'A Christmas Carol': Scrooge as a very Victorian character
I can use context to explain the characterisation of Scrooge as a misanthropic character.
'A Christmas Carol': Scrooge as a very Victorian character
I can use context to explain the characterisation of Scrooge as a misanthropic character.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Thomas Malthus was an economist who raised concerns about the sustainability of the growing Victorian population.
- Dickens fundamentally disagreed with the dismissive and callous attitudes of the wealthy towards the poor.
- Scrooge is an embodiment (and criticism) of the Malthusian ideology that pervaded Victorian society.
- The Poor Law in 1834 reduced the amount of individual charity the wealthy were willing to contribute.
- Scrooge exemplifies the quintessential misanthropic Victorian employer in his treatment of Bob Cratchit.
Common misconception
Students think Scrooge is just a wicked character who hates other people, especially the poor.
Scrooge is a product of his environment and exemplifies the attitudes of many Victorian employers and wealthy citizens.
Keywords
Malthusian - The word ‘Malthusian’ refers to the ideas of an economist called Thomas Malthus who influences Victorian attitudes towards poverty.
Embody - To embody means to be the perfect example of - to exemplify something.
Ideology - An ideology is a system of beliefs or values.
Philanthropist - A philanthropist promotes the welfare of others, often by giving money to charity or campaigning for equality.
Misanthropist - A misanthropist is someone who views the human race distinctly negatively. They harbour a dislike or hatred for other people.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
"decrease the surplus population"
"it's not my business"
"I can't afford to make idle people merry"
"the Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour then?"