how to write a christmas carol essay gcse

A Christmas Carol

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A Christmas Carol

Ruth D. ★ 5.0 (5)

Queens university belfast - ba english.

Experienced English teacher

• Qualified Teacher

Notes || Exam Prep || Character Profiles || Themes || Additional Reading & Videos

This topic is included in  Paper 1 . You can find notes and guides for it below.

• Glossary of Key Terms
• Key Terms Flashcards
• Guide to Paper 1
• How to plan and write a top mark essay

Additional Reading & Videos:

• Dickens as a social commentator
• The Appeal of A Christmas Carol by Michel Faber

Character Profiles

• Bob Cratchit
• Ebenezer Scrooge
• Marley's Ghost
• Minor Characters
• Materialism and Wealth
• Poverty and Social Injustice
• Redemption and Change
• Religion and Christmas
• The Supernatural

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Miss Huttlestone's GCSE English

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Model Grade 9 ‘ACC’ essay: Christmas as a Joyful Time

Starting with this extract, explore how far Dickens presents Christmas as a joyful time. (30 marks)

Throughout Dickens’ allegorical novella, his aim is to passionately highlight how such a joyful season can create positive role models for Scrooge. The constant succession of images relating to joy around Christmas may well have been utilised to demonstrate how readers too can learn and improve from the inspirational characters during the novella.

Primarily, within stave 1 of the novella, Dickens utilises the characterisation of Fred as the embodiment of the Christmas spirit with all the positive virtues associated with Christmas. This is evidenced when Fred is described as coming in ‘all in a glow’ with ‘his face ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled.’ Here the use of the noun ‘glow’ connotes light and warmth which is strongly linked to hope and purity. This highlights the contrast between Fred and his uncle Scrooge, who was described as ‘hard and sharp as flint.’ Structurally, introducing Fred immediately after Scrooge focuses the reader’s attention on the clear variation between the two and all of the positive qualities that Scrooge lacks. Furthermore, Fred highlights the belief that Christmas is a time for unity within the social hierarchy although it ‘never puts a scrap of gold or silver’ in his pocket and he frowns upon his uncle, completely consumed in the greed for money. Dickens may have done this to foreshadow Scrooge’s transformation into a better man as a result of the inspirational role models around him during the novella. Alternatively, Dickens may have used Fred and Scrooge together to challenge the situation in Victorian Britain during the Industrial Revolution. Scrooge highlights all of the negative traits of upper class men during this time and Fred is a caring and benevolent character, who cares for people lower down on the social hierarchy.

Secondly, within the extract, Dickens utilises the characterisation of Fezziwig to suggest a clear contrast in the two employers. This is evidenced when Fezziwig ‘laughed all over himself, from his shoes to his organ of benevolence.’ The use of the abstract noun ‘benevolence’ suggests the joy and love Fezziwig has for Christmas time. Fezziwig’s kind, caring personality is another role model and catalyst for Scrooge’s transformation. Furthermore, Dickens presents Christmas as a joyful time through Fezziwig’s Christmas party. ‘Fuel was heaped upon the fire’ and the warehouse was transformed into a ‘snug, and warm’ ballroom filled with light. The use of the adjective ‘warm’ connotes kindness and comfort. The detail here in Fezziwig’s scene overwhelms the senses; his generosity is physical, emotional and palpable. As an employer he is the foil of Scrooge and presents all of the positive virtues that Scrooge lacks. Dickens may have done this to highlight a different side to capitalism. Alternatively, presenting Fezziwig as the embodiment of Christmas suggests the importance of Christmas and all of its positive qualities on everyone in society.

Thirdly, within the novella, Dickens utilises the Ghost of Christmas Present to personify Christmas itself. When the ghost appears it has set up an impressive feast of lights and food. This is evidenced when Scrooge’s room is filled with ‘the crisp leaves of holly, mistletoe and ivy reflected back the light, as if so many little mirrors had been scattered there, and such a mighty blaze went roaring up the chimney.’ The scene is hyperbolic and creates a clear contrast with the frugal state of Scrooge’s past Christmases. The use of the light imagery here provides a clear and undeniable tableau of the joyful Christmases Scrooge can afford but chooses to shun. Dickens may have done this to portray Christmas as a bright and familiar celebration which everyone should celebrate in harmony. A modern reader may feel hope that Scrooge will use his wealth to celebrate Christmas with all of the festivities that Christmas should include and celebrate it with the people that care for him, like his nephew Fred.

Finally, in ‘A Christmas Carol’ Dickens reinforces the theme of Christmas spirit through the Cratchit family. Dickens utilises Bob Cratchit to symbolise the true spirit of Christmas and the importance of family. This is evidenced at the Cratchit’s dinner where nobody remarked that it was ‘a small pudding for a large family’. The adjective ‘small’ emphasises the Cratchit’s lack of luxury and yet their enthusiasm in the scene is palpable. This highlights that this ‘small’ pudding was seen as an indulgence to them which is something Scrooge takes for granted. Furthermore, the Cratchit’s ‘four roomed house’ is filled with an overwhelming sense of energy and excitement, which exists as an antithesis of Scrooge’s ‘old…dreary’ abode. This is evidenced as the youngest Cratchit children ‘danced about the table’ this suggests the sense of energy despite their lowly status in society on this festive day. Dickens may have done this to suggest the importance of Christmas to all members of society. Although the Cratchit family are less fortunate than Scrooge or Fred their Christmas is filled with the love they have for each other. A reader may feel delighted to see this family enjoying Christmas day, contented with what they own and hope that Scrooge will see this family as a role model for his transformation.

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A Christmas Carol Essay Writing

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

8 April 2021

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Ideal for both KS3 and KS4 students, this fully resourced and differentiated lessons looks at the way Dickens presents Scrooge as an outsider and supports students in writing notes on the whole novella around a central theme. A great lesson for Y7 right the way through to Y11 and easily adaptable. Recently revamped and includes both models and scaffolds for writing analytical paragraphs around A Christmas Carol.

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Revision: Language / Literature Revision English GCSE

Seventeen fully differentiated and resourced lessons to help both KS3 and KS4 students prepare for AQA English Language and English Literature exams. Resources include revision guides for all four papers and cover A Christmas Carol, Jekyll and Hyde, Macbeth, Power and Conflict, An Inspector Calls and a wide range of language texts.

A Christmas Carol GCSE 9-1 Exam Practice Revision

A Christmas Carol revision materials that include: A knowledge organiser An escape room revision lesson Key quotes pack and lesson Mock exam review lesson 10 exam practice questions and answers Exam preparation lesson Essay writing lesson Revision quiz Contextual links through names NEW Revision guide Christmas revision materials Perfect materials for getting your students ready for their Charles Dickens AQA English Literature Paper 1 exam questions! **Check out our [English Shop](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Lead_Practitioner) for loads more free and inexpensive KS3, KS4, KS5, Literacy and whole school resources.** [AQA English Language Paper 1 and Paper 2 Knowledge Organisers](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-12063979) [AQA English Language Paper 1 Section A package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11757237) [AQA English Language Paper 1 Sections A and B package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11747224) [AQA English Language Paper 1 package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11561370) [AQA English Language Paper 2 Question 5 package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11899610) [AQA English Language Paper 1 Question 5 package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11483869) [AQA English Language Paper 2 Section A package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11828984) [AQA English Language and English Literature revision package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11449199) [An Inspector Calls whole scheme package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11711589) [An Inspector Calls revision package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/an-inspector-calls-gcse-9-1-exam-practice-11850503) [Macbeth whole scheme package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11702645) [Macbeth revision package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11904820) [A Christmas Carol whole scheme package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11718691) [A Christmas Carol revision package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-12080244) [Jekyll and Hyde whole scheme package ](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11607362) [Jekyll and Hyde revision package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11904852) [Romeo and Juliet whole scheme package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11903624) [Power and Conflict poetry comparing poems package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11843215) [Power and Conflict poetry whole scheme package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11563766) [Love and Relationships poetry whole scheme package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11924178) [Unseen Poetry whole scheme package](http://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-11843275) Or check out some Citizenship, RE, PSHE + RSE resources at [EC Resources](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/EC_Resources)

GCSE English Literature Revision

Nine differentiated and fully resourced lessons and revision guides for both GCSE English Language Papers 1 and 2 from one of the TES 'Star Authors of 2017' and a TES award-nominated author for 2017. All lessons include differentiation to three levels and make for ideal preparation for AQA GCSE English Literature papers for both KS3 and KS4 students. Include revision resources for Jekyll and Hyde, Macbeth, An Inspector Calls, Power and Conflict and A Christmas Carol.

A Christmas Carol exam preparation pack that explores essay writing skills. Included so far: Grade 9 model answer for the AQA June 2019 paper Introduction writing Essay writing skills lesson

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Mr Salles Teaches English

A Christmas Carol Prediction AQA 2024

In 2024 I think the question will be about the effects of poverty (possibly including the Cratchits)

This essay is from my guide to essay writing on A Christmas Carol.

You can read it for free here: click .

The extract focuses on the suffering of the poor. Scrooge meets the wretched and miserable children with the Ghost of Christmas Present, who introduces them: “This boy is Ignorance”, “this girl is Want”. Scrooge’s reaction is revealing,  he “tried to say they were fine children, but the words choked themselves, rather than be parties to a lie of such enormous magnitude” . Scrooge believes that the children represent greed, which is why he “choked”. He cannot support them, so “Scrooge could say no more”. Dickens, through the Ghost, wants to show Scrooge that the children are totally self-interested and obsessed with money, and so are just like him.

This reminds him of how he angrily refused to allow Bob Cratchit even one more lump of coal in Stave 1. We also remember his refusal to donate to the charity men, asking “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” This reveals injustice and greed in society . Instead, Scrooge had counted his wealth, coin by coin. This revealed the consequences of his refusal, where he stubbornly holds on to his wealth so that the poor continue to suffer.

In this extract Scrooge asks if the poor can be helped, “have they no refuge or resource?”. Consequently , the spirit mocks him by using Scrooge’s own words to ask “are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” Scrooge therefore regrets his sinful thoughts and actions.

Dickens also uses the “wolfish” children to represent Scrooge’s actions. Calling them “Ignorance” and “Want” shows Scrooge how his actions appear to others, as full of greed and misery. This causes Scrooge to regret his damaging behaviour.

The suffering of the poor is also presented elsewhere in the novel. In Stave 1, Scrooge walks his neighbourhood full of the poor and vulnerable who are happily celebrating Christmas. However , he rushes by angrily, ignoring their attempts at friendly conversation. Next, he denies his poor, loyal employee, Bob Cratchit, a day off for Christmas. Moreover, although he is wealthy, he pays Bob very little. This reveals his coldness and causes Bob’s life to be less full of happiness.

In addition, his nephew Fred interrupts Scrooge counting his money. He joyfully wishes Scrooge “Merry Christmas”, and invites his uncle to join him for a family Christmas. Despite Scrooge’s arrogant refusal, Fred keeps trying, asking “are you sure?” Scrooge reply is a harsh “Bah! Humbug!”, shouted as loudly as a storm. Then he repeats this. Although Fred responds fearfully with “I’m sure you don’t mean that”, Scrooge forces him to leave. Scrooge now realises that his anger and negativity have been damaging.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is a mysterious figure , a “silent shape” who has a black hand “painted on its head”. It makes Scrooge obey and follow it into a future filled with death. He discovers Tiny Tim will die from illness and sees the Cratchits crying mourning tears for him. In CONTRAST, no one grieves at Scrooge’s graveside. His lack of pity for the poor mean they return his lack of empathy and steal his clothes from his abandoned corpse.

The dominant THEMES of the novel are family and desire for power.

Original 612 words

Thesis Statement No Explanations 20 Quotes 15 1-3 word quotes 6 NAMED METHODS 2 Society/era/patriarchal/Victorian/contemporary/ Malthusian/ Poor Laws etc 1 Dickens 2 Exploratory Could*, Might*, May*, Perhaps*, Probably* 0 Conclusion No Paragraphs 8 Words per paragraph 77

My Comments

This student is earning marks through sheer effort.

The interpretation of ‘choked’ is hilarious. It is based on the student thinking that ‘want’ means greed, rather than poverty. So, the interpretation is completely and utterly wrong.

The examiner is generous about this – they don’t just ignore it, they pretend that it is actually a plausible interpretation because of the later interpretation of Ignorance and Want in paragraph 4. The idea that they are symbols of Scrooge’s own ignorance and desires is plausible – even though I think it is totally wrong – we still have to give it credit.

This shows you the advantage of linking symbolism to Dickens’ purpose.

Another skill the student has is to immediately jump from the extract to several other parts of the novel. They link these together well, which definitely shows a clear understanding.

You should also look at how the word ‘society’ forces the student to write about Dickens’ purpose, and this forces the examiner to give it good marks.

However, we get the sense that this student has no idea that this is what is earning the marks – the rest of the essay is just quote analysis and retelling the plot. There is no sense that Scrooge or any of the other characters are constructs, there to illustrate Dickens’ ideas.

So, this student has got the grade through sheer effort – writing loads, referring to different parts of the novel, one analysis of symbol, and one of society and Dickens’ social message.

Everyone can do that. Everyone should therefore be able to get at least grade 6.

Examiner Comments

The first 4 paragraphs show a clear grasp of Dickens’ ideas.

The student uses a range of references from the extract.

They relate all of these to Dickens’ purpose and ideas.

The answer focuses on a clear understanding of Dickens’ purpose in creating the children Ignorance and Want.

The answer deals with several moments from the novel, so it is a clear and purposeful response to the full task.

To improve, the student should avoid simply retelling the story or plot.

Instead, they should link everything to Dickens’ ideas and purpose.

Mr Salles Teaches English is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts which help you get top grades, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

You can read all my guides free for 30 days here.

This is what Tilf.io said:

The extract focuses on the suffering of the poor. Scrooge meets the wretched and miserable children with the Ghost of Christmas Present, who introduces them: “This boy is Ignorance”, “this girl is Want”. Scrooge’s reaction is revealing, he “tried to say they were fine children, but the words choked themselves, rather than be parties to a lie of such enormous magnitude”. Scrooge believes that the children represent greed, which is why he “choked”. He cannot support them, so “Scrooge could say no more”. Dickens, through the Ghost, wants to show Scrooge that the children are totally self-interested and obsessed with money, and so are just like him. 

(This paragraph shows some understanding of the text, but there is a misinterpretation. The children 'Ignorance' and 'Want' are not meant to represent greed or self-interest; they symbolize the consequences of society's neglect of the poor. It's important to accurately reflect the symbolism Dickens uses to convey his attitudes towards the poor.)

This reminds him of how he angrily refused to allow Bob Cratchit even one more lump of coal in Stave 1. We also remember his refusal to donate to the charity men, asking “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” This reveals injustice and greed in society. Instead, Scrooge had counted his wealth, coin by coin. This revealed the consequences of his refusal, where he stubbornly holds on to his wealth so that the poor continue to suffer. 

(You've made a good connection between Scrooge's actions and the broader societal attitudes towards the poor.

However, try to delve deeper into how Dickens uses these instances to critique the lack of compassion in society and the harsh realities of poverty.)

In this extract Scrooge asks if the poor can be helped, “have they no refuge or resource?”. Consequently, the spirit mocks him by using Scrooge’s own words to ask “are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” Scrooge therefore regrets his sinful thoughts and actions. 

(You've correctly identified the irony in the Ghost's response to Scrooge's question.

To strengthen your analysis, consider discussing how Dickens uses this moment to highlight the inadequacy of societal institutions like prisons and workhouses in addressing the needs of the poor.)

Dickens also uses the “wolfish” children to represent Scrooge’s actions. Calling them “Ignorance” and “Want” shows Scrooge how his actions appear to others, as full of greed and misery. This causes Scrooge to regret his damaging behaviour. 

(Again, there is a misunderstanding here. The 'wolfish' children are not a representation of Scrooge's actions but rather the dire consequences of societal neglect and the potential future if ignorance and want are not addressed. It's crucial to interpret these characters in the context of Dickens's social commentary.)

The suffering of the poor is also presented elsewhere in the novel. In Stave 1, Scrooge walks his neighbourhood full of the poor and vulnerable who are happily celebrating Christmas. However, he rushes by angrily, ignoring their attempts at friendly conversation. Next, he denies his poor, loyal employee, Bob Cratchit, a day off for Christmas. Moreover, although he is wealthy, he pays Bob very little. This reveals his coldness and causes Bob’s life to be less full of happiness. 

(This paragraph effectively highlights Scrooge's indifference to the poor and his employee's plight.

To enhance your response, consider how Dickens uses these examples to criticize the lack of empathy and the social divide between the wealthy and the poor.)

In addition, his nephew Fred interrupts Scrooge counting his money. He joyfully wishes Scrooge “Merry Christmas”, and invites his uncle to join him for a family Christmas. Despite Scrooge’s arrogant refusal, Fred keeps trying, asking “are you sure?” Scrooge reply is a harsh “Bah! Humbug!”, shouted as loudly as a storm. Then he repeats this. Although Fred responds fearfully with “I’m sure you don’t mean that”, Scrooge forces him to leave. Scrooge now realises that his anger and negativity have been damaging. 

(You've captured the contrast between Fred's warmth and Scrooge's coldness well.

To link this back to the question, discuss how Dickens uses the character of Fred to represent a more compassionate and inclusive attitude towards others, which is the antithesis of Scrooge's initial views.)

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is a mysterious figure, a “silent shape” who has a black hand “painted on its head”. It makes Scrooge obey and follow it into a future filled with death. He discovers Tiny Tim will die from illness and sees the Cratchits crying mourning tears for him. In CONTRAST, no one grieves at Scrooge’s graveside. His lack of pity for the poor mean they return his lack of empathy and steal his clothes from his abandoned corpse. 

(This paragraph effectively contrasts the different reactions to death in the novel.

To further address the question, consider how Dickens uses these contrasting reactions to critique the social isolation that comes from a lack of compassion and charity towards the less fortunate.)

The dominant THEMES of the novel are family and desire for power. 

(While family and the desire for power are indeed themes in the novel, for the purpose of this question, it's important to focus on how Dickens conveys attitudes to the poor.

Discuss how these themes relate to the treatment of the poor and the social responsibility of the wealthy.)

Overall feedback:  Your response shows some understanding of the novel and its portrayal of the poor. However, there are several misinterpretations of key symbols and characters that need to be addressed. Ensure that your analysis aligns with Dickens's intentions and the social commentary he is making about the poor. Focus on how he uses characters and events to convey his attitudes towards poverty and societal responsibility.

What went well:  You have identified key moments in the novel that relate to the suffering of the poor and have made some connections between Scrooge's actions and broader societal attitudes.

Even better if:  To improve, ensure that your interpretations of the text are accurate and reflect the author's intended symbolism. Expand on how Dickens uses these instances to critique societal attitudes and the treatment of the poor. Additionally, make sure to consistently link your analysis back to the question, focusing on how Dickens conveys attitudes to the poor through the narrative and character interactions.

If you found Tilf.io helpful, why not try it for free. Get your exam practice essays marked.

This is from my Ultimate Guide to A Christmas Carol

How Does Dickens Want Us to Think About the Poor?

Although Dickens writes the novel as an entertainment, he wants the story of Scrooge’s moral awakening to “haunt” the reader, and so lead to a change in how his readers think about the poor.

Dickens shows his opposition to The Poor Laws, which created “workhouses” , by making Scrooge support them : “Are they still in operation?” . Scrooge also supports the criminalisation of the poor, “Are there no prisons?” and believes these are necessary to “decrease the surplus population” . Then Dickens creates Tiny Tim to show us what “the surplus population” looks like, and he uses Tiny Tim’s impending death to transform Scrooge’s view.

Scrooge’s words refer to Thomas Malthus’s economic theory and the cruelty of social policy. Because only male property holders could vote, Dickens targets his book at them, pricing it at an expensive five shillings, a third of the “fifteen shillings” a worker like Bob Cratchit earns. Dickens invites these readers, who would employ domestic servants, into the warmth of the Cratchits’ family Christmas, so that they too can understand the social effects of low wages.

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