1. Victorian England An Introduction to “A Christmas Carol”
by Charles Dickens

2. What will I learn today?
Standard: 1.3 Using context clues (definition, example, restatement, contrast) to determine the meaning of unknown words.
Objective: Students will gain background knowledge of Victorian life through an introduction PowerPoint of
“A Christmas Carol”.

3. The Beginning The Romantic Period began in 1798
It ended when Victoria became Queen in 1837.
The Victorian period came to an end in 1901.

4. Victorian Era
The Victorian Age was characterized by rapid change and developments in nearly every sphere.
Advances in medicine, science, technological knowledge, population growth, and location, were just some areas of progress for the British.

6. Education GENTLEMEN Tutored at home until they went to a University
Literature and Languages of Greece and Rome, mathematics, law, philosophy, history.
LADIES
Almost entirely at home.
Boarding schools, but no Universities.
French, drawing, music, use of globes, sewing, embroidery, and accounts.

7. Social Class
Working Class- men and woman who performed physical labor, paid daily or weekly wages.
Middle Class-men performed mental or “clean” work, paid monthly or annually.
Upper Class- did not work, income came from inherited land and investments.

8. Lower Class
Upper Class
Middle Class

9. Pounds (L.) Shillings (s.) Pence (d.)
Income and Money
Pounds (L.) Shillings (s.) Pence (d.)
Typical Incomes (annual)
Aristocrats- 30,000 pounds.
Merchants/Bankers- 10,000 pounds.
Lower middle class (head teachers, journalists, shopkeepers) pounds.
Skilled workers (carpenters, typesetters)-
pounds.
Sailors/domestic staff pounds
Laborers/Soldiers- 25 pounds

10. Victorian Money
pounds shilling
pence

11. Diseases Cholera- caused by human waste in the drinking water.
Symptoms: nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, overwhelming thirst, cramps.
Death often followed within 24 hours of the first symptom.

12. Consumption- a tuberculosis of the lungs.
Symptoms: weakness, fatigue, wasting away, blood in the lungs.
(killed hundreds of thousands of English in the 19th century.

13. Typhus –Spread by body lice and dirty conditions
Symptoms: delirium, headaches, rash, high fever.

14. A Victorian Glossary:
London Life: Charles Dickens composed a Christmas Carol at a time when homelessness and economic injustice were affecting the lower and middle class, tremendously. He used the plight of the Cratchits to demonstrate that even in the face of overwhelming want and poverty, the holiday season can inspire good will and generosity towards one’s neighbors.

15. Two different sides to a London life in the Victorian era.

16. apprentice- someone who trains with a master before practicing a trade
apprentice- someone who trains with a master before practicing a trade. The term of servitude lasted about seven years, before he could earn wages.

17. bakehouse- establishment that would allow the poor to use their premises for heating their meals. The poor’s homes would usually lack ovens so they could only cook over an open fire.

18. Bedlam- The official Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem
Bedlam- The official Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem. Bedlam was founded as a priory but by 1402, it had become a notorious insane asylum.

19. charwoman- a woman hired to do cleaning and other chores.

20. Counting-house-
a businessman’s office

21. dowry- the wealth a bride is supposed to bring to a marriage
humbug- a hoax or sham; interjection meaning “nonsense”; slang for “to deceive or cheat.”

22. milliner- a maker of women’s hats and other items of clothing.
pauper- someone who is very poor, especially those living on public charity.

23. Poor Law- The Victorian answer to poverty was enacted in 1834
Poor Law- The Victorian answer to poverty was enacted in Regional workhouses were created so the poor could apply for relief. However, the workhouses denied civil liberties and seperated families. As a result, the poor tried to avoid this degrading solution.

24. poulterer- a chicken retailer, who usually sold game, including hares.
prison- English prisons were characteristically crude and sought only to confine rather than correct or reform.

25. ragamuffin- a dirty, shabbily-clothed child.

26. Roger de Coverly- One of the jolliest of all English folk dances
Roger de Coverly- One of the jolliest of all English folk dances. This dance is formed in sets of six or eight couples, with the ladies in one line and their partners opposite. It was the dance that was chosen to end the evening because its steps were simple enough that everyone would participate.

27. scavenger- someone who collects things others have discarded
scoundrel- a mean, worthless fellow; a villain; a man without honor.

28. treadmill- a device invented in 1818 that consisted of a metal cylinder with steps built up that revolved around one’s feet. Similar to a hamster’s cage. Convicts were required to walk on the treadmill six hours at a time.

29. washhouse- an outbuilding for doing laundry.
wastrel- an idler or loafer, especially one who wastes money.

30. workhouse- publicly supported institution to which the sick, destitute, aged, and impoverished went for food and shelter in return for manual labor. After 1834 they made them grim beyond belief so lazy people didn’t take advantage.

32. Discussion Question With a partner…
Discuss how your life is different from life in the Victorian age. Are there any similarities?
Predict what you think “A Christmas Carol” might be about.

33.  Homework: Review Narrative strategies for in class essay tomorrow.
Get a head start on RC for next Trimester! 

34. Narrative Format Creative Title!
Intro: Hook (sensory detail or dialogue)
Set the scene/Introduce characters
Hint at the significance
Body Paragraphs: Expository (beginning)
Create a clear story! Rising Action (middle)
Climax
Falling action
Resolution (end)

35. Narrative Format Conclusion Paragraph: What is the result? Importance.
6-10 lines of important dialogue.
SENSORY DETAILS!!!! Describe your story, so the audience can see exactly what you imagine. 