'A Christmas Carol': from dark to light

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. 

Nineteenth century text: second deep dive

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 words is the best synonym for 'dark'?

Complete the quotation from 'A Christmas Carol': “Scrooge took his {{}} dinner in his usual melancholy tavern."

What method is used by Dickens in this quotation from 'A Christmas Carol': “Scrooge took his melancholy dinner in his usual melancholy tavern”?

It reflects the sadness Scrooge felt following the death of Jacob Marley.

It reflects Scrooge's lack of faith and guidance.

It reflects Scrooge's unchristian nature.

It reflects his callous and cold-hearted treatment of others.

Which of the following is not a reasonable interpretation for Dickens' use of dark imagery in Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

Dickens suggests that Scrooge has lost his childlike innocence.

Dickens suggests that Scrooge isn't responsible for his isolation.

Dickens suggests that Scrooge has a playful nature.

Dickens suggests that Scrooge can't find his way out of darkness on his own.

Dickens suggests that Scrooge doesn't take himself seriously.

Why does Dickens draw parallels between Scrooge and the 'young house' in this quotation: "…it must have run there when it was a young house, playing at hide-and-seek ... and forgotten the way out"?

Scrooge's happiness and relief that his visits from the spirits are over

that the weather has improved because the spirits manipulated it

that Scrooge has been successfully enlightened

Scrooge's love and joy at the acquisition of wealth

What might the 'bright, clear.. golden sunshine" in Stave 5 of 'A Christmas Carol' represent? 

Which word best describes Scrooge in Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

Complete the quotation from 'A Christmas Carol': "{{ }} is cheap, and Scrooge liked it."

What is the weather like at the end of 'A Christmas Carol'?

a tale about two opponents who battle against one another

a simple story with a moral message, as told by Jesus in the Gospels

a story which has been passed down form generation to generation

a story that can only be told aloud because it is not written down anywhere

to reflect his kind and philanthropic nature

to reflect the rejection that Scrooge faced in his early life

to reflect Scrooge's cruelty and lack of emotional warmth

to reflect Scrooge's cold-hearted approach to business

to foreshadow Scrooge's spiritual death in Stave 4

Why does Dickens liken Scrooge to the cold in Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

What does laughter symbolise in 'A Christmas Carol'?

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Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz