During our first session, I defined the term "symbolism". Atticus grasped the concept very readily and discussed how Marley's chains, padlocks, and deeds represent how Marley only valued material wealth during his life. We then examined Atticus' journal entries and examined how they demonstrated Scrooge's miserly character. Further, we examined the role of fog and darkness to the story's setting. During the second session,Atticus completed reading chapter 1 and we located important textual phrases to incorporate into Atticus' journal entries. We discussed the thematic importance of Marley's comment that "mankind was my business" as evidence of Dickens' call for social reform. Last, we noted the role of the three ghosts as an avenue of redemption for Scrooge. Atticus placed these ideas into his journal entries.