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Year 10 - English

'A Christmas Carol' Stave 4: the last of the three spirits

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 the role of the last spirit and its impact on Scrooge's change.

Key Notes

  • In Stave 4, Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who shows Scrooge the shadows of things that "may be"
  • Dickens refers to this ghost as a "phantom" rather than a spirit, characterising it as distinct from the others
  • Dickens' description of the phantom's "draped and hooded" appearance is reminiscent of the Grim Reaper
  • The phantom forces Scrooge to interpret the visions for himself and understand independently how he can change his fate
  • Dickens places the responsibility to change on the individual, highlighting the impact of one person's actions on others

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Repentance: Someone showing repentance would be demonstrating their regret or their remorse for something they have done.
  • Abhorrent: Something abhorrent would make you feel horrified, disgusted or appalled.
  • To evaluate: If you evaluate a problem, you consider all the possible ideas or answers before deciding its significance or quality.
  • Introspection: Engaging in introspection means examining your own thoughts and behaviours.
  • Spiritual judgement: Spiritual judgement is the idea that, when a person dies, they will be judged on their actions in life and either punished or rewarded.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students believe that the ghost shows Scrooge his future and that this will be Scrooge's fate.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

In Stave 4, Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who shows Scrooge the shadows of things that "may be". Dickens refers to this ghost as a "phantom" rather than a spirit, characterising it as distinct from the others.

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

Someone showing repentance would be demonstrating their regret or their remorse for something they have done.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students believe that the ghost shows Scrooge his future and that this will be Scrooge's fate. Correction: The ghost shows Scrooge the "shadows of things that may be". The word "may" is vital, as he suggests that it is never too late to change.

More Lessons In This Unit

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