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A Christmas Carol: NBSE class 9 English questions, answers
Here are the summary, questions and answers, and notes for the English chapter “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, which is a part of the syllabus for NBSE class 9 students. However, the materials presented here should be used only for references and nothing more.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
A Christmas Carol is an abridged version of the novel ‘A Christmas Carol’ written by Charles Dickens and published in 1843. The story is about one old man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who would not celebrate Christmas as he thought Christmas was stupid. He was also a miser and didn’t give any donations.
One Christmas Eve, he received an invitation from his nephew for a dinner, but he sent him away saying Christmas was ‘humbug’ or nonsense. But that night, as he was sleeping, he was visited by three ghosts, one after another. First, he was visited by the ghost of Christmas past. The ghost took him to the Christmases in the past and showed him how he let the girl, who used to love him, go on a Christmas Eve. The ghost also showed him how his sister used to love him, which made him feel bad at how he treated her son and his nephew. Then, he was visited by the ghost of a Christmas present and took him to the house of his nephew where he heard his nephew saying that he loved him and felt pity for him. This melted his heart. Finally, the ghost of Christmas future visited him and took him to a room where the corpse of his clerk’s son Tim was lying. He was saddened by the death and asked the ghost why little Tim had to die. Soon after, the ghost took him to a graveyard and showed him a grave with his name on it.
Seeing his own grave, Ebenezer Scrooge started to cry and pleaded with the ghost to not show him anything more and that he wasn’t the man he had become and promised that from that day onward, he would honour Christmas in his heart. The ghost took him back to his bedroom. In the morning, Scrooge became a completely different man. He gave donations, visited his nephew, and raised his clerk’s salary.
Textual questions and answers
A. Multiple Choice Questions
1. Bob Cratchit was……..
A. a member of the fund-raising organization B. Scrooge’s nephew C. Scrooge’s niece’s husband D. Scrooge’s clerk
Answer: D. Scrooge’s clerk
2. With the Ghost of Christmas Past Scrooge saw…….
A. a little boy standing alone in school B. his elder sister welcoming him home C. his sister’s daughter D. his wife Belle
Answer: A. a little boy standing alone in school
3. Scrooge finally changed on Christmas after watching…….
A. Fred B. Bob Cratchit C. Tiny Tim D. Scrooge’s niece
Answer: C. Tiny Tim
4. After the Ghost of the Future had finished with Scrooge, Scrooge …….
A. went to Bob Cratchit’s house B. found happiness in everything C. went to meet the person to donate money D. went straight home
Answer: B. found happiness in everything
5. The message of the play ‘A Christmas Carol’ is……..
A. family and friends are a source of happiness B. money cannot buy happiness C. charity brings true happiness D. all of the above
Answer: D. all of the above
Read and Write
1. What kind of man was Ebenezer Scrooge? What were his views on Christmas?
Answer: Ebenezer Scrooge was a selfish person who lacked a generous spirit despite having great wealth. He was insensitive to the feelings of others and believed that through wealth happiness and comforts could be attained. He felt that Christmas was just a farce to ask for a donation in the name of helping the poor and the needy. According to him the poor and the idle had no reason to be merry. He also felt that holidays were a waste of working hours and people should work instead on those days and acquire wealth and money and thereby become rich and prosperous.
2. Scrooge was mean to all who came to him on Christmas Eve. What did he say?
Answer: Scrooge didn’t respond kindly to his nephew’s cheerful greetings and to him Christmas was just humbug. He told his nephew that he had no reason to be happy or cheerful since his salary was small and with that, he had to maintain his family. He didn’t have surplus money to spend on festivity. Scrooge was also rude to the two men who had come for the donation saying it was an excuse to rob the rich man. He sent them away without offering any money. He further cautioned his clerk that while he was taking a day off, he must be early in the office on the following day.
3. Fill in the table with the details of the three ghosts who visit Scrooge.
Answer:
- Ghost of Christmas Past: A strange figure resembling both a child and an old man, showing Scrooge scenes from his own past, including his lonely childhood, lost love, and moments that once brought him joy. Scrooge learns to reflect on his life choices and the joy he once knew.
- Ghost of Christmas Present: A majestic spirit representing the current Christmas, showing Scrooge the happiness of others during the holiday, including his clerk’s struggling family and the festive celebration at his nephew’s home. Scrooge is taught about the joy and goodwill that he is missing.
- Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: A silent, ominous figure shrouded in black, showing Scrooge bleak visions of his future, including his own unattended death and the consequences of his continued miserliness. This visit teaches Scrooge about the finality of death and the legacy of his actions.
4. What was the change that came over in Scrooge’s nature after the visitations from the three ghosts? How did he make up for his mean behaviour?
Answer: In the story A Christmas Carol, after the visitations of the three ghosts, Scrooge realized that he had been mean and selfish in his conduct. He had valued money over people and relationships and so, he lost all those who were close to him due to his avarice and selfishness.
When he realized that money wasn’t the most important thing in life but people are, he decided to be a different person than he used to be. He gave a generous amount of money as donations to the less fortunate, took interest in others and started to interact with the children. He took part in the celebration of Christmas at his nephew’s house and even raised his clerk’s salary besides promising him to assist his struggling family.
5. Fill in the blanks.
Answer: a) Scrooge can best be described as miserly and cold-hearted.
b) Scrooge’s nephew wished a merry Christmas as he left Scrooge’s counting house.
c) The first person to visit Scrooge in his dream was the Ghost of Christmas Past.
d) While at school, Scrooge had been a lonely and miserable boy.
e) The changed Scrooge shocked Bob Cratchit by raising his salary and offering to assist his struggling family.
Think and Write
1. How does Dickens present the theme of charity and Christmas Spirit in “The Christmas Carol”?
Answer: Charles Dickens presents the theme of charity and Christmas spirit in “A Christmas Carol” through the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, from a miserly and solitary man to one who embraces the joy of giving and the warmth of the Christmas spirit. Initially, Scrooge is depicted as a character who despises Christmas, seeing it as a time for idleness and unnecessary expenditure. However, through the interventions of the three ghosts—of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come—Scrooge is shown the value of compassion, the importance of human connection, and the impact of generosity. Dickens uses Scrooge’s journey to critique the social injustices of his time and to advocate for a more charitable and kind-hearted approach to life, especially towards the less fortunate. The transformation of Scrooge from a “man of business” who values money above all to a benefactor of the poor and a loving family member embodies the Christmas spirit of giving, compassion, and redemption.
2. Where did you find Scrooge at worst and where did you find him at his best? Why?
Answer: Scrooge is found at his worst at the beginning of “A Christmas Carol,” where he is depicted as a cold-hearted, miserly man who despises Christmas and lacks empathy for others, notably when he dismissively responds to the charitable gentlemen seeking donations for the poor and expresses disdain for his cheerful nephew. This portrayal highlights his isolation, selfishness, and the negative impact of his greed. In contrast, Scrooge is at his best at the story’s conclusion, after his transformative journey with the three ghosts. He becomes generous, joyful, and caring, actively seeking to rectify his past wrongs by donating to the poor, treating his clerk Bob Cratchit with kindness and respect, and embracing his family. This change is attributed to his realization of the importance of human connection, compassion, and the spirit of Christmas, which leads him to value and foster relationships and community over wealth.
3. Which of the sights shown by the three ghosts affected Scrooge the most? Why do you think so?
Answer: The sights shown by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come affected Scrooge the most, particularly the vision of his own lonely death and the subsequent indifference of society towards it. This future, where no one mourns his passing and people benefit from his death, starkly contrasts with the communal warmth and joy of Christmas he observes in other visions. The impact of this ghost’s revelations is profound because it confronts Scrooge with the ultimate consequence of his life’s choices—being forgotten and unmourned due to his lack of human connection and generosity. This realisation prompts a deep fear and a sincere desire for change in Scrooge, driving him to alter his ways and embrace the spirit of Christmas, compassion, and community, ultimately seeking to avoid the bleak fate shown to him.
4. If you were a business owner how would you make sure that you treat your employees better than Scrooge did?
Answer: As a business owner, to ensure better treatment of employees than Scrooge initially did, I would prioritise creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that values each employee’s well-being and contributions. This would involve offering fair wages, ensuring a healthy work-life balance, and providing opportunities for professional growth and development. Recognising and appreciating employees’ efforts, fostering open communication, and encouraging teamwork would be key. Additionally, implementing feedback mechanisms to address concerns and improve the work environment, along with providing benefits that support their physical and mental health, would ensure employees feel valued, respected, and motivated. Engaging in community and charity events as a team could further enhance the sense of purpose and camaraderie among employees.
5. Imagine you are Scrooge. You have learnt your lesson. Write an article for a national daily telling people how to lead their lives.
Answer:
A Lesson in Living a Life of Purpose and Joy
As the reformed Ebenezer Scrooge, I pen this piece with a heart full of gratitude and eyes wide open to the beauty of life—a life I almost missed. My transformation, sparked by a miraculous journey through time with three spectral guides, has led me to share my newfound wisdom on how to lead a fulfilling life.
Embrace Compassion and Generosity
Gone are my days of hoarding wealth and shunning the needy. I’ve learned that true happiness comes not from the accumulation of wealth, but from the joy of giving. Open your hearts and your wallets to those less fortunate. The warmth of a single act of kindness not only lights up the darkest of nights but also kindles the fire of humanity within us.
Value Relationships Over Riches
I once believed that success was measured in gold and assets. I was wrong. The most precious treasures are the relationships we nurture—with family, friends, and even strangers. Attend to these bonds with care and affection, for they are the sources of true joy and satisfaction in life.
Live in the Present, Learn from the Past
Reflect on your past not with regret but as a lesson. Your history is a guidebook, not a prison. Use it to make the present meaningful and rich with purpose. Cherish each moment, for it is in the “now” that we have the power to effect change and spread happiness.
Cultivate Gratitude
In my old age, I’ve discovered the immense power of gratitude. It transforms what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. Practice gratitude daily, and watch as your life transforms before your very eyes.
Embrace the Spirit of Christmas Year-Round
Do not confine the spirit of generosity, love, and kindness to a single season. Let every day be an opportunity to spread joy, to help those in need, and to celebrate the beauty of life. Christmas is not just a day but a state of mind.
In my journey from a cold-hearted miser to a man overflowing with love and generosity, I’ve learned that the path to true happiness is paved with compassion, relationships, gratitude, and the spirit of giving. Let us all strive to lead lives that, when our time comes, will leave behind memories of love, warmth, and generosity.
6. How does Dickens present the importance of family in ‘The Christmas Carol’? Write your thoughts in about 100 words.
Answer: In “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens underscores the importance of family through the contrast between Scrooge’s initial isolation and his eventual reconciliation and warmth towards his family, particularly his nephew Fred. The Cratchit family, despite their poverty, exemplifies the joy and strength derived from familial bonds, highlighted through their loving and supportive interactions. Dickens portrays family not just as a source of personal happiness but as a fundamental social unit that nurtures compassion, resilience, and moral values. The transformation of Scrooge’s attitude towards family, culminating in his joyful participation in his nephew’s Christmas celebration, reinforces the narrative that true contentment and redemption are found in embracing and valuing family relationships.
7. Explain the significance of the three ghosts in the story. What kind of change came over in Scrooge’s nature after the visitations from the three ghosts?
Answer: The three ghosts in “A Christmas Carol” represent the past, present, and future, each playing a crucial role in Scrooge’s transformation. The Ghost of Christmas Past illuminates Scrooge’s early life, revealing how his experiences shaped his current miserliness and isolation. This reflection on lost happiness and love evokes regret and a longing for connection. The Ghost of Christmas Present exposes Scrooge to the joy, suffering, and resilience of those around him, emphasising the impact of his actions on others and the value of compassion and community. Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come confronts Scrooge with the bleak outcome of his unaltered path, including his lonely death and the consequences of his neglect. This harrowing vision propels Scrooge towards redemption. After these visitations, a profound change overcomes Scrooge; he becomes generous, joyful, and caring, actively seeking to improve the lives of those around him. He embraces the spirit of Christmas, showing kindness to his employee Bob Cratchit, reconciling with his nephew, and aiding the needy, embodying the virtues of empathy, generosity, and love that he had previously scorned.
Extra MCQs
1. What is Scrooge’s initial reaction to Christmas in “A Christmas Carol”?
A. He is indifferent B. He is excited C. He finds it delightful D. He considers it a humbug
Answer: D. He considers it a humbug
2. Who visits Scrooge to invite him for Christmas dinner?
A. Bob Cratchit B. Scrooge’s nephew C. A portly gentleman D. The Ghost of Christmas Past
Answer: B. Scrooge’s nephew
3. What does Scrooge say to justify his refusal to donate to the poor at Christmas?
A. He is saving money B. He believes in self-reliance C. He questions the existence of prisons D. He prefers to remain anonymous
Answer: C. He questions the existence of prisons
4. Who is Bob Cratchit?
A. A charity worker B. Scrooge’s nephew C. Scrooge’s clerk D. A businessman
Answer: C. Scrooge’s clerk
5. How does Scrooge react to his clerk’s request for Christmas Day off?
A. He agrees immediately B. He offers to pay double wages C. He complains it’s not fair D. He closes his office for a week
Answer: C. He complains it’s not fair
6. Who is the first ghost to visit Scrooge?
A. The Ghost of Christmas Present B. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come C. The Ghost of Christmas Past D. Jacob Marley
Answer: C. The Ghost of Christmas Past
7. What does the Ghost of Christmas Past show Scrooge?
A. His lonely childhood B. His future gravesite C. The Cratchit family’s dinner D. Scrooge’s business success
Answer: A. His lonely childhood
8. How does Scrooge feel about seeing his younger self?
A. Proud B. Indifferent C. Regretful D. Amused
Answer: C. Regretful
9. What lesson does Scrooge learn from the Ghost of Christmas Present?
A. The value of wealth B. The importance of family C. The consequences of his actions D. The joys of solitude
Answer: B. The importance of family
10. Who is Tiny Tim?
A. Scrooge’s nephew B. A poor boy in the street C. Bob Cratchit’s son D. A character in a book Scrooge reads
Answer: C. Bob Cratchit’s son
11. What is Scrooge’s reaction to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?
A. He is amused B. He is terrified C. He is skeptical D. He is indifferent
Answer: B. He is terrified
12. What change does Scrooge make after the ghostly visits?
A. He moves away B. He becomes more miserly C. He embraces the spirit of Christmas D. He fires Bob Cratchit
Answer: C. He embraces the spirit of Christmas
13. How does Scrooge treat Bob Cratchit after his transformation?
A. He gives him a raise B. He reduces his salary C. He promotes him to partner D. He dismisses him
Answer: A. He gives him a raise
14. What does Scrooge do on the streets the day after Christmas?
A. He begs for forgiveness B. He spreads cheer and happiness C. He returns to his old ways D. He ignores everyone
Answer: B. He spreads cheer and happiness
15. Who does Scrooge visit to share Christmas dinner?
A. The Cratchit family B. His nephew C. The portly gentlemen D. He dines alone
Answer: B. His nephew
16. What is the main message of “A Christmas Carol”?
A. Wealth is the key to happiness B. Revenge is sweet C. Transformation and redemption are possible D. Loneliness is unavoidable
Answer: C. Transformation and redemption are possible
17. What does Scrooge do to help the poor after his transformation?
A. He volunteers at a soup kitchen B. He donates a large sum of money C. He starts a charity D. He ignores them
Answer: B. He donates a large sum of money
18. How does the community perceive Scrooge before his transformation?
A. As generous B. As friendly C. As miserly D. As influential
Answer: C. As miserly
19. What symbolizes Scrooge’s change of heart?
A. Giving his clerk a raise B. Attending church C. Donating to charity D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
20. Who helps Scrooge realize the true meaning of Christmas?
A. Bob Cratchit B. The three ghosts C. His nephew D. Tiny Tim
Answer: B. The three ghosts
Extra questions and answers
1. Who is the author of Christmas Carol?
Answer: The author of Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens.
2. What does Scrooge say when his nephew wishes him a Merry Christmas?
Answer: Scrooge says, “Bah!” and “Humbug!”
3. What is Scrooge’s opinion about Christmas?
Answer: Scrooge thinks Christmas is a humbug.
4. Who visited Scrooge first?
Answer: The Ghost of Christmas Past visited Scrooge first.
5. What does the Ghost of Christmas Present ask Scrooge to do?
Answer: The Ghost of Christmas Present asks Scrooge to “Touch my robe!”
6. What does Scrooge’s nephew think about Scrooge’s attitude towards Christmas?
Answer: Scrooge’s nephew is sorry for him, cannot be angry with him, and thinks Scrooge suffers by his ill whims, losing pleasant moments which could do him no harm. He means to give Scrooge the same chance every year, for he pities him.
7. What does the portly gentleman ask Scrooge for the poor and destitute?
Answer: The portly gentleman asks Scrooge to make some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly, by raising a fund to buy them some meat, drink, and means of warmth.
8. How does Scrooge react to his clerk’s request for Christmas Day off?
Answer: Scrooge complains it’s not convenient or fair but eventually concedes, telling the clerk to be all the earlier next morning.
9. What realization does Scrooge have after his experience with the first ghost?
Answer: Scrooge wishes he had given something to a boy singing a Christmas carol at his door, indicating a beginning of change in his attitude.
10. Describe Scrooge’s transformation by the end of the story.
Answer: By the end of the story, Scrooge’s transformation is profound. He goes from a miser who despises Christmas and regards it as a humbug, to a generous and caring individual. He greets the portly gentleman warmly, offering a generous donation for the poor and expresses a desire for his pardon. Scrooge also attends church, enjoys the city’s festive atmosphere, shows kindness to children and beggars, and seeks out his nephew to join in the Christmas dinner, showing a complete reversal from his previous self. He even surprises his clerk, Bob Cratchit, by raising his salary and promising to assist his family, embodying the spirit of Christmas generosity and kindness.
11. Who is Tiny Tim?
Answer: Tiny Tim is Bob Cratchit’s son.
12. What does Tiny Tim hope people remember on Christmas Day?
Answer: Tiny Tim hopes people remember upon Christmas Day who made lame beggars walk and blind men see.
13. What effect does the Ghost of Christmas Past have on Scrooge?
Answer: The Ghost of Christmas Past makes Scrooge nostalgic and regretful, showing him scenes from his childhood and younger years, leading him to wish he could have behaved differently, especially in his interaction with a boy singing a Christmas carol.
14. How does Scrooge respond to seeing himself in the past with Belle?
Answer: Scrooge is pained and begs the Spirit to show him no more, indicating how deeply he is affected by the reminder of his lost love and the choices he made that led to his loneliness.
15. Explain the significance of Scrooge’s encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
Answer: The encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is significant because it confronts Scrooge with the dire consequences of his actions and attitudes, including indifference, loneliness, and eventual death with no one to mourn him. It shows scenes of others discussing his death indifferently and the impact of his miserly ways on others, like Tiny Tim’s death. This ghostly visitation serves as a catalyst for Scrooge’s final transformation, as he begs for a chance to change his ways and promises to honor Christmas in his heart, highlighting the theme of redemption.
16. What change does Scrooge make regarding Bob Cratchit’s salary?
Answer: Scrooge decides to raise Bob Cratchit’s salary.
17. How does Scrooge’s attitude towards others change after his experiences with the ghosts?
Answer: Scrooge’s attitude changes drastically; he becomes kind, generous, and sincerely interested in the welfare of others, as seen in his interactions with the portly gentleman, his nephew, and Bob Cratchit.
18. What lesson does Scrooge learn from the Ghost of Christmas Present?
Answer: Scrooge learns to appreciate the present moment, to recognize the joy and suffering of others, and to embrace the spirit of Christmas, which involves generosity, kindness, and familial warmth.
19. Who is Belle?
Answer: Belle is a woman from Scrooge’s past, who broke off their engagement due to his growing obsession with money.
20. What does Scrooge do on Christmas Day to show his changed nature?
Answer: Scrooge goes out on the street, greets a charitable gentleman warmly, attends church, walks about the streets enjoying the festive atmosphere, interacts kindly with people, and joins his nephew for Christmas dinner.
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