'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens: comprehension questions and answers
1. Describe briefly what was happening to rural populations in 19th century Britain.
1. Many people were flocking from the countryside to take up work in the newly built factories, powered by coal-fired steam engines.
2. What were living conditions like for the poor in the growing cities?
2. Many families lived in cheap, overcrowded slums, often without proper drainage or sewage systems. There was much disease, hunger and crime.
3. What did many Victorians believe was the answer to improving the situation of the poor?
3.They believed that helping poor people made them lazy, so they decided to minimise the help they could receive.
4. What were Dickens’ alternative solutions for improving the lives of the poor? (Give two.)
4. Dickens thought that the rich should help to support the poor. He also believed that education would help the poor to gain self-respect and therefore improve their own lives.
5. Why do you think Dickens chose to set the story at Christmas?
5. Dickens wanted to show that the spirit and goodwill of Christmas could be extended throughout the year.