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Year 10 - English

'A Christmas Carol': Scrooge as a very Victorian character

A Christmas Carol: Scrooge's redemption

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore 'A Christmas Carol'. They start by reading the novella in full, pausing during each stave to analyse key scenes, characters, themes and methods. After reading the novella, pupils chart Scrooge's redemptive journey and craft an essay on the presentation of fear.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use context to explain the characterisation of Scrooge as a misanthropic character.

Key Notes

  • Thomas Malthus was an economist who raised concerns about the sustainability of the growing Victorian population.
  • Dickens fundamentally disagreed with the dismissive and callous attitudes of the wealthy towards the poor.
  • Scrooge is an embodiment (and criticism) of the Malthusian ideology that pervaded Victorian society.
  • The Poor Law in 1834 reduced the amount of individual charity the wealthy were willing to contribute.
  • Scrooge exemplifies the quintessential misanthropic Victorian employer in his treatment of Bob Cratchit.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Malthusian: The word 'Malthusian' refers to the ideas of an economist called Thomas Malthus who influences Victorian attitudes towards poverty.
  • Embody: To embody means to be the perfect example of - to exemplify something.
  • Ideology: An ideology is a system of beliefs or values.
  • Philanthropist: A philanthropist promotes the welfare of others, often by giving money to charity or campaigning for equality.
  • Misanthropist: A misanthropist is someone who views the human race distinctly negatively. They harbour a dislike or hatred for other people.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students think Scrooge is just a wicked character who hates other people, especially the poor.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Thomas Malthus was an economist who raised concerns about the sustainability of the growing Victorian population. Dickens fundamentally disagreed with the dismissive and callous attitudes of the wealthy towards the poor.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Malthusian'

The word 'Malthusian' refers to the ideas of an economist called Thomas Malthus who influences Victorian attitudes towards poverty.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students think Scrooge is just a wicked character who hates other people, especially the poor. Correction: Scrooge is a product of his environment and exemplifies the attitudes of many Victorian employers and wealthy citizens.

More Lessons In This Unit

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