To analyse a quotation means to examine it in detail to find meaning.

A method is anything the writer does - any choice that the writer makes.

A discourse marker is a word which helps us structure our writing or speech into sections.

If you become accustomed to something, you become used to it.

'A Christmas Carol': writing about the presentation of children

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

When we analyse a text, we are examining the writer's use of...

Which of the following are examples of 'larger methods'?

Which of the following words are examples of discourse markers? 

Scrooge is presented as an isolated character.

Dickens uses a simile to suggest that Scrooge hoards wealth.

"solitary" also shows his lack of respect for community.

Match these layers of analysis up to their meaning for the following quote from 'A Christmas Carol': "Solitary as an oyster".

Capitalisation of 'Man's' shows they belong to all of humanity.

Shows the patriarchal society because men had dominance.

Shows that they are a product of society.

Shows that both Ignorance and Want are male.

Symbolism used to show that they represent the sins of mankind.

Which of these meanings are appropriate pieces of analysis for the quotation: "They are Man's" about Ignorance and Want in 'A Christmas Carol'? 

Match the method up to the quotations from 'A Christmas Carol'.

Detailed analysis of the writer's methods.

A detailed summary of the writer's life experiences.

Detailed exploration of the writer's message.

A detailed explanation of what your opinion about the main character was.

In an analytical response, what are you expected to cover? 

He will remain in poor health and not survive.

He will become Scrooge's next business partner.

He will become a clerk just like his father Bob.

He will become a child like Ignorance and Want.

In Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol', what does the Ghost of Christmas Present reveal about Tiny Tim's future?

 It represents the warmth of family and love.

It symbolises the fleeting nature of time.

It represents Christmas spirit and goodwill.

 It is a representation of material wealth.

It indicates the arrival of the winter season.

In 'A Christmas Carol', what is the significance of the Ghost of Christmas Present's torch?

He experiences a deep sense of regret and sorrow.

He develops a greater understanding of empathy and compassion.

He becomes more obsessed with wealth and material possessions.

In Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol', what transformation occurs in Scrooge during his time with the Ghost of Christmas Present?

Past and Future, symbolising the passage of time.

Wealth and Poverty, reflecting social inequality.

 Scrooge's good and bad deeds, illustrating his inner conflict.

Charity and Generosity, emphasising the spirit of Christmas.

Ignorance and Want, representing mankind's sins.

In Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol', what is the symbolic meaning of the two children under the Ghost of Christmas Present's robe?

It is not a significant or important time.

Children should be used as a resource to support one's family.

Children don't need protecting - it is better that they understand injustice.

Children need protecting, so that they don't become resentful adults.

Children should live a carefree and dependent childhood.

What is Dickens' message about childhood in 'A Christmas Carol'? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz