Ghost of Christmas Past

• In which stave is the Ghost of Christmas Past introduced?


  Stave II
• What is the primary purpose of the Ghost of Christmas Past in the story?


  To aid in Scrooge's welfare and reclamation
• How is the Ghost of Christmas Past characterized?


  It is wise, gentle, forceful, and enigmatic
• What dualities and paradoxes describe the Ghost of Christmas Past?


  • "Like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man"
  • "Its hair… was white as if with age; and yet the face had not a wrinkle in it"
  • "Held a branch of fresh green holly… dressed trimmed with summer flowers"
• What do the dualities and paradoxes of the spirit illustrate about Scrooge?


  They illustrate Scrooge's contradictory qualities
• What does the bright clear jet of light from the spirit's head symbolize?


  Illumination, memory, and guidance
• How does the light from the spirit contrast with Scrooge's life?


  It symbolizes goodness in contrast to Scrooge's dreary existence
• What is Scrooge's initial reaction to the spirit's authority?


  He is defiant and challenges it
• What does Scrooge's response to the visions reveal about him?


  They are distressing for him
• What are the five visions that Scrooge experiences with the Ghost of Christmas Past?


  1. Young Scrooge abandoned at school
  2. Sister Fan bringing him home
  3. Christmas ball with Mr. Fezziwig
  4. Lost love with fiancée Belle
  5. Belle as a happy, older married woman
• What does Scrooge feel when he sees himself as a young boy at school?


  He weeps for his former self left alone
• How does the vision of his sister Fan affect Scrooge's thoughts?


  It makes him consider his behavior towards Fan's son, Fred
• What realization does Scrooge come to during the vision of Mr. Fezziwig's Christmas ball?


  Mr. Fezziwig is a much kinder employer than he is
• What does the vision of Belle confront Scrooge with?


  A lost love due to his obsession with wealth
• How does Scrooge react to the vision of Belle as a happy, older married woman?


  He reflects on how his life could have been different
• What does Scrooge's attempt to extinguish the spirit's light symbolize?


  His struggle with reflection and self-discovery
• Why is it necessary for Scrooge to confront his past?


  It is necessary for his redemption