Based on the context in which it appears in this excerpt from Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," what is the meaning of the word "obscene"? A) wicked B) barely visible C) unsympathetic D) attention-seeking

Answer: A) wicked

In the context of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," the word "obscene" typically refers to something that is morally repulsive offensive or wicked. This interpretation fits within the moral and ethical themes consistently addressed in Dickens's works wherein the author often contrasts notions of goodness, charity and kindness with their opposites. So the most appropriate answer for the meaning of "obscene" in this excerpt would be "wicked."

Extra: The word "obscene" comes from the Latin "obscenus," which historically meant something that is disgusting, offensive or repulsive, often in a sexual sense. However, its use has extended over time to refer to anything morally offensive or particularly abhorrent. It's worth noting that in literature the context in which a word appears is crucial for determining its meaning. Dickens was known for his social commentary and use of language to highlight the contrasts between different social and moral standings, which is why the negative connotation of "obscene" aligns with the issues he often depicted such as poverty and social injustice. When determining the meaning of a word in a text always consider the broader context in which the author places the word, as well as the thematic content of the work.