Dickens believed that children who faced injustice would grow up to become resentful adults
Sympathy is created for the isolated young Scrooge, so that we are able to understand his miserly behaviour in stave one
Fezziwig is opposite to Scrooge in every way, except that they are both wealthy employers
Whilst Scrooge is a misanthropic employer, Fezziwig is a benevolent employer who spends his money philanthropically
Through Fezziwig, Dickens illustrates the transformative power of money, if used philanthropically and generously

Keywords

Injustice - Any act that involves unfairness to another or a violation of somebody’s rights can be described as an injustice.
Resentful - Somebody resentful has a feeling of anger or bitterness because they feel they have been treated unfairly.
Reminiscent - If a smell is reminiscent of your family home, it reminds you of it.
Benevolent - Somebody benevolent is inherently kind and well-intentioned.
Transformative - If something has the power to be transformative, it has the power to change things significantly for the better.

Common misconception

Students believe that Dickens harshly condemns the wealthy.

Dickens only condemns people with money, who choose not to share it with those in need. This is exemplified in the character of Fezziwig.

There are plenty of opportunities for discussion around values and beliefs in this lesson. If possible, sit students in groups to optimise discussion opportunities and facilitate fruitful debate.

Teacher tip

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).

Lesson video

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Worksheet

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

In 'A Christmas Carol', what is the purpose of the Ghost of Christmas Past's visit in Stave 2?

To warn Scrooge about the dangers of celebrating Christmas.

Correct answer: To show Scrooge scenes from his past and help him reflect on his life.

To teach Scrooge how to become a better businessman.

To take Scrooge on a tour of the world's greatest Christmas celebrations.

To share ghostly tales from the distant past.

Q2.

Which of the following scenes does the Ghost of Christmas Past not show Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol'?

His breakup with Belle, his former fiancee.

A Christmas party with the Fezziwigs.

Correct answer: The death of his beloved sister Fan.

Correct answer: The birth of his nephew Fred.

Young Scrooge reading by a feeble fire.

Q3.

In 'A Christmas Carol', why does the Ghost of Christmas Past show Scrooge scenes from his earlier life in Stave 2?

To torment him with memories of his failures.

Correct answer: To remind him of the joy and generosity he once had.

Correct answer: To show him he has the capacity for empathy.

To convince him to stop celebrating Christmas.

To teach him a lesson about the importance of wealth.

Q4.

In 'A Christmas Carol', what event leads to the end of Scrooge's relationship with Belle in Stave 2?

A misunderstanding caused by a stolen ring.

Scrooge's marriage proposal.

Correct answer: Scrooge's growing obsession with money and wealth.

Belle's decision to move to a different city.

A disagreement about how to spend Christmas.

Q5.

In Stave 2 of 'A Christmas Carol', what impact does the memory of Belle have on Scrooge?

It fills him with anger and resentment.

It has no effect on him, and he remains unchanged.

Correct answer: It makes him very upset and he begs not to see any more.

It makes him want to seek revenge on those who hurt him in the past.

It makes him determined to win her back.

Q6.

In reference to 'A Christmas Carol', which of these statements best illustrate Scrooge's attitudes towards his duties as an employer?

Scrooge believes his duty is to support Bob's family by paying him generously.

Scrooge believes his duty is to make Bob's life a misery at work.

Scrooge believes his duty is to support Bob and pay him fairly.

Correct answer: Scrooge believes his duty is simply to pay Bob for the work he puts in.

Correct answer: Scrooge believes that he doesn't need to be nice to Bob because he pays him.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

In 'A Christmas Carol', which of these are true statements about Scrooge's childhood?

Correct answer: Scrooge's father was harsh to him.

Scrooge was a content child.

Correct answer: Scrooge's friends neglected him.

Scrooge had a thriving social life.

He was often brought home from boarding school during the holidays.

Q2.

Complete the quotation from Stave 2 of 'A Christmas Carol': “Yo ho, my ” said Fezziwig. “No more work tonight."

Correct Answer: boys, boys!, Boys, Boys!

Q3.

How does Mr. Fezziwig's character compare to Scrooge's in Stave 2 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

Fezziwig is even more miserly than Scrooge.

Fezziwig is equally indifferent to the holiday spirit.

Correct answer: Fezziwig is a kind and generous employer who values his employees.

Fezziwig is more infamous for his cruelty to those in need.

Correct answer: Fezziwig is known for his Christmas cheer and bright spirit.

Q4.

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: Scrooge is __________ of Bob's request for Christmas Day off because he feels he is being cheated out of a day's work.

reminiscent

benevolent

Correct answer: resentful

reckless

restrained

Q5.

What does Dickens show us through the character of Fezziwig in 'A Christmas Carol'?

The importance of having money.

Correct answer: The transformative power of money.

How to run a profitable business.

How to throw a great Christmas party.

How first impressions are always right.

Q6.

In Stave 2 of 'A Christmas Carol' we meet the character Fezziwig. Match Fezziwig's attitudes up to the actions which illustrate them.

Correct Answer:He believes in equality.,He invites every member of the community to his party.

He invites every member of the community to his party.

Correct Answer:He is generous with holidays.,He tells the boys to stop working on Christmas Eve.

He tells the boys to stop working on Christmas Eve.

Correct Answer:He treats his workers kindly.,He calls his employees 'boys'.

He calls his employees 'boys'.

Correct Answer:He invests in his community.,He throws a Christmas party for his village.

He throws a Christmas party for his village.

Correct Answer:He is joyful and enthusiastic.,He laughs "all over himself" and dances with his wife.

He laughs "all over himself" and dances with his wife.

Correct Answer:He values people around him.,He shakes hands with all of his party guests.

He shakes hands with all of his party guests.