'A Christmas Carol': symbolism in the novella
I can understand how Dickens uses symbolism to reflect Scrooge’s journey of redemption.
'A Christmas Carol': symbolism in the novella
I can understand how Dickens uses symbolism to reflect Scrooge’s journey of redemption.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Dickens uses the weather throughout the text to symbolise Scrooge’s redemption.
- The fog in Stave 1 symbolises Scrooge’s wilful ignorance to the suffering of others.
- Dickens uses bells in the novella to symbolise judgement and as a call to moral awakening.
- Dickens uses music throughout the novella to symbolise unity and equality .
- The novella’s title is symbolic of Dickens’ hope for his message to be passed down from generation to generation.
Keywords
Symbolism - Symbolism is where the writer uses an object or image to represent an idea.
To redeem - If someone redeems themself, they regain your respect and support.
Transformed - If someone is transformed, they have drastically changed (usually for the better).
Moral awakening - A moral awakening is the discovery of a new sense of moral responsibility.
Unity - Unity is the state of being together.
Common misconception
Students think the novella's title was chosen simply to reflect the festive period it covers.
The title is more symbolic of Dickens' intentions - he intended for the message from this text to be spread far and wide, much like a carol.
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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Marley's ghost
The Ghost of Christmas Past
The Ghost of Christmas Present
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come