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So What Does all this Mean?
We are free to bring to any reading whatever
experiences, observations, ideas we have.
I used Muppets, an Irving Stone movie clip,
a dialogue from Charlie Chaplin, a speech from
Jimmy V, and a closure of a concert from a
reggae artist to this readingof Dickens'
"A Christmas Carol."
Why is this important? Literature does not belong
to the elites; it belongs to all of you. If you don't
recall anything else, please recall this fact: you
are readers and thinkers, just like the mini-lecture
just said. You don't HAVE to be what education
"made" you.
Literature is here to liberate you.
or "Why are we here today and who the hell cares about Charles Dickens?"
Here are some little known things about Charles Dickens (1812-1870):
Goals I have for this presentation:
OK: Now that we know Dickens a little more, let's
get to know one (if not THE one) work know by everyone: "A Christmas Carol."
Let me ask first: What are five things that come to mind when you hear this short story title, "A Christmas Carol"?
Now that we know the basic plot, it is time to take a "test" about what you know!
Before we start, I need to put you in groups . . . .
Here is the first question:
What does Scrooge say the poor should do?
a. Get jobs and be productive
b. Die and stop draining the system
c. Nothing. They should accept their place in society
d. Beg on the streets
And your answer is. . . . ?
OK: How does "A Christmas Carol," Scrooge's commitment to the poor being allowed to die on the streets, and Gordon Gekko ("Wall Street," 1987) have in common?
Question 2:
Why does Scrooge's former girlfriend end their relationship? [Great Dictator speech]
a. She dies
b. She falls in love with his best friend
c. She tires of his devotion to school
d. She gets sick of his greediness
What do you think. . . . .?
Now: How does Jimmy V and his comments relate to Dicken's classic tale of a greedy man who has finally seen the light?
This is Charlie Chaplin in 1940's "The Great Dictator." How can this movie relate to a 19th century short story about a greedy man who seemingly cannot abide any personal relationships?
Are you ready for the next question:
What gift does the reformed Scrooge send to
his employee and his family?
a. A space heater
b. Fifty shillings
c. A turkey
d. A Christmas tree
I know you are thinking I
have been smoking too much ganja, but think for a minute: what does this reggae guy have to do with Dickens, his story, and the question about a gift from Scrooge?
Here is the last question:
What is Jacob Marley's punishment for a life of sin?
a. Dragging around heavy chains for eternity
b. Stabbed with hot pokers endlessly and forever
c. Immersion in the fires of Hell
d. Forced to push a stone uphill, only to have it roll back down again
And the survey says. . . .