Stave 2 - Regret and Redemption

The attached PowerPoint lesson titled “Regret and Redemption” explores the themes of regret and redemption as experienced by Ebenezer Scrooge in Stave 2 of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Here is a brief summary:

Do Now Activity:

Students define the term “redemption” and reflect on its meaning and origins.
They consider how Scrooge begins to show signs of redemption in Stave 2, supporting their points with quotations from the text.

Exploring Quotations:
Students read an extract from Stave 2 and identify three quotations that illustrate Scrooge’s regret and potential for redemption.
They analyze these quotations in pairs, discussing their significance and the literary techniques used by Dickens.

Detailed Quotation Analysis:
Specific quotations are provided for in-depth analysis:
Quotation 1: Scrooge’s emotional response to the possibility of having a family.
Quotation 2: Scrooge’s plea to be removed from a painful memory.
Quotation 3: The symbolism of light representing transformation and hope.
Success Criteria:

Students are given a success criteria checklist to guide their analysis. They need to:
Make clear points about Scrooge’s presentation.
Support their points with relevant evidence.
Explain the significance of the evidence.
Zoom in on keywords or techniques and explain their purpose.
Link their analysis to broader themes such as poverty, social responsibility, and generosity.

Task:
Using the analysed quotations, students answer a question about how Dickens uses Scrooge’s reactions to explore themes of regret and redemption.
They consider to what extent Scrooge’s redemption in Stave 2 is genuine or merely a temporary emotional reaction.

Overall, the lesson focuses on understanding and analysing the development of Scrooge’s character through themes of regret and redemption, encouraging students to engage deeply with the text and Dickens’ intentions.