Symbolism is where the writer uses an object or image to represent an idea.

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

If someone is transformed, they have drastically changed (usually for the better).

A moral awakening is the discovery of a new sense of moral responsibility.

'A Christmas Carol': symbolism in the novella

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

What method does Dickens use in this quotation from 'A Christmas Carol': "…whose gruff old bell was always peeping slily down at Scrooge"?

What does the fog in stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol' symbolise? 

To use an object or image to represent an idea.

To discover a new sense of moral responsibility.

Which of the following definitions means 'to redeem'?

What do bells represent in 'A Christmas Carol'?

Carols are widely-known, so Dickens hoped he would become famous.

Carols are sung far and wide, Dickens hoped his message would be passed around.

Carols bring cheer and joy to people, so Dickens hoped to make people happy.

Carols unite people, so Dickens aimed to unite society through the novella.

What is the significance of the novella's name: 'A Christmas Carol'?

Scrooge cannot stand children, so he therefore hates the caroller boy.

Music symbolises equality and unity. In rejecting the boy Scrooge rejects unity.

Music symbolises poverty. Scrooge scares the boy because he hates poor people.

Scrooge cannot stand singing because it reminds him of his childhood.

Scrooge though the boy was a poor singer and so rejects his carol.

Why did Scrooge intimidate the caroller boy in stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

Who visits Scrooge in stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'? 

Match the correct stave to the ghost who visits Scrooge in that stave of 'A Christmas Carol'.

What is the weather like in stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'? 

What announces the entrance of Marley's Ghost in stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

Lots of people were too tired to dance after a long day's work.

Two fiddlers played jolly music for the guests.

There was lots of dancing and festive cheer.

Which of the following statements is true of Fezziwig's party in stave 2 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

Using two or more words that all begin with the same letter.

Using elements from the beginning of a text again at the end.

Comparing two things that are the not the same using 'like' or 'as'.

Using an object or 'thing' to represent an abstract idea or concept.

Using words that sound like the sounds they make, e.g. boom.

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': symbolism in the novella

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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