MASSOLIT - Dickens: A Christmas Carol: Stave 3 – Ignorance and Want (2024)

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About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, we read the final part of Stave Three as Scrooge sees his nephew and his wife, as well as the figures of Ignorance and Want, focusing in particular on: (i) the absurdist theme of laughter in the face of the “unknown abyss”, provided in this case by Scrooge’s nephew; (ii) the philosophy of utilitarianism and the pointlessness of not doing anything with your money; (iii) Scrooge’s continuing transformation as Fred toasts him in his absence (“Uncle Scrooge had imperceptibly become so gay and light of heart”); and (iv) the figures of Ignorance and Want.

Course

In this course, Professor John McRae (University of Nottingham) explores Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In the first module, we introduce the novel by looking at the first two paragraphs of the story, including its famous opening line (“Marley was dead; to begin with”) and the reader’s first impression of the character of Scrooge (“Scrooge's name was good on ‘Change”). In the second and third modules, we go through some of the literary, cultural and historical context for the novel, including Dickens’ life and career up to 1843, the impact of the Industrial Revolution on British society and culture, the ‘invention’ of the ‘traditional, family Christmas’ in this period, and Dickens’ preoccupation with capitalism, poverty and children. In the following twelve modules, we read through the novel stave by stave: the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh modules cover Stave One; the eighth and ninth cover Stave Two; the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth cover Stave Three; the thirteen and fourteenth cover Stave Four; and the fifteenth covers Stave Five.

Lecturer

John McRae is Special Professor of Language in Literature Studies and Teaching Associate in the School of English at Nottingham University, and holds Visiting Professorships in China, Malaysia, Spain and the USA. He is co-author of The Routledge History of Literature in English with Ron Carter, and also wrote The Language of Poetry, Literature with a Small 'l' and the first critical edition of Teleny by Oscar Wilde and others.

See Also

Compare and Contrast Scrooge in Stave 1 and in Stave 5 in Charles Dickens novel a Christmas Carol. - GCSE English - Marked by Teachers.comLeadership Lessons from “A Christmas Carol”STAVE V. The End of It. Page 61What lessons did Scrooge learn from each spirit in A Christmas Carol? | Homework.Study.com

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Cite this Lecture

APA style

McRae, J. (2020, March 24). Dickens: A Christmas Carol - Stave 3 – Ignorance and Want [Video]. MASSOLIT. https://www.massolit.io/courses/dickens-a-christmas-carol-mcrae/stave-3-ignorance-and-want

MLA style

McRae, J. "Dickens: A Christmas Carol – Stave 3 – Ignorance and Want." MASSOLIT, uploaded by MASSOLIT, 24 Mar 2020, https://www.massolit.io/courses/dickens-a-christmas-carol-mcrae/stave-3-ignorance-and-want

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As a seasoned literature enthusiast with a deep understanding of Dickensian literature and the academic landscape, I've delved into the intricacies of Dickens' A Christmas Carol and its various thematic layers. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's grounded in a practical exploration of the text and its nuances.

In the course trailer provided, the lecturer, Professor John McRae from the University of Nottingham, embarks on a comprehensive analysis of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:

1. Stave Three: Ignorance and Want

   • This stave appears to be a focal point of the course, exploring the characters of Ignorance and Want. In Dickens' work, symbolism often plays a crucial role, and understanding the allegorical significance of these characters is likely a key aspect of the analysis.

2. Absurdist Theme of Laughter

   • The mention of the "absurdist theme of laughter in the face of the 'unknown abyss'" suggests an exploration of the literary technique of absurdism within the context of the novel. Absurdism often involves confronting the inherent meaninglessness of life, and the use of laughter in this context could be a fascinating aspect to explore.

3. Utilitarianism and the Pointlessness of Inaction

   • The course touches upon the philosophy of utilitarianism, emphasizing the pointlessness of not taking action with one's resources. This suggests a discussion on Dickens' social commentary and his critique of a society that values material wealth without considering its impact on the less fortunate.

4. Scrooge's Transformation

   • Fred's toast to Scrooge and the description of his transformation, becoming "gay and light of heart," indicates an examination of Scrooge's character development. Understanding the catalysts and implications of this transformation is likely a crucial part of the course.

5. Literary, Cultural, and Historical Context

   • The course provides a broader context for A Christmas Carol, delving into Dickens' life, the impact of the Industrial Revolution, the creation of the 'traditional family Christmas,' and Dickens' overarching concerns with capitalism, poverty, and children. This multidimensional approach enhances the understanding of the novel within its historical and cultural milieu.

6. Course Structure

   • The modular structure of the course, going stave by stave, demonstrates a systematic and in-depth exploration of A Christmas Carol. Each module seems to dissect specific sections of the novel, allowing for a meticulous analysis.

7. Lecturer's Credentials

   • Professor John McRae's credentials as a Special Professor of Language in Literature Studies at the University of Nottingham, along with his extensive experience and publications, validate the academic rigor of the course.

To gain access to the full course content, interested individuals are encouraged to create an account or log in, highlighting the exclusive nature of the material and the value it holds for those seeking a profound understanding of Dickens' A Christmas Carol.