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Year 11 - English

'A Christmas Carol': Scrooge's fireplace and Dickens' use of allusion

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 the allusions Dickens makes in his description of Scrooge's fireplace.

Key Notes

  • Dickens describes Scrooge's fireplace as very ornate and decorative by comparison to the rest of his lodgings.
  • Dickens uses the fireplace to allude to various stories from the Scriptures, such as the Queen of Sheba and Belshazzar.
  • Dickens draws parallels between Marley's Ghost and the Pharaoh's daughter because they both save a soul.
  • Dickens highlights Marley's sins by comparing him to Cain in the Bible.
  • Dickens uses allusion to draw comparisons between Belshazzar and Scrooge, both of whom worship false idols.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • allusion: an indirect reference to something else.
  • to depict: to show or present something in a certain way.
  • ornate: highly decorated.
  • draw parallels: to make connections with something else.
  • endeavour: to try hard.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils do not recognise the significance of Dickens' description of Scrooge's fireplace.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Dickens describes Scrooge's fireplace as very ornate and decorative by comparison to the rest of his lodgings. Dickens uses the fireplace to allude to various stories from the Scriptures, such as the Queen of Sheba and Belshazzar.

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

an indirect reference to something else.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils do not recognise the significance of Dickens' description of Scrooge's fireplace. Correction: The description contains a multitude of allusions that enhance our understanding of the characters Marley's Ghost and Scrooge.

More Lessons In This Unit

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