Intelligence Squared

The Magic of A Christmas Carol, with Simon Callow and John Mullan

Dec 26, 2022

Join Simon Callow, a celebrated actor known for his enchanting performances of A Christmas Carol, and John Mullan, an English literature professor revealing Dickens' narrative tricks. They dive into the magic of Dickens' timeless tale, discussing Scrooge's transformation and the social critiques woven into the story. Mullan and Callow reflect on the nostalgic themes of childhood and the importance of community. The conversation also explores the nuances of Dickens’ characters and the enduring legacy of generosity that A Christmas Carol inspires each holiday season.

01:07:21

Episode guests

John Mullan

Simon Callow

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Magic of 'A Christmas Carol'

14min

Echoes of Innocence

7min

Scrooge's Transformation and Social Awareness

12min

The Dichotomy of Humility and Depravity in Dickens

2min

Denial and Indifference: Unpacking Scrooge's Revelation

5min

Exploring Transformation and Adaptation in 'A Christmas Carol'

22min

The Enduring Magic of A Christmas Carol

2min

What is it about Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol that has enchanted the public since its publication in 1843? Few people are as well placed to answer that question than John Mullan and Simon Callow. Mullan is a professor of English literature, whose recent book, The Artful Dickens, reveals the tricks and ploys of this most eccentric of literary geniuses. Callow, renowned actor, director and author, has written two books on Dickens, portrayed him on film and television, and has been thrilling audiences since 2011 with his sold-out one-man performances of A Christmas Carol.

Mullan and Callow join us on the podcast to celebrate this most beloved of Dickens’ stories and discuss how a work which Dickens originally intended to be a political tract about the misery of the Victorian poor became one of the most enduring Christmas classics.

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