'A Christmas Carol': Dickens’ depictions of Victorian values
I can analyse how Dickens’ depiction of Scrooge in Stave 1 and 5 critiques common Victorian values.
'A Christmas Carol': Dickens’ depictions of Victorian values
I can analyse how Dickens’ depiction of Scrooge in Stave 1 and 5 critiques common Victorian values.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Many Victorians embodied the personal values of individualism, self-reliance and a ‘Protestant' work ethic.
- Scrooge embodies these values in Stave 1; he is depicted as “tight-fisted”, refusing to help Bob or donate to charity.
- Dickens critiques these values when he describes Scrooge as a “sinner”, suggesting ruthless frugality is immoral.
- In Stave 5, Scrooge embodies the opposite values: compassion, generosity, humility and integrity.
- Dickens uses parallels between Stave 1 and 5 to emphasise the scale of Scrooge’s redemption.
Keywords
Frugal - careful and economical with resources, avoiding waste or unnecessary expenditure
Protestant - a branch of Christianity which focused on frugality, hard work, discipline, and personal responsibility
Personal values - fundamental beliefs guiding an individual's behaviour, decisions, and interactions with others
Utilitarian - belief that actions are right if they benefit the majority and maximise overall happiness
Critique - a detailed evaluation or analysis, often focusing on weaknesses
Common misconception
Wealthy Victorians did feel bad about those living in poverty but had no power to do anything about it.
Many wealthy Victorians felt little sympathy for the poor, believing instead that people in poverty were lazy or morally inferior.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'A Christmas Carol': Dickens’ depictions of Victorian values, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'A Christmas Carol': Dickens’ depictions of Victorian values, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Equipment
You will need access to specific extracts from Stave 5 of 'A Christmas Carol'. They can be found in the additional materials section of the lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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