extreme poverty where basic needs like food and shelter are not met

a conversation between two or more characters in a story

a negative mark of shame or disgrace attached to a person or group by others' judgements of them

a belief focused on practical and functional purposes, valuing usefulness over beauty or comfort

institutions where poor people worked in exchange for food and shelter, often in harsh conditions

'A Christmas Carol': Dickens’ depictions of poverty and suffering

English

'A Christmas Carol': Dickens’ depictions of Victorian London

'A Christmas Carol': Dickens’ depictions of wealth and status

'A Christmas Carol': a comparison of social class

'A Christmas Carol': Dickens’ depictions of Victorian values

'A Christmas Carol': Dickens’ critique of Victorian institutions

Writing an extended response on 'A Christmas Carol'

In this unit, pupils explore Dickens’ use of religious ideas in order to explore themes of charity and morality, considering how he encourages Christian readers to show compassion to the poor.

In this unit, pupils explore how Dickens presents 'A Christmas Carol' as a critique of dominant Victorian values. They first look at how he presents Victorian London, before looking at how he depicts poverty, suffering, wealth and status. They then look at what Dickens is critiquing in the novella.

Nineteenth century text: third deep dive

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of famine, disease, natural disasters.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

a description of a character's inner thoughts

a negative mark of shame or disgrace attached to a person or group

Which of the following characters from 'A Christmas Carol' does Dickens use to highlight the struggles of those living in poverty?

Complete this sentence in relation to 'A Christmas Carol': 'Despite their lack of material possessions, the Cratchit family are {{}}'.

Victorians were given houses to live in by their employers.

Many poor Victorians live in cramped, unsanitary accommodation.

Many Victorians moved from big cities to the countryside.

Many Victorians suffered health problems due to poor living conditions.

Which of these statements are true of the Victorian era?

They were seen as inferior and blamed for their poverty.

They were celebrated for their hard work and resilience.

They were given generous support and assistance.

They were admired for their contributions to society.

How did poor Victorians face social stigma from the wealthier classes?

Scrooge is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.

Tiny Tim is the youngest son of Bob Cratchit.

Scrooge dies at the end and his wealth is inherited by the Cratchits.

The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge the struggles of the Cratchits.

Which of the following statements is false in relation to 'A Christmas Carol'?

a person who donates money or time to help others

a person who advocates for political change

An overcrowded urban area with poor living conditions.

increase in pollution causing widespread health problems

Which of these happened as a result of the Industrial Revolution?

Which of the following words is an example of an adjective?

Which of the following words is an example of a verb?

Starter Quiz