Somebody pious is deeply and devotedly religious.

The act of coming back to life following death.

Being rescued from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ.

If something is significant, it is deeply important.

A Christ-figure is someone who is representative of Jesus Christ.

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

English

In 'A Christmas Carol: a ghost story', pupils apply their understanding of the gothic genre to the text, exploring the reasons why Dickens chose to write this as a ghost story. In 'A Christmas Carol: A Christian Parable',  pupils look at the Christian roots of this tale to gain a more nuanced understanding of Dickens' social and moral purpose in writing the novella.

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.

Nineteenth century text: second deep dive

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

What language is often used to describe Jesus Christ, that is used by Dickens to describe Tiny Tim in 'A Christmas Carol'?

Complete the quotation from 'A Christmas Carol': "Spirit of Tiny Tim, thy childish essence was from {{ }}".

"Social responsibility is every man's responsibility."

“There will never cease to be poor in the land."

"There should never be hunger and suffering."

Which of the following statements did Jesus Christ say to his disciples? 

Tiny Tim tells Scrooge where he has gone wrong in his past.

Tiny Tim acts as Scrooge's own personal moral compass.

Seeing Tiny Tim's death makes Scrooge want to help, so that he can live.

Seeing Tiny Tim at the table makes Scrooge understand fear poverty even more.

Tiny Tim represents the voice of reason to Scrooge in the novella.

How can Tiny Tim be said to play a significant role in the salvation of Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol'?

Somebody who is deeply and devotedly religious.

Being rescued from sin and its consequences

Someone who is representative of Jesus Christ.

Match the key vocabulary to its definition.

Both play a significant role in the salvation of others.

Both were impoverished and struggled to feed themselves.

Both had forms of resurrection which gave them a second chance at life.

Both are deeply pious and spread the message of God.

In what ways are parallels drawn between Tiny Tim and Jesus Christ in 'A Christmas Carol'?

one of the children from under the Ghost of Christmas Present's robe

What makes Tiny Tim's life more challenging, other than the fact that he lives in poverty, in 'A Christmas Carol'? 

Who was the character of Tiny Tim in 'A Christmas Carol' supposedly inspired by? 

that he is an ungrateful and challenging child

that he is a patient and well-mannered child

What impression are we given of Tiny Tim in Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol'? 

Scrooge is relieved that Tiny Tim might die.

Scrooge is horrified that Tiny Tim might die.

Scrooge is indifferent to the possibility of Tiny Tim's death

Scrooge is unconcerned that Tiny Tim might die.

How does Scrooge feel when he learns that Tiny Tim might die in Stave 3 of 'A Christmas Carol'? 

"it might be pleasant to them to remember....who made lame beggars walk"

What famous line of Tiny Tim's does 'A Christmas Carol' end with? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz