Scrooge’s transformative journey follows that of the ‘redemptive hero’ narrative that we see in many stories.
The redeemed hero narrative roughly follows the hero, who looks for something they have lost, with the help of a guide.
Scrooge is presented as a hero who overcomes challenges to become a better person.
Scrooge is presented as an inspirational figure, whose transformation is intended to be an example to many.
'A Christmas Carol' is a timeless classic because its moral message will always apply to an unfair and unequal society.

Keywords

Literary hero - A literary hero is the main character who overcomes challenges.
To redeem - If someone redeems themself, they regain your respect and support.
Inspirational - If someone is inspirational to you, you want to follow their example.
Superstitious - Someone superstitious would believe wholeheartedly in the existence of the supernatural.
Cultural significance - If something is culturally-significant, it bears relevance to the whole population - it is of importance to society.

Common misconception

Students might think that because this is an 'old book', it might not still bear a relevant message.

The novella is a timeless classic because its message is universal. As long as there is injustice in the world, the text remains relevant.

When talking students through the redeemed hero's story for the first time, choose an example from popular culture that the students can relate to, such as Finding Nemo or Tangled. This will aid their understanding before you apply it to the novella.

Teacher tip

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).

Lesson video

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Worksheet

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

In Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol', Scrooge is described as "solitary as an ".

Correct Answer: oyster, Oyster, oyster., Oyster.

Q2.

What is Scrooge's attitude towards the poor in Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

he empathises with them and wants to help

Correct answer: he views the poor as lazy and burdensome

he views the poor as an opportunity to make money

he views the poor as humble and inspirational

Q3.

What does the Ghost of Christmas Past show Scrooge in Stave 2 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

He shows Scrooge the fate he has in store - his fate is similar to Marley's.

He shows Scrooge as a baby in his mother's arms, crying out with hunger.

Correct answer: He shows Scrooge his past relationships with significant people.

He shows Scrooge the death of his beloved little sister Fan.

Correct answer: He shows Scrooge the pivotal moments in his past where he made wrong choices.

Q4.

What does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come teach Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol'?

That he made immoral choices in his past relationships.

Correct answer: The importance of living a selfless and moral life.

That he should fear death because it is lonely.

The true meaning of Christmas and how to show Christmas spirit.

The idea of divine punishment and reward.

Q5.

What is meant by the term 'supernatural'?

Events that are eerie or mysterious but can be explained through science.

Correct answer: Involving phenomena beyond the scope of scientific understanding or nature.

Advanced extra-terrestrial civilisations and their technologies.

A being that is wholly natural and organic.

Q6.

Through the text 'A Christmas Carol', Dickens promotes values like empathy and charity, and champions the concept of social...

Correct Answer: responsibility, Responsibility, responsibility., Responsibility.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

In Dickens' preface to 'A Christmas Carol', he states that he wants to 'raise the Ghost of an idea'. What is this idea?

poor people

wealthy people

Correct answer: social responsibility

unnecessary deaths

Q2.

How did Dickens want his readers to respond to 'A Christmas Carol'?

He wanted them to read the text as quickly as possible.

He wanted them to have enjoyed the story and liked the characters.

He wanted them to be terrified of the spirits and death.

Correct answer: He wanted them to re-evaluate their own attitudes and behaviour.

Q3.

Which of the following is not a step in the story of the redeemed hero?

that which was lost is found

Correct answer: a significant death occurs

some kind of guidance or intervention is given

something is lost

a huge celebration follows

Q4.

Match the key words up to their definitions.

Correct Answer:literary hero,the main character who overcomes challenges

the main character who overcomes challenges

Correct Answer:to redeem, regaining someone's respect and support

regaining someone's respect and support

Correct Answer:inspirational,somebody or something whose example you want to follow

somebody or something whose example you want to follow

Correct Answer:superstitious,believing wholeheartedly in the supernatural

believing wholeheartedly in the supernatural

Correct Answer:cultural significance,something that bears relevance to the whole population

something that bears relevance to the whole population

Q5.

In 'A Christmas Carol', why does Dickens make Scrooge's transformation so hyperbolic and extreme?

to give the text some humour, as it is quite dark

Correct answer: to show that if Scrooge can change, anybody can

to reflect that Scrooge's views on poverty are radical and extreme

to show that Victorian society was extremely misguided

Q6.

Think about 'A Christmas Carol', which of the following would be reasonable suggestions for the 'thing' Scrooge has lost that he looks for on his 'redeemed hero' journey?

Correct answer: his understanding of the value of human life

his wealth and material success

Correct answer: his capacity for empathy

his acquaintances and colleagues

his emotions