lacking cleanliness or hygiene, leading to potential health risks

a period of major industrial and technological advancements, transforming economies and societies

suggesting something bad or threatening is about to happen

a person who donates money or resources to promote the welfare of others

hints at or predicts a future event in a story

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

English

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

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

What caused the 'pea souper' fogs in Victorian London?

What was Charles Dickens’ aim in writing 'A Christmas Carol'?

What was one major impact of the Industrial Revolution on London?

Which of these words would you use to describe Victorian London?

the description of how Marley's face in the door knocker

his depictions of the Cratchit children working at Christmas

the scene where Scrooge is visited by the charity workers

the scene where all the bells start ringing in Scrooge's house

Which of these elements from 'A Christmas Carol' link to the wider context of Victorian London?

descriptions of dirt and grime in London slums

What element of the setting does Dickens use to draw links between the ghostly element of 'A Christmas Carol' and the social issues caused by the Industrial Revolution?

lack of basic necessities and financial resources

The Victorian era took place between the ...

A short novel or long short story between 20,000 and 50,000 words

People employed in manual or industrial jobs with lower wages.

Professionals with moderate incomes and education.

Wealthy individuals with significant assets and social influence.

Match each term to the correct definition.

feeling concern and empathy for others' suffering and wanting to help

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

Lesson outcome

Content guidance