'A Christmas Carol' Stave 3: Scrooge and Fred as opposite characters
I can explain how Dickens presents Fred as the antithesis of Scrooge.
'A Christmas Carol' Stave 3: Scrooge and Fred as opposite characters
I can explain how Dickens presents Fred as the antithesis of Scrooge.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Dickens uses colour symbolism and extended metaphors to characterise Scrooge and Fred as opposite characters.
- Scrooge is likened to the cold, whereas Fred is described as ‘ruddy’, ‘handsome’ and warm.
- Fred exemplifies Christmas spirit, empathy and goodwill.
- Through showing us Scrooge through the eyes of Fred, we learn the importance of humour and empathy.
- Seeing Fred's Christmas party causes Scrooge to 'soften', showing his moral progress.
Keywords
Antithesis - The antithesis of something is the direct opposite of it.
Opposing - If two people hold opposing views on something, they have totally different opinions.
Colour symbolism - Colour symbolism is when a writer uses colours (and the particular associations they hold) to characterise a character or setting.
Frivolous - Being frivolous means being unserious or being silly about something.
To contrast - Two contrasting things would be strikingly different from one another.
Common misconception
Pupils think that Fred making fun of Scrooge is mean.
Fred is shown to have a great sense of humour and this is what he's expressing when talking about his uncle. It is this sense of humour that enables him to remain optimistic despite financial struggle.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'A Christmas Carol' Stave 3: Scrooge and Fred as opposite characters, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'A Christmas Carol' Stave 3: Scrooge and Fred as opposite characters, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the A Christmas Carol: Scrooge's redemption unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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
Lesson video
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