'A Christmas Carol' Stave 4: the last of the three spirits
I can understand the role of the last spirit and its impact on Scrooge’s change.
'A Christmas Carol' Stave 4: the last of the three spirits
I can understand the role of the last spirit and its impact on Scrooge’s change.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In Stave 4, Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who shows Scrooge the shadows of things that "may be"
- Dickens refers to this ghost as a "phantom" rather than a spirit, characterising it as distinct from the others
- Dickens' description of the phantom's "draped and hooded" appearance is reminiscent of the Grim Reaper
- The phantom forces Scrooge to interpret the visions for himself and understand independently how he can change his fate
- Dickens places the responsibility to change on the individual, highlighting the impact of one person’s actions on others
Common misconception
Students believe that the ghost shows Scrooge his future and that this will be Scrooge's fate.
The ghost shows Scrooge the "shadows of things that may be". The word "may" is vital, as he suggests that it is never too late to change.
Keywords
Repentance - Someone showing repentance would be demonstrating their regret or their remorse for something they have done.
Abhorrent - Something abhorrent would make you feel horrified, disgusted or appalled.
To evaluate - If you evaluate a problem, you consider all the possible ideas or answers before deciding its significance or quality.
Introspection - Engaging in introspection means examining your own thoughts and behaviours.
Spiritual judgement - Spiritual judgement is the idea that, when a person dies, they will be judged on their actions in life and either punished or rewarded.
Equipment
You will need a copy of 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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