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 "A Christmas Carol"?

  To aid in Scrooge’s welfare and reclamation
• How is the spirit of 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… dress trimmed with summer flowers"
• What do the dualities and paradoxes of the spirit illustrate about Scrooge?

  They illustrate Scrooge’s contradictory qualities
• What does Dickens describe as springing from the head of the spirit?

  A bright clear jet of light
• What could the light from the Ghost of Christmas Past symbolize?

  Illumination, memory, and guidance
• How does the light from the spirit relate to Scrooge's behavior?

  It highlights and exposes Scrooge’s past and present behavior
• How does Scrooge initially react to the Ghost of Christmas Past?

  He is defiant and challenges the spirit's authority
• What does the light symbolize in contrast to Scrooge's existence?

  It symbolizes goodness in contrast to Scrooge’s dreary existence
• What series of visions does the spirit confront Scrooge with?

  1. Young Scrooge at school, abandoned by peers
  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 is Scrooge's emotional response to the first vision of his childhood?

  He weeps for his former self left alone
• What does the second vision of Fan prompt Scrooge to consider?

  His behavior towards Fan’s son, Fred
• What realization does Scrooge come to in the third vision regarding Mr. Fezziwig?

  Mr. Fezziwig is a much kinder employer than he is
• What does the fourth vision reveal to Scrooge about his fiancée, Belle?

  She abandoned him due to his obsession with wealth
• How does the fifth vision affect Scrooge's perspective on his life?

  It makes him reflect on how his life could have been different with a wife and family
• What does Scrooge attempt to do with the spirit’s light, and what is the outcome?

  He attempts to extinguish the light but fails
• What does Scrooge's failure to extinguish the light symbolize?

  The power of reflection and self-discovery
• Why is it necessary for Scrooge to confront his past?

  It is necessary for his redemption