A Christmas Carol - Lesson 6 - Christmas Present PowerPoint

In "A Christmas Carol" Lesson 6, students delve into the character of Ebenezer Scrooge and how Charles Dickens uses the thoughts, actions, and dialogue of other characters to shape our understanding of the miserly protagonist. The lesson objectives include learning how these narrative techniques contribute to character development and exploring the author's perspectives and intentions. One key activity involves matching quotes to the characters who said them, such as Scrooge, his nephew Fred, Marley, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and the Ghost of Christmas Present. This exercise helps students to distinguish between the characters' viewpoints and to understand their relationships with Scrooge. Additionally, students are asked to examine the Cratchit family's opinions of Scrooge, thereby gaining insight into his impact on those around him.

The lesson continues with an exploration of Dickens's portrayal of poverty through the Ghost of Christmas Present. Students read a passage from Stave Three where the ghost reveals two pitiable children, Ignorance and Want, and are tasked with analyzing how Dickens conveys the harsh realities of poverty in Victorian society. The ghost's introduction of the children as personifications of societal issues prompts Scrooge—and the reader—to confront the dire consequences of neglecting the needy. In the plenary, students discuss their findings and consider what Dickens's motivations might have been for writing this story. Through this discussion, they are encouraged to reflect on the broader themes of poverty and social responsibility that Dickens addresses in the novel.