The antithesis of something is the direct opposite of it.

If two people hold opposing views on something, they have totally different opinions.

Colour symbolism is when a writer uses colours (and the particular associations they hold) to characterise a character or setting.

Being frivolous means being unserious or being silly about something.

Two contrasting things would be strikingly different from one another.

'A Christmas Carol' Stave 3: Scrooge and Fred as opposite characters

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

Which of the following are qualities and characteristics that Fred demonstrates in Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'? 

Which methods does Dickens use in Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol' to characterise Fred and Scrooge as opposite characters? 

Which of the following words also indicate that two characters are opposite, or distinctly different? 

The importance of family: Fred's family don't have much money but they're happy.

The importance of wealth: we see Fred's luxurious Christmas dinner.

The importance of empathy: we see Scrooge as somebody to be pitied.

The value of Christmas: we see all the fun party games Fred plays. 

The value of charity: Fred gives a lot of money to charity.

What do we learn from the character of Fred in 'A Christmas Carol'?

Scrooge hears Fred laughing about him saying "Bah...Humbug!'

Scrooge’s niece remarks that she "has no patience" with him.

Fred says that whilst Scrooge is wealthy, he doesn’t use his wealth to do good.

Fred states that he will continue to invite Scrooge to Christmas dinner.

Fred and his guests sing songs and play instruments together.

Fred and his guests play party games and make fun of Scrooge.

Fred raises a glass and drinks to Scrooge's health.

Starting with the first, put the events at Fred's Christmas party from Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol' in chronological order.

What does the motif of laughter represent in 'A Christmas Carol'? 

Select the pairs that demonstrate two opposites.

Dickens likens Scrooge to a gargoyle, showing his ugly personality.

Dickens compares Scrooge to the colour red, to suggest he is dangerous.

Dickens compares Scrooge to a warm fire, to show his potential to change.

Dickens describes Scrooge as handsome, which contrasts with his cruel nature.

Dickens likens Scrooge to the cold, illustrating his cold-hearted nature.

Which of the following explanations best describes how Dickens portrays Scrooge's physical appearance in stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'? 

Which values does Charles Dickens suggest are especially important at Christmas in 'A Christmas Carol'?

When Fred invites Scrooge to his Christmas celebrations in stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol', Scrooge replies "Bah... "

Scrooge has nobody to spend Christmas with, so he hates it because he is alone.

Scrooge regards Christmas as a time for losing money and slacking off work.

Scrooge resents having to buy people he doesn't care for presents and gifts.

Scrooge resents the goodwill and joy that people demonstrate at Christmas.

Scrooge's business doesn't thrive at Christmas, so he hates the festive season.

Why does Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol' hate Christmas? Choose the most appropriate responses.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

'A Christmas Carol' Stave 3: Scrooge and Fred as opposite characters

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.