the act of donating money or resources to help others, especially the poor

an institution where the poor worked in exchange for basic shelter and food under harsh conditions

the ideas or feelings a word invokes in addition to its literal meaning

to represent or stand for something, especially a larger concept or idea

the act of being saved from sin, error, or evil; moral or spiritual recovery

'A Christmas Carol': Dickens’ critique of Victorian institutions

English

In this unit, pupils explore Dickens’ use of religious ideas in order to explore themes of charity and morality, considering how he encourages Christian readers to show compassion to the poor.

In this unit, pupils explore how Dickens presents 'A Christmas Carol' as a critique of dominant Victorian values. They first look at how he presents Victorian London, before looking at how he depicts poverty, suffering, wealth and status. They then look at what Dickens is critiquing in the novella.

Nineteenth century text: third deep dive

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of famine, disease, natural disasters.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Who was allowed to vote in early Victorian times?

What do Ignorance and Want symbolise in 'A Christmas Carol'?

What did the Poor Laws in the Victorian era aim to do?

offered limited help but couldn't address systemic problems

What impact did charities have in Victorian times?

he repeats Scrooge's earlier refusal to the charity collectors

he tells Scrooge he should be ashamed of himself

How does the Ghost of Christmas Present respond to Scrooge's request to help Ignorance and Want in 'A Christmas Carol'?

Starting with the first, put the ghosts' visits in 'A Christmas Carol' in chronological order.

How does Dickens depict Scrooge at the beginning of 'A Christmas Carol'?

What lesson does Scrooge learn from the Ghost of Christmas Past in 'A Christmas Carol'?

In 'A Christmas Carol', what does the Ghost of Christmas Present reveal to Scrooge about the conditions of the poor?

the importance of compassion and community

What is the central theme of 'A Christmas Carol'?

to evaluate and analyse its strengths and weaknesses

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet