reading it.
* Permanent Link
Dec. 24, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by NimrodelTinuviel
I hoping to join you when you start your next book, by the wayI think you should read "the hobbit" some time. I haven't read it yet, but I have read "the lord of the rings" (also by J.R.R. Tolkien) and it's fantastic. I'm also starting "The Silmarillion" and that is good so far, but it's only for the absolute die heart lord of the rings fan, it's very confusing.
~ Nimrodel
* Permanent Link
Jan. 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Grace4God
Hello,
I'm interested in joining. :) What do I do to sign up?
In Christ,
Grace
* Permanent Link
