A literary hero is the main character who overcomes challenges.

If someone redeems themself, they regain your respect and support.

If someone is inspirational to you, you want to follow their example.

Someone superstitious would believe wholeheartedly in the existence of the supernatural.

If something is culturally-significant, it bears relevance to the whole population - it is of importance to society.

'A Christmas Carol': Scrooge's redemptive journey

English

In 'A Christmas Carol: Scrooge's redemption, pupils trace the way Scrooge changes across the text as a result of his interaction with the ghosts. In 'A Christmas Carol: a ghost story', pupils  examine the use of gothic tropes in more detail and in particular the use of the supernatural and the ghosts, which allow the past to interrupt the present and even future. 

In 'Victorian Childhood', pupils read a number of non fiction extracts about the suffering of poor children and campaign for better laws to protect them as part of a persuasive speaking role play. In 'A Christmas Carol', pupils learn about Dickens as a social campaigner and the way in which he wrote the novella to encourage people to help the poor. 

Nineteenth century text: first study

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

In Dickens' preface to 'A Christmas Carol', he states that he wants to 'raise the Ghost of an idea'. What is this idea?

He wanted them to read the text as quickly as possible.

He wanted them to have enjoyed the story and liked the characters.

He wanted them to be terrified of the spirits and death.

He wanted them to re-evaluate their own attitudes and behaviour.

How did Dickens want his readers to respond to 'A Christmas Carol'?  

some kind of guidance or intervention is given

Which of the following is **not** a step in the story of the redeemed hero? 

the main character who overcomes challenges

somebody or something whose example you want to follow

believing wholeheartedly in the supernatural

something that bears relevance to the whole population

Match the key words up to their definitions.

to give the text some humour, as it is quite dark

to show that if Scrooge can change, anybody can

to reflect that Scrooge's views on poverty are radical and extreme

to show that Victorian society was extremely misguided

In 'A Christmas Carol', why does Dickens make Scrooge's transformation so hyperbolic and extreme? 

his understanding of the value of human life

Think about 'A Christmas Carol', which of the following would be reasonable suggestions for the 'thing' Scrooge has lost that he looks for on his 'redeemed hero' journey? 

In Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol', Scrooge is described as "solitary as an {{}}".

he empathises with them and wants to help

he views the poor as an opportunity to make money

he views the poor as humble and inspirational

What is Scrooge's attitude towards the poor in Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

He shows Scrooge the fate he has in store - his fate is similar to Marley's.

He shows Scrooge as a baby in his mother's arms, crying out with hunger.

He shows Scrooge his past relationships with significant people.

He shows Scrooge the death of his beloved little sister Fan.

He shows Scrooge the pivotal moments in his past where he made wrong choices.

What does the Ghost of Christmas Past show Scrooge in Stave 2 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

That he made immoral choices in his past relationships.

The importance of living a selfless and moral life.

That he should fear death because it is lonely.

The true meaning of Christmas and how to show Christmas spirit.

The idea of divine punishment and reward.

What does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come teach Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol'?

 Events that are eerie or mysterious but can be explained through science.

Involving phenomena beyond the scope of scientific understanding or nature.

Advanced extra-terrestrial civilisations and their technologies.

A being that is wholly natural and organic. 

What is meant by the term 'supernatural'?

Through the text 'A Christmas Carol', Dickens promotes values like empathy and charity, and champions the concept of social...

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz