Hotten, J. C., editor. (1901) Christmas carols, ancient and modern. New York, A. Wessels co. [Pdf] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/02011010/.
Christmas carols are historically a big part of holiday customs. When studying a song, such as those in this particular book, one is not only studying the customs and traditions surrounding that song, they are also studying the rhythm and meter as well as the figurative language and poetic devices that went into the writing of the song. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” has a long history surrounding it and can be paired nicely with A Christmas Carol for deeper study.
This book of Christmas carols includes the lyrics to forty-three carols and an introduction. Each song has a short individual introduction as well.
- At least three different versions of “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen” exist. The song has evolved throughout history, depending on where and what it was sung for.
- Christmas carols have been in existence since the fourteenth century.
- Historically carols were a year-round event because people would feast in spring, summer and fall. However, as times changed, the tradition was maintained only during Christmas.
- This particular carol has been called both “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen.”
- Because of a shift in punctuation, the song's main line has also changed in message, but its overarching meaning is “may God be with you.”
- Though this carol is very old and was likely sung in the seventeenth century, it was first printed in this book in 1833.
- How can Christmas carols reflect the tone of the literature in which they appear?
- What figurative and poetic devices can be found in Christmas carols?
- How does Dickens utilize “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” in A Christmas Carol to reflect the tone of the overall piece?
Common Core State Standards
9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Students will pull lines from “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” as well as A Christmas Carol to make a comparison.
9-10.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development; provide an objective summary of the text.
- Students will determine the central theme of A Christmas Carol and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” in order to make appropriate comparisons.
9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.
- Students will analyze the meaning of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
9-10.12: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings
- Students will analyze “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” to determine the meaning of the lyrics and understand the Christmas carol.
9-10.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- Students will conduct research in small groups to prepare a presentation with their table groups.
9-10.8: Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citations.
- Students will research the meaning behind a carol found in the LOC resource.
9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- Students will collaborate with their table group to research and present information on a carol from the LOC book.
9-10.4: Present information, findings and supporting evidence clearly, concisely and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance and style are appropriate to purpose, audience and task.
- Students will create a presentation with their table groups on one of the carols in the book.
- Give students the background information on carols. This can be in lecture form where students take notes, or a handout that students can keep after the information is presented.
- Afterward, hand out copies of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” from the LOC version of the book. Have students use research tools to determine the meaning of the song. Ask them to annotate the song on their table copy. Assign each group a verse to present to the class.
- As a higher level activity, have each group pick a different carol from the book and analyze the carol for presentation. This will allow more practice on figurative language, rhyme scheme and connotation. Allow students to use research tools to look up the meaning behind their selected carol as well as analyze the meter of their carol. Encourage students to use technology and the platform of their choice for presentation.
- Once students have had time to research and present, focus on why Dickens used this particular carol in A Christmas Carol. This can be done in a whole group class discussion, or for a higher level assignment, do this as timed in-class writing and have students pull evidence from both “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and A Christmas Carol.
This piece could be challenged because of its religious background. Though it would not be studied because it is a religious text, it might be too religious for some families. In that case, consider using one of the two alternatives.
- This Jewish alternative is a hymn for the Sabbath eve service. It has a lovely message and provides the perfect analysis for students who would like an alternative. It has a rhyme scheme and figurative language that students can identify.
- “Give Thanks, All Ye People,” a song written and dedicated to the Lincolns, would be a nice alternative for students who don’t celebrate Christmas.
- A Brief History of Christmas Carols
- This is a nice rundown of where carols originated. This site also has excellent photos of different composers.
- History of Hymns
- For a more religious background on Christmas carols, check out this source.
- The Story Behind “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
- This source has interesting facts about the Christmas carol that make teaching the song fun.