'A Christmas Carol': Scrooge's fireplace and Dickens' use of allusion
I can understand the allusions Dickens makes in his description of Scrooge’s fireplace.
'A Christmas Carol': Scrooge's fireplace and Dickens' use of allusion
I can understand the allusions Dickens makes in his description of Scrooge’s fireplace.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Dickens describes Scrooge’s fireplace as very ornate and decorative by comparison to the rest of his lodgings.
- Dickens uses the fireplace to allude to various stories from the Scriptures, such as the Queen of Sheba and Belshazzar.
- Dickens draws parallels between Marley’s Ghost and the Pharaoh's daughter because they both save a soul.
- Dickens highlights Marley’s sins by comparing him to Cain in the Bible.
- Dickens uses allusion to draw comparisons between Belshazzar and Scrooge, both of whom worship false idols.
Keywords
Allusion - an indirect reference to something else.
To depict - to show or present something in a certain way.
Ornate - highly decorated.
Draw parallels - to make connections with something else.
Endeavour - to try hard.
Common misconception
Pupils do not recognise the significance of Dickens' description of Scrooge's fireplace.
The description contains a multitude of allusions that enhance our understanding of the characters Marley's Ghost and Scrooge.
Equipment
You will need a copy of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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