being self-centered and believing that the world revolves around you.

at a boundary or transitional point between two contrasting elements.

the process of transformation from an immature form to a more responsible form in distinct stages.

the way in which something is done - the common features of something.

involving the violation of moral or social boundaries.

'A Christmas Carol': the novella as a Gothic text

English

In 'A Christmas Carol: a ghost story', pupils explore the novella in the context of the gothic tradition and in particular examine the characterisation of the ghosts and the gothic settings. In 'A Christmas Carol: A Christian Parable', pupils focus on the Christian foundations of the story and on the use of Christian imagery throughout to gain a more nuanced understanding of the writer's message.

In 'A Christmas Carol: a Gothic Tale', pupils explore the conventions of the Victorian gothic and the ways in which Dickens appropriates this for his tale. In 'A Monster Within', pupils learn about the gothic genre by comparing a series of gothic villains.

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.

Nineteenth century text: first deep dive

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

an inspirational and powerful protagonist

Which of the following is not a Gothic convention? 

Scrooge is charitable in the end of the novella.

Scrooge treats his employee with respect and kindness.

Scrooge is concerned about Tiny Tim's future.

In what way can Scrooge be considered as an isolated and egotistical protagonist in 'A Christmas Carol'? 

Throughout the middle section of 'A Christmas Carol,' Scrooge can be said to be in a {{}} state of transformation.

A caterpillar turning into a butterfly is an example of what process? 

Complete the sentence: A common Gothic __________ is the battle between good and evil.

an atmosphere of mystery, secrecy or suspense

Which Gothic conventions does this quotation from 'A Christmas Carol' exemplify: "The ways were foul and narrow; the shops and houses wretched; the people half-naked, drunken, slipshod, ugly"?

Which of the four ghosts in 'A Christmas Carol' is Scrooge most afraid of? 

Which colours do we tend to consider 'Gothic' colours? 

They were happy to read it but were mostly indifferent.

They were fascinated with Gothic literature.

How did the Victorians feel about Gothic literature? 

when someone behaves very aggressively in a hostile manner

when someone acts in a very moral and upstanding way

when someone's behaviour crosses a moral or social boundary

when a person travels across a county line

What might the word 'transgression' mean? 

Which of the following is not an example of something supernatural? 

In which of these staves from 'A Christmas Carol', does Dickens use the corresponding spirit to create the most frightening atmosphere? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz