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Year 11 - English

'A Christmas Carol': the entrances and exits of the four ghosts

A Christmas Carol: a ghost story

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils consider how and why Dickens presents 'A Christmas Carol' as a ghost story. They look at the novella as a gothic text and then the ghosts in detail. They then write a critical response about how Dickens uses the ghosts to deliver his message about social responsibility.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to understand the significance of the four ghosts' entrances and exits.

Key Notes

  • Each of the ghosts' entrances is symbolic of the stage Scrooge is at in his transformation.
  • The earlier ghosts (Marley's Ghost and The Ghost of Christmas Past) have to enter Scrooge's world forcefully.
  • The earlier ghosts' forced entrances are necessary because Scrooge wouldn't help himself - he needs this intervention.
  • The later ghosts are sought out by Scrooge, which shows his newfound willingness to learn and be introspective.
  • The ghosts' exits are also very significant - they reflect the purposes and the characters of the ghosts.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Rational: If someone is rational, they are sensible and explain things using logic or reason.
  • Superstitious: Someone superstitious would believe wholeheartedly in the existence of the supernatural.
  • Purgatory: A mid-ground between heaven and hell, where sinners are sent to repent for their sins.
  • Intervention: An intervention is action taken to help somebody.
  • To resolve: If you resolve to do something, you decide to do it.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils think there are only four ghosts in the novella.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Each of the ghosts' entrances is symbolic of the stage Scrooge is at in his transformation. The earlier ghosts (Marley's Ghost and The Ghost of Christmas Past) have to enter Scrooge's world forcefully.

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

If someone is rational, they are sensible and explain things using logic or reason.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils think there are only four ghosts in the novella. Correction: Pupils forget about the numerous ghosts that Scrooge sees when he looks out of the window at the end of Stave 1.

More Lessons In This Unit

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