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I teach "A Christams Carol" every year to my British Literature classes as part of our study of the Victorian era. Luckily, this usally happens to fall in late November or early December, just in time for the holiday season.

"A Christmas Carol" is a wonderful story, well knowm by almost everyone through its portrayal in popular movies, modern versions, and even cartoons. The printed word, however, greatly surpasses anything Hollywood could conjure.

Dickens, the Victorian period's most famous author, used the story to not only entertain, but also to address social injustices and to raise consciousness to the plight of the poor in England. Dickens also used the 1843 novella as a way to re-establish Christams celebrations that were sadly waning in most British households at the time. This is reflected in the title itself - in the 19th century, a carol was defined as "a joyful hymn of Christmas." Dickens goes a step further with this theme: the book is divided into staves, as a musical piece would be, instead of chapters.

The first few sentences in the book grab the reader's attention. We learn that Marley is dead and are told that this realization is necessary to understand the ensuing miracle ahead. This use of foreshadowing gives the reader a sense of anticipation and curiosity. Also, Dickens quickly immerses the reader into the sights and sounds of old London, almost forcing us to feel the bone-chilling cold and to see the gloomy fog covering the city.

The novel's characters are unforgettable. We meet Scrooge, a bitter old miser who hates Christmas and has no sympathy for the less fortunate. In direct opposition are his nephew, Fred, who loves the holiday and is filled with goodwill for his fellow man, and Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's impoverished but happy clerk whose family thoroughly embraces Christmas in their meager yet joyous celebration.

Dickens takes us on a journey through Scrooge's life with the help of Marley, Scrooge's dead partner, along with the three spirits Marley sends in hope of saving Scrooge from an eternity of suffering because of his parsimonious ways and his lack of concern for mankind. As Scrooge's time travels unfold, he gradually undergoes a miraculous metamorphosis, making him the epitome of a dynamic character.

Throughout the story, Dickens gives readers insight into the lives of the poor. He mentions the treadmill, the workhouse, and the debtors' prisons, all of which Dickens had first-hand knowledge. Dickens' own family was sent to debtors'prison,

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