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Year 11 - English

'A Christmas Carol': Marley's Ghost's regret

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 understand and explain how Marley's Ghost represents the Christian idea of repentance.

Key Notes

  • Marley's Ghost represents the Christian ideas of repentance and redemption.
  • Marley expresses regret at his own immoral behaviour: 'and never raise [his eyes] to that blessed Star'.
  • The line '[...] Marley had no bowels' links these being the seat of compassion, referred to in the New Testament.
  • Dickens also uses Marley to allude to the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, showing us the consequences of greed.
  • Dickens draws parallels between Marley and Cain to show that Marley's eternal 'wandering' is punishment for his sins.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Repentance: Expressing sincere remorse or regret for one's actions.
  • Penance: Penance is a set of actions or a deed done in repentance for sins committed.
  • Biblical allusion: A biblical allusion is when the writer draws parallels to, or references stories from the Bible.
  • To reconcile: The restoration of a good relationship between two opposing people or forces.
  • Parable: A story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, told by Jesus Christ in the Gospels.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students think that Marley's message is only about Christianity and not aimed at everyone.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Marley's Ghost represents the Christian ideas of repentance and redemption. Marley expresses regret at his own immoral behaviour: 'and never raise [his eyes] to that blessed Star'.

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

Expressing sincere remorse or regret for one's actions.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students think that Marley's message is only about Christianity and not aimed at everyone. Correction: Marley's Ghost's message is one of morality. When he alludes to biblical parables, he does it to draw attention to their moral lessons.

More Lessons In This Unit

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