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Year 10 - English

'A Christmas Carol' Stave 2: Scrooge's childhood and Fezziwig

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 understand why Dickens shows us different events from Scrooge's past.

Key Notes

  • 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

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students believe that Dickens harshly condemns the wealthy.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

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.

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

Any act that involves unfairness to another or a violation of somebody's rights can be described as an injustice.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students believe that Dickens harshly condemns the wealthy. Correction: Dickens only condemns people with money, who choose not to share it with those in need. This is exemplified in the character of Fezziwig.

More Lessons In This Unit

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