A phenomenon that cannot be explained by science or constrained within the laws of nature.

The Victorian belief that people should act, dress and behave in a certain, socially-acceptable way.

Anything deviant goes against the accepted norm or standard of behaviour.

Conservative means very traditional and established - resistant to change.

'A Christmas Carol': a Victorian ghost story

English

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

'A Christmas Carol': the entrances and exits of the four ghosts

'A Christmas Carol': the ghosts and Dickens' use of allusion

'A Christmas Carol': Dickens' ghosts as agents of time

'A Christmas Carol': constructing an argument about the ghosts

'A Christmas Carol': conceptualised responses

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

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.

If someone is rational, they are sensible and explain things using logic or reason.

Someone superstitious would believe wholeheartedly in the existence of the supernatural.

A mid-ground between heaven and hell, where sinners are sent to repent for their sins.

An intervention is action taken to help somebody.

If you resolve to do something, you decide to do it.

An allusion is a passing or indirect reference to something else.

A large horn-shaped container overflowing with produce, typically symbolic of abundance or plenty.

To represent or show something in a certain way.

To draw parallels means to make links between two things based on their similarities.

If someone is the agent of something, it means that they act on its behalf or represent it.

Something that is fluid does not have a fixed shape or pattern and flows freely.

An extraordinary, unusual or abnormal occurrence.

A privilege is a blessing or an advantage that someone has.

Being selective means choosing something very carefully so that it fulfils an intended purpose.

Somebody who believes in social responsibility invests in their community and supports those in need.

A person or character who speaks on behalf of another person or organisation.

To impart is to communicate information to someone.

A conceptualised essay has an ideas-based argument that informs each paragraph or section.

To evaluate something means to weigh up its success against its key purpose and aims.

Subject terminology is related to words that are specifically relevant to the study of English. For example 'simile' or 'personification'.

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Nineteenth century text: first deep dive

A Christmas Carol: a ghost story

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