Expressing sincere remorse or regret for one's actions.

Penance is a set of actions or a deed done in repentance for sins committed.

A biblical allusion is when the writer draws parallels to, or references stories from the Bible.

The restoration of a good relationship between two opposing people or forces.

A story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, told by Jesus Christ in the Gospels.

'A Christmas Carol': Marley's Ghost's regret

English

In 'A Christmas Carol: a ghost story', pupils apply their understanding of the gothic genre to the text, exploring the reasons why Dickens chose to write this as a ghost story. In 'A Christmas Carol: A Christian Parable',  pupils look at the Christian roots of this tale to gain a more nuanced understanding of Dickens' social and moral purpose in writing the novella.

In this unit, pupils consider whether Dickens presents 'A Christmas Carol' as a Christian parable. They look at Dickens as a Christian writer, Marley's ghost, Tiny Tim and Dickens' use of allusion. They think about charity in the novella and write an essay about whether the novella is hopeful.

Nineteenth century text: second deep dive

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

because he misses his old friend and business partner

to offer Scrooge the opportunity to redeem himself

to give him more money that he didn't leave in his will

to warn him of his impending visit from the 3 ghosts

Why does Marley's Ghost visit Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol'?

enacting revenge on those who have wronged you

What is repentance according to the Bible? 

Which biblical allusions does Dickens not make through the character of Marley's Ghost in 'A Christmas Carol'?

In 'A Christmas Carol', Dickens alludes to the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. Who could be the rich man in the novella? 

expressing sincere regret or remorse for one’s actions

a set of actions or a deed done to repent for one's sins

when the writer references stories from the Bible

the restoration of a good relationship between two opposing 

a story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson

Match the key vocabulary up from 'A Christmas Carol' to its definition.

Complete the following quotation from 'A Christmas Carol': "Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed {{ }} ..."

Who is Jacob Marley in 'A Christmas Carol?'

What do we learn about Jacob Marley in the very beginning of 'A Christmas Carol'?

long chain made of cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers and deeds

clear, bright jet of light emanating from its head

wearing a waistcoat, and tights and boots

 folded kerchief bound about its head and chin

In 'A Christmas Carol', which of the following is not a feature of the ghost of Jacob Marley's appearance? 

What do the chains Marley's Ghost carries symbolise in 'A Christmas Carol'?

he is kinder and more benevolent to Scrooge

he is a traditional ghost - the spirit of a deceased person

What makes Marley's Ghost different from the other spirits in 'A Christmas Carol'?

“In life I was your partner, Jacob Marley.”

"my spirit never roved beyond the narrow limits of our money-changing hole"

“That is no light part of my penance”

“You will be haunted...by Three Spirits.”

Starting with the first, put the following quotations from Marley's Ghost in chronological order of when they appear in 'A Christmas Carol'.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet