careful and economical with resources, avoiding waste or unnecessary expenditure

a branch of Christianity which focused on frugality, hard work, discipline, and personal responsibility

fundamental beliefs guiding an individual's behaviour, decisions, and interactions with others

belief that actions are right if they benefit the majority and maximise overall happiness

a detailed evaluation or analysis, often focusing on weaknesses

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

English

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

'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’ 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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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 distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

prioritising teamwork over individual efforts

Which of the following best defines 'self-reliance'?

"It’s enough for a man to understand his own business ..."

"Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it."

"A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket ..."

Which quote from 'A Christmas Carol' reflects Scrooge’s individualism?

sending a Christmas turkey to the Cratchits

taking time to appreciate his local area on a walk

Which action in Stave 5 of 'A Christmas Carol' shows Scrooge embracing collectivism?

In this quote taken from Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol': "A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner," what is Dickens critiquing?

as a criticism of their neglect of the poor

How might wealthy Victorian readers interpret 'A Christmas Carol' differently from poor readers?

by searching for Belle to rekindle their relationship

How does Scrooge embrace community spirit in Stave 5 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

In Victorian London, over 30% of the population were living in ...

luxury, large homes and a focus on social status.

overcrowding, poor sanitation and low wages.

charity work and supporting those in need.

Wealthy Victorian life was characterised by ...

to emphasise key ideas and enhance rhythm

the act of saving or being saved from sin, error or evil

People avoid Scrooge in the street and don't want to talk to him.

Scrooge refuses to donate to charity collectors.

Scrooge embraces Christmas spirit at Fred's party. 

Which of these events takes place in Stave 1 of 'A Christmas Carol'?

wealth and success are the keys to happiness

compassion, generosity and social responsibility can lead to happiness

Christmas is a time for isolation and reflection

hard work guarantees financial prosperity

What is the central message of 'A Christmas Carol'?

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

Lesson outcome

Content guidance