An allusion is a passing or indirect reference to something else.

A large horn-shaped container overflowing with produce, typically symbolic of abundance or plenty.

To represent or show something in a certain way.

To draw parallels means to make links between two things based on their similarities.

'A Christmas Carol': the ghosts and Dickens' use of allusion

English

In 'A Christmas Carol: a ghost story', pupils explore the novella in the context of the gothic tradition and in particular examine the characterisation of the ghosts and the gothic settings. In 'A Christmas Carol: A Christian Parable', pupils focus on the Christian foundations of the story and on the use of Christian imagery throughout to gain a more nuanced understanding of the writer's message.

In 'A Christmas Carol: a Gothic Tale', pupils explore the conventions of the Victorian gothic and the ways in which Dickens appropriates this for his tale. In 'A Monster Within', pupils learn about the gothic genre by comparing a series of gothic villains.

In this unit, pupils consider how and why Dickens presents 'A Christmas Carol' as a ghost story. They look at the novella as a gothic text and then the ghosts in detail. They then write a critical response about how Dickens uses the ghosts to deliver his message about social responsibility.

Nineteenth century text: first deep dive

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

a child who delivers gifts to children on Christmas Eve

an old woman who grants children wishes on Christmas Eve

a baby who was born on the same day as Jesus Christ

Which of Dickens' ghosts in 'A Christmas Carol' might be an allusion to the German Christkindl?

What features in common do the Ghost of Christmas Past and the German Christkindl share in 'A Christmas Carol'?

Complete the sentence: In 'A Christmas Carol', The Ghost of Christmas Present's cornucopia-shaped torch is an allusion to {{ }} horn.

giving something non-human, human characteristics

a comparison of two things that are not the same

a vision of something that isn't really there

a passing or indirect reference to something

resilience and perseverance, even in bleak times

Scrooge's frosty and prickly nature in Stave 1

all the pain that Scrooge has caused others

What could the Ghost of Christmas Past carrying a sprig of holly symbolise in 'A Christmas Carol'?

Which of the ghosts in 'A Christmas Carol' resembles the Victorian depiction of Father Christmas? 

Which of the ghosts in 'A Christmas Carol' wears a white tunic and has a clear, bright jet of light emanating from its head?

Which of the four ghosts in 'A Christmas Carol' tells Scrooge that they "wear the chains [they] forged in life"?

Here is a sentence that uses the word 'depict'. Father Christmas is commonly depicted wearing a plush red tunic with fur trimming and a black belt. What might 'to depict' mean?

it reflects Scrooge's newfound joy and merriment.

It suggests that the ghost is inescapable - it is everywhere.

It shows that the ghost moves slowly to reflect the way time moves in the text.

It characterises the ghost as mysterious and frightening.

The ghost reflects Scrooge's mood: dark and cruel.

When Scrooge sees The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come approaching in Stave 4 of 'A Christmas Carol', it is described as moving 'like a mist along the ground'. What is the effect of Dickens' simile ?

"I cannot stay, I cannot linger anywhere."

"Would you so soon put out... the light I give?"

"You are more worthless and less fit to live than millions."

"The Spirit answered not, but pointed onward with its hand."

Match the quotation up to the ghost whose speech or action it is in 'A Christmas Carol'.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz