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Year 10 - English

'A Christmas Carol' Stave 1: The Characterisation of Scrooge

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 analyse how Dickens introduces Scrooge as a callous and covetous character.

Key Notes

  • Dickens uses an extended metaphor to associate Scrooge with the cold
  • Scrooge is a solitary character who feels no sense of community or responsibility for others
  • Scrooge's appearance is economic to reflect his miserly nature- nothing about his features is generous
  • Scrooge is a callous character who treats those close to him (his nephew and his clerk) with disdain
  • Scrooge is uncharitable and harbours great contempt for the poor

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Covetous: A covetous person has a strong desire for wealth or possessions, often those that belong to other people.
  • Asyndetic list: An asyndetic list is one which does not contain conjunctions like 'and' or 'or'.
  • Conservation: Conservation means the preservation of a useful resource.
  • Contempt: Somebody demonstrating contempt for something would be showing a strong dislike or hatred for it.
  • Callous: Somebody callous is cruel, harsh and insensitive.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students think that Scrooge hates Christmas because it marks the anniversary of Marley's death.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Dickens uses an extended metaphor to associate Scrooge with the cold. Scrooge is a solitary character who feels no sense of community or responsibility for others.

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

A covetous person has a strong desire for wealth or possessions, often those that belong to other people.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students think that Scrooge hates Christmas because it marks the anniversary of Marley's death. Correction: Scrooge hates Christmas because he views it as a crime against oneself. He resents that people spend money they don't have at Christmas.

More Lessons In This Unit

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