ghost of christmas yet to come

• • The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is introduced in Stave IV and is a harrowing and sinister character
• • The spirit is described as “shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form... save one outstretched hand”:
  • While the previous two spirits were associated with light, this spirit is linked with darkness, death and concealment
• • While the previous two spirits have helped to guide Scrooge through their discourses with him, Dickens purposely does not enable this spirit to speak:
  • This suggests Scrooge must finally come to a realisation all by himself and without any help from the spirit
• • The spirit is an ominous and sombre figure and is in contrast to the youthful Ghost of Christmas Past and the jolly Ghost of Christmas Present:
  • Scrooge declares: “I fear you more than any spectre I have seen” and the spirit depicts Scrooge’s future as one of misery and despair if he does not change