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Year 11 - English

'A Christmas Carol': Tiny Tim as a pious character

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 explain how Tiny Tim might be presented as a Christ-figure in the novella, who plays a significant role in the salvation of Scrooge.

Key Notes

  • Dickens arguably draws parallels between Tiny Tim and Christ, who both play significant roles in others' salvation.
  • Like Jesus Christ, Tiny Tim is described as a 'patient and mild' child.
  • Arguably, Tiny Tim has a sort of resurrection in the novella, which could be portrayed as a Christian miracle.
  • Through the resurrection of Tiny Tim, Dickens could be showing us the transformative power of Christian values.
  • Parallels can arguably be drawn at some points between Scrooge and Christ, as Scrooge is also reborn.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • pious: Somebody pious is deeply and devotedly religious.
  • resurrection: The act of coming back to life following death.
  • salvation: Being rescued from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ.
  • significant: If something is significant, it is deeply important.
  • Christ-figure: A Christ-figure is someone who is representative of Jesus Christ.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students think that Scrooge is a Christ-figure in the novella.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Dickens arguably draws parallels between Tiny Tim and Christ, who both play significant roles in others' salvation. Like Jesus Christ, Tiny Tim is described as a 'patient and mild' child.

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

Somebody pious is deeply and devotedly religious.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students think that Scrooge is a Christ-figure in the novella. Correction: Whilst some parallels are arguably evident between Scrooge and Christ, the idea that Tiny Tim is a Christ-figure is probably more viable.

More Lessons In This Unit

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