A Sleight of Mind: The Idea of Magic and the Narrative Structure of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The nineteenth century was an age of reason and industrialization. Magic mythical creatures ceased to exist for the rational minds time. Yet, despite intellectual hostility magic mysticism, their sway over popular culture literary world remained undisturbed. even found other ways return. One these is stage magic. In 1840s, magician John Henry Anderson dazzled audiences in London with his performances so much that Sir Walter Scott called him Great Wizard North (referring Scottish origins). A Christmas Carol, Dickens adds vivacity narrative through use theatrics can be described as pertaining novella, a ludicrous form white transforms main character. characters are baffled by inexplicable change behaviors. transformation seems magical them. While hidden from eyes, Scrooge receives four strange night visitors who reform series visions. When he finally returns “real” world, different person. What takes place novella many respects compared tricks used (where item sight spectators only reappear form). therefore, goes beyond story. Indeed, “magical” sleight mind structures very Carol. This paper seeks trace influence idea on structure techniques Dickens’ novella. It argues that, respects, narrator performing readers alike.