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Year 11 - English

'A Christmas Carol': from dark to light

A Christmas Carol: a Christian parable

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils consider whether Dickens presents 'A Christmas Carol' as a Christian parable. They look at Dickens as a Christian writer, Marley's ghost, Tiny Tim and Dickens' use of allusion. They think about charity in the novella and write an essay about whether the novella is hopeful.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to track light and dark imagery through the novella and explain how it has been used.

Key Notes

  • Dickens uses the motif of light and dark throughout the novella to symbolise hope and faith.
  • The cold and dark repeatedly associated with Scrooge at the start shows that he needs to change.
  • The darkness could reflect Scrooge's immorality, loss of childhood innocence, or loss of faith.
  • The spirits enlighten Scrooge as to the error of his ways and guide him towards a more moral future.
  • Arguably, the spirits guide Scrooge into the light (the light of God and Christianity).

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Imagery: visually-descriptive language.
  • Melancholy: deeply sad.
  • Virtue: a behaviour showing high moral standards.
  • Draw parallels: to make connections with something.
  • Transformative: something that brings about changes (usually positive changes).

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students often think that different ideas equal different arguments.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Dickens uses the motif of light and dark throughout the novella to symbolise hope and faith. The cold and dark repeatedly associated with Scrooge at the start shows that he needs to change.

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

visually-descriptive language.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students often think that different ideas equal different arguments. Correction: Show students our Oak pupils' suggestions. Their suggestions are not different arguments, but different ideas which can form an argument.

More Lessons In This Unit

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