'A Christmas Carol': the entrances and exits of the four ghosts
I can understand the significance of the four ghosts’ entrances and exits.
'A Christmas Carol': the entrances and exits of the four ghosts
I can understand the significance of the four ghosts’ entrances and exits.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Each of the ghosts’ entrances is symbolic of the stage Scrooge is at in his transformation.
- The earlier ghosts (Marley’s Ghost and The Ghost of Christmas Past) have to enter Scrooge’s world forcefully.
- The earlier ghosts' forced entrances are necessary because Scrooge wouldn’t help himself - he needs this intervention.
- The later ghosts are sought out by Scrooge, which shows his newfound willingness to learn and be introspective.
- The ghosts’ exits are also very significant - they reflect the purposes and the characters of the ghosts.
Keywords
Rational - If someone is rational, they are sensible and explain things using logic or reason.
Superstitious - Someone superstitious would believe wholeheartedly in the existence of the supernatural.
Purgatory - A mid-ground between heaven and hell, where sinners are sent to repent for their sins.
Intervention - An intervention is action taken to help somebody.
To resolve - If you resolve to do something, you decide to do it.
Common misconception
Pupils think there are only four ghosts in the novella.
Pupils forget about the numerous ghosts that Scrooge sees when he looks out of the window at the end of Stave 1.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- 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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
being sensible and explaining things using logic or reason
someone who believes in the existence of the supernatural
a mid-ground between heaven and hell, where sinners are sent
action taken to help somebody
a synonym for 'decide'