Being a moral person means you understand the difference between right and wrong and do the right thing.

If someone is dependent upon someone else, it means that they rely upon them.

If something has the power to corrupt someone, it has the ability to make them behave in a dishonest and immoral way.

If someone is being neglected, their basic needs (like love, shelter and sustenance) are not being met.

Hypocrisy means claiming to have higher standard of behaviour or morals than you actually have.

'A Christmas Carol' Stave 3: Ignorance and Want

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

Depiction or discussion of famine, disease, natural disasters.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

In his description of Ignorance and Want in Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol', which words does Dickens use that are reminiscent of his description of Scrooge in Stave 1? 

In Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol', the Ghost of Christmas Present warns Scrooge: "Beware them both... but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is...'

Somebody who is concerned about the welfare of others and does the right thing.

Somebody who is easily excitable and not very sensible.

Someone who doesn't have their basic and requirements (like love/shelter) met.

Someone who claims to have higher standards than they actually have.

Someone who behaves in an immoral and dishonest way.

Which of the following is the correct definition for a hypocrite? 

Because they were born to a wealthy family.

Because they have not contributed to society.

Because they have been shaped by society's neglect.

Because they are a symbol for happiness and equality in society.

Because they represent every man and woman on Earth.

Why does Dickens refer to Ignorance and Want as "Mankind's children" in 'A Christmas Carol'? 

They are symbols of affluence and prosperity.

They represent the idea that society is not influenced by injustice and neglect.

 The characters represent society's unwavering compassion.

They illustrate the corruptive effects of injustice and neglect.

They represent the lack of Christmas spirit in Scrooge.

What is the primary message that Dickens conveys through the characters Ignorance and Want in 'A Christmas Carol'?

Makes them appear ill (sick with mankind’s disease).

Reminiscent of Scrooge’s lifestyle and miserliness.

Shows they are uncared for and neglected (by mankind).

Angry, hateful & resentful (this is how they will grow up).

Described as animalistic to show lack of humanity.

Match Dickens' word choice to describe Ignorance and Want in Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol' with the correct analysis.

Charles Dickens' father was sent to debtors' prison.

Dickens' mother walked away from his family when he was ten.

Dickens was an only child so spent a lot of his childhood alone.

Dickens had to get a job at 12 years old to support his family.

Dickens committed petty crimes when he was younger. 

Which two statements about Charles Dickens are true? 

What did the Ghost of Christmas Present have concealed within the folds of his robe in Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

He praised them for their good behaviour.

He insulted them for their lack of hygeine.

What was Scrooge's initial reaction when he saw the children shown to him by the Spirit in Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol'? 

What question did Scrooge ask the Ghost of Christmas Present in Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol' out of concern for the children's wellbeing?

With disgust - he found his attitude jarring.

With pity - he wanted to know if Tiny Tim would live.

With disdain - Scrooge despises other people because of his misanthropic views.

With fondness - he had met Tiny Tim before and recognised him.

With nostalgia - he remembered his own childhood in this moment.

How did Scrooge respond to Tiny Tim in Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol'? 

"If he be like to die, he had better do it."

"My dear... the children! Christmas Day.”

Match the quotation from Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol' up to the character who says it.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz